Project Name: SPEAKING THE THROUGH WORKSHOPS – UNWIND, SIP ‘N’ CREATE!
Delivery Format: Physical workshops with creative exercises
Project Overview: Trauma, grief, loss, and even intense joy or awe often leave us searching for words that seem inadequate. While immensely valuable, traditional talk therapy may not always provide the most accessible or comfortable space for everyone to explore these complexities.
The “Speaking the Unspeakable Through Creativity Workshops” emerges from this very need. It is an initiative designed to offer a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore and communicate these unspoken emotions through artistic expression. By introducing participants to diverse creative tools, the workshops aim to empower them to access and process difficult emotions safely and indirectly.
The project was launched at our first ever ‘EVERY EMOTION IS VALID’ Convention in 2023 by our Grand Patron, Chief Mrs Monica Nike Okundaye.
Workshop 1 – Speaking the
Unspeakable Through Creativity
This workshop empowered attendees with all it takes to express the inexpressible – the unspeakable. We explored how creativity acts as a bridge, allowing us to navigate the complexities of human experience and bring forth emotions and ideas that might otherwise remain hidden.
Also, we explored ‘TEXTILES & EMOTIONS’ covering how:
- Fabric choices and textures can evoke a range of emotions. Rough burlap might represent hardship, while delicate silks convey elegance or vulnerability. Denim.
- Colour symbolism plays a powerful role. Red can represent anger passion etc
- Cultural patterns and motifs can be incorporated to explore heritage or identity
- Convey messages, emotions, thoughts and feelings.
This workshop delved into the profound connection between textiles and emotional expression. It explored how the design and construction of fabrics can convey powerful messages, challenge societal norms, and serve as a therapeutic outlet.
Key themes explored included:
• The power of messaging: How textiles can be used to convey important social and political messages.
• The symbolism of structure: The ways in which the shape and form of garments can represent emotions and experiences.
• The therapeutic value of creation: How the act of creating textiles can be a form of self-expression and emotional processing.
To ensure a positive and enriching creative experience, the workshop emphasised the importance of personal comfort and safe expression.
By exploring these concepts, participants gained a deeper understanding of the potential of textiles as a tool for emotional expression and personal growth.
“Everything we pass through in life is in stages.” – Allyson Aina Davies
At the first workshop, our convener and Creative Director of FFOLAJI LONDON, a UK based, African inspired fashion brand, Princess Folaji Fasanya-Omoyeni spoke about creativity as a tool for boosting mental wellness. Participants learned that the patterns and structures of textiles can be used to communicate ideologies, feelings, and even social issues. From the deliberate subversion of traditional dressmaking rules to the symbolic power of unconventional construction, the workshop demonstrated the versatility of textiles as a medium for expression.
“STOP CUTTING OUR HAIR” on the textile above and ”EVERY EMOTION IS VALID” are both passing on messages.
Participant feedback :
“Having heard all the content shared here today, I feel very inspired. I have learnt about things that triggers my creativity and also had the chance to network with other participants. I definitely look forward to more workshops like this.” ~ CO
Workshop 2 – The Wellness Tree
“I wear a bit of a people pleaser mask and that relates to past traumas and hurts.”
We explored how the roots of well-being practices can strengthen our emotions, fortify our inner resilience, and ultimately lead to a more balanced and flourishing life. We also explored how to use the ‘Wellness Tree’ for healing.
Participant feedback :
“My masks has got different kinds of embellishments – fabrics, feathers, tassels and little convoluted loops ; that’s life. I think, if I’m honest, in my life, or parts of my life, I’ve tried to be everything to everyone, and put myself last. I suppose I wear a bit of a people pleaser mask and that relates to past traumas and hurts. With this flamboyant mask, I unmask myself.” ~ VE
We dove deep into how expressing ourselves creatively can really help us connect with our emotions, build resilience, and find a better balance in life.
We talked about those unspoken things, you know, the thoughts and feelings that are hard to put into words. Trauma, grief, fears – stuff like that. Creativity can be a fantastic way to give these things a voice, to turn them into something beautiful.
We explored all sorts of creative outlets: painting, music, dance, you name it. Each one has a unique way of tapping into our emotions and helping us communicate them in a way that resonates with others.
