The Clayton Portraits in progress.
So, what are the ‘Clayton Portraits’?
I mentioned this a little in my last blog and thought I’d explain it in a little more detail, in this blogpost.
When I moved to Clayton Le Moors this year, I stumbled across the Super Slow Way café at the local community centre, since then I’ve been attending every week. Open on Wednesdays between 10-2pm, I found it to be a lovely place to socialize and get creative. With weekly ‘How to’ sessions that help to bring the community together and bring a sense of safety for others.
Super Slow Way is part of the Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places Programme and is hosted by Canal & River Trust. They provide free activities and workshops along the Leeds to Liverpool canal, from Blackburn to Pendle. These extend from canoeing, planting projects, and heritage to the arts.
The team at the café had been looking for an illustrator for some time, and after seeing my face for a couple of months and my art practice, they offered me the chance to work with them on an awesome commission. The commission was a chance to bring the community together by illustrating the portraits of local people.
An eight-month contract which would result in an exhibition plus as we discussed a newspaper to add a little information to the images.
As I currently write this, I am four months into the project. This experience has helped me to get to know this community and I have already met so many amazing people on the way. I’ve met boxing instructors who help the younger generation with discipline, structure, and a sense of belonging. I’ve interviewed heritage enthusiasts who provide Pendle Witch walks and archaeological digs. A woman here who holds classes in clay painting and supports small businesses through her shop. Another lady owns a forest school, nursery, and a refill shop, helping to teach the younger and older generations how important nature and sustainable practices are to our lives.
I feel honoured to be a part of this project and look forward to showing you the final portraits. Until then, expect to see some more snippets and previews appear on my Instagram page.
Super Slow Way has also posted a lovely little write-up on their website which you can read here. As they near their tenth anniversary, I am excited to see and be a part of the next stage of adventure.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Until next time.
Natasha
