MAKING SPACE - Session #1
The first in our series of workshops explored the memories (and fun) of childhood den building and the imaginary worlds within them. Using only bamboo cane, tape, polythene dust sheets and clothes pegs, we constructed four tent like spaces to explore. With the use of lights and projections, we transformed the mysterious teepees into mesmerising environments to experience.
We used simple materials to construct the basis of our super-structures, and then experimented with projection using a portable 3000 lumen projector, running the VJ software Resolume Arena. We tried projecting both from the inside and onto the dens, creating magical, flickering worlds, that we could explore from the outside and within. We particularly liked the way that the polythene diffused the light, blurring the colours and shadows cast by us, and created a dream-like environment for us to traverse through. We then progressed onto incorporating bright white LED spot lights, which lit up our structures and illuminated them in all their glory.
MAKING SPACE - Session #2
The second in our series of workshops explored the observation of ourselves and each other. A maze of transparent Perspex and light was installed. Having experimented with poses, we created dramatic shadows and reflections. Our silhouettes were cast around the room and onto sheets of tracing paper. We spent some time drawing around the shapes we were making with our bodies. By removing the barrier of the tracing paper, we created new invisible boundaries. We drew directly onto the Perspex, capturing each others positions and expressions. This created an inspiring installation of images that floated about in the dark space.
They looked beautiful and very majestic in the space, almost seeming like they were suspended mid-air. When we walked in amongst the maze of perspex, we found it quite disorientating, as it was quite difficult to figure out where the barriers were to our pathways. This forced us to have to think about the steps that we were taking and be concious of our movements. We again used a portable 3000 lumin projector to back-light the space, spilling muted colour and movement across the maze. This was particularly effective when tracing paper was attached to the sheets for us to to cast silhouettes and draw onto, as it caught and amplified the projection. LED lighting up-lit the perspex and exaggerated the chalk pen’s colours, making them seem almost luminous and forced them to jump out of their canvas. The perspex maze came to life when we lit the space fully and stood back from our creation. Lights danced and skipped across the shimmering surfaces, and mind-bending depths of field were created as we viewed our drawings through layers of others.
MAKING SPACE - Session #3
The third space that we created explored our auditory senses. We explored organic ways of making and creating sounds with objects, instruments, our voices, and things around us, whilst also experimenting with electronic manipulation, synthesis and recording methods. We created a sonic landscape for the classic children’s story We’re Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, in which we aimed to absorb the listener into our fantasy world, through the textures and sounds that we made. The story was kindly narrated by participant, Craig Pickup.
MAKING SPACE - Session #4
For the fourth space, the making space team created a a majestic jungle to explore. As a jungle tribe, we paddled in the enchanted waterfall, fished in the meandering river, warmed ourselves around our forest fire, roamed the thick foliage and gazed at the fire flies in the canopy above. Through out the space, we listened to the sounds of jungle; Monkeys, frogs, the gushing waterfall, insects, snapping twigs, rain, and tropical birds. At the end of the session, we gathered round our camp fire and dimmed the lights as if night time had fallen. With only the red glow from the fire, and the bright moon, we sat completely immersed in our pop up jungle, and engaged our senses.
MAKING SPACE - Session #5
For the fifth Making Space workshop, we adventured to the arctic. We recycled materials such as shredded paper, silver trees, shoe boxes, and polystyrene to create our icy world. In it, we had snow fights, built a giant igloo, listened to the blizzards, and licked ice-lollies to feel the cold sensation shiver right through us. The space was doused in blue light . Everything the light touched, it turned to ice! A huge projection of falling snow was used to make us feel like we were in a real snow storm. We used white scrunched up paper and polystyrene to create the effect of a settled blanket of snow across the floor of the whole space. Watch the video to see the making of our wintery landscape!
MAKING SPACE - Session #6
For the sixth workshop, we created bold, abstract artwork that lit up the space. We experimented with colour and scale, and used stained glass windows as our inspiration. Using glass paints and sheets of acetate, the group created unique and bright patterns. We enlarged everyones designs by projecting them so they filled the room with liveliness. We stepped it up for the second half of the session and the group showed off their artistic talents. Using large sheets of perspex, and sheets of colourful tissue papers, we created panels of beautifully vivid art. We used a very simple technique of just a sponge and some water, and ripping and wetting the tissue against the perspex. The end result, with the right lighting, was a vibrant array of expressive creations that floated and glowed in the dark space.
MAKING SPACE - Session #7
The seventh session was all about how we express ourselves with body language and how communicating is just as much about looking and touching, as it is listening. We played with the idea of barriers and feelings of security. To symbolise this, we used the screen as a tool to partly conceal ones identity. As people stepped behind the screen, the audience in front were left with just the silhouette of the person. Without being able to see the persons eyes or face expressions, we began to see the person as more of a character, or a moving shape. It was interesting for the group to realise the difference being able to see someone makes, when interacting with that person.
MAKING SPACE - Session #8
The eighth workshop involved crawling through a tunnel into a world of building blocks and blank canvases. The Making Space team were encouraged to build and demolish their own urban landscape, until they were satisfied with the skyline of their empire. Like a team of visionary architects, they balanced boxes for towers and constructed barricading walls. They created small inside spaces, and then brought it all to life with city lights and city figures. We lay on the floor of our built up world and listened to sounds such as football crowds and airplanes flying over our head. These sounds were played at such a volume that we would be able to feel the vibrations.
MAKING SPACE - Session #9
In our ninth (and final) workshop, we fully got to grips with our senses. With the lights down low, and the sound of ambiguity in the air, we played a mysterious guessing game. First we played with our noses. Without seeing the items, the group sniffed out the answers to what it was that was put in front of them. They described the smell and what it reminded them of, or how it made them feel. We played with scents such as lavender, spicy star anise and rosemary. We then used our taste buds and our tongues to identify flavors such as peppermint, hot ginger, and sweet, squishy marshmallow. We played with our hands next and trusted our fingers to identify the strangely familiar textures. Under a concealing cloth, we handled feathers, frozen peas, gooey flour paste, warm water and rice. Without having our eyes to help us out, we learnt how disorientating familiar sensations can suddenly become suspicious and unclear.
The Light You Seldom See - Final Installation
This installation is the culmination of an amazing ten weeks of ‘Making Space’. Over this period, eleven adults with learning disabilities explored how different surroundings impact on the human senses.
Each week the group experienced their world in a new light through a process of creative manipulation. Energy, fun and inspiration was bursting at the seams of the Making Space walls.
The participants built enchanted landscapes and pop up environments that took us on imaginary journeys to exotic and far-off lands. All of the varying spaces were enhanced using light, sound and video. This created an atmospheric quality that provided a profoundly therapeutic and multi-sensory experience.
For one day only, The Making Space Project invited the people of Mansfield to step off the streets and into another world. They were transported into a space where sensory indulgence was of abundance. We were proud to succeed an audience of over four hundred and fifty people.