Some of the big takeaways were:
• Balance is key: It’s great to be creative, but don’t forget to take care of yourself too.
• Everyone’s journey is different: Respect the pace at which people express themselves creatively.
• Let’s keep it friendly: Creativity should be about the process, not competition.
Overall, it was a really inspiring workshop. We left feeling more connected to ourselves and each other.
Workshop 3 – Take Off The Mask – part 1
We live in a world that often pressures us to wear masks, to present a perfect image to the outside world. However, beneath these masks lie a wealth of emotions, experiences, and stories waiting to be told. This workshop was a safe space for attendees to connect with their inner world, explore their emotions, and express themselves as they made their masks and unmasked themselves.
Participant feedback :
“This piece for me represents nostalgia, good memories. My grandmother used to make mats. So my first instinct when I saw the assets was to make a fabric mat, but I knew, I didn’t have enough time to do it. And so I did mimic a mat border, and I did the boards because as a kid, I spent a lot of time making scratches and bows for myself. So this is a really happy piece for me right now. So thank you for invoking that memory. It kind of brought childhood feelings and even smells that I lost.” ~ ZH
We all wear masks. Not the kind you’d find in a costume shop, but the ones we put on to fit in, to protect ourselves, or to meet expectations. Underneath these masks, there’s a whole world of emotions, stories, and experiences just waiting to be shared.
Emotional masks are like shields we use to hide our true feelings. We might wear a mask of happiness to hide sadness, or a mask of confidence to hide doubt. It takes a lot of courage to take off these masks and start to explore who we really are.
At this workshop, we talked about why we wear masks, the different kinds of masks we might put on, and how these masks can affect us. We also learned about how colours can evoke emotions and help us express ourselves. By the end of the workshop, participants were able to identify the masks they’ve been wearing, understand why they’ve worn them, and explore how to express their emotions more openly.
Workshop 4 – Take Off The Mask – part 2
“I would usually hold back a bit when I’m trying to express myself through creations like this.”
As a follow-up to ‘Part 1’, this workshop was a safe space for attendees to connect with their inner world, explore their emotions, and express themselves as they made their choice of jewellery using colours and shapes that resonated with their current mood.
Participant feedbacks:
- “Absolutely, I tapped into my Zen emotion—very calm, very focused, very relaxed. My inspiration for this piece was really the corals; I adore coral and its colours. Interestingly, I’ve never owned a brooch before and don’t typically wear them, so I wanted to create something different. No earrings, no necklace—just a brooch. I think it has turned out very well, and everything is perfectly in tune with my vision of corals. And will you be returning?Of course! Definitely for level two” ~ BG
- “To start with, I will definitely be back again. This was indeed a wonderful class and I tried to express myself in a bracelet – simple, unique, but beautiful. I felt like I needed to find something deeper within myself. Although I have never done this before, I would usually hold back a bit when I’m trying to express myself through creations like this. But I was able to put myself together and follow through with this masterpiece.” ~ Jane M.
As we draw the curtain on the first set of workshops, we pause to share our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, partners and supporters. We look forward to your continued support as we continue the”Speaking the Unspeakable Through Creativity Workshops”. For further details contact events.awworg@gmail.com
The “Speaking the Unspeakable Through Creativity Workshops” project holds particular significance for everyone, but most especially the Black and African community in Milton Keynes and its surroundings.
According to a government report, from MIND.ORG, there is evidence that “Black people with mental health needs are less likely to be receiving treatment and less likely to have contacted a GP about their mental health. Also, ethnicity facts and figures shows that Black people were just 1.3 times more likely than White British people to be receiving mental health care, with the Black African group actually less likely.”
Research also shows that there are deep-rooted racial inequalities within the mental health system and this must change. People from ethnic minority communities are more likely to experience a mental health problem, less likely to receive support, and have poorer outcomes from services.
The project’s focus on creativity as a means to speak the unspeakable can provide a a social prescribing and less stigmatised approach to addressing emotional well-being. Also amongst many other benefits, the workshops can foster a sense of community cohesion and belonging among residents in Milton Keynes, a space to share experiences and support one another through creative expression.