repeat print project

Intro art is visual arts organisation for people with learning disabilities, with the vision of ensure that they are visible, equal, and established artists and designers.

This wonderful project was a 12-week programme set out to work together with a group of artists who all have disabilities but incredible artistic talents and unique styles, visions and ways of working.

The aim of these 12 weeks was to develop their projects and process, to expand their practice and create experimental, exciting and unique works that were true to their own individual identities and expressions.

Whilst being the co-coordinator with another teacher we were there to support the process, encourage the expansion of their creative vision and suggest new ways of engaging with their vision and practice. To support these artists in developing their work into a new place of bold, exciting works that would eventually be printed onto fabrics and made into clothing.

However not only were we able to teach, we were also able to learn a huge amount from these inspiring artists and go into a fundamental lesson that ‘disabilities’ are a superpower and give unique vision, powerful thought process and charismatic ways of working and seeing the world.

It was a genuine honour to work with these students, to teach and be taught at the same time.

the process

The way in which we worked was catered specifically to each individual and their unique style.

Drawing weeks:

We would have weekly prompts of what we wanted to encourage for example,

New materials:

Encouraging the artists to experiment with new materials and different mediums to get different effects, line qualities and marks.

Cutting work up and sticking it back together:

Taking work that they had just made and cutting it into different ways to make mosaic type work and to shift the vision from what they thought they were making into something totally new.

Taking parts we like and recreating them:

Choosing areas from work we like a recreating them by blowing them up, scaling them down, using new materials and continuing the thread from something we like into something new and different.

Turning the page around and drawing from the other end:

Starting a drawing and then turning the page to draw from different angles and areas of the page to change the perspective and composition.

Layering:

Doing a drawing on top of a drawing to create a more abstract vision, to add more depth and layers into the work and to cross pollinate different ideas.

Filling the negative space:

Adding new textures and marks into the negative space to create movement and change the space.

Working from different corners and angles of the page:

Drawing and painting on different angles, so to enter the page from different points, different edges to see what comes together

Doing half a drawing, stopping and continuing the other half with a new idea or vision:

This is to create hybrids and to switch the intention and the idea so that they can bring two ideas into one. Creating unique characters, worlds, ideas and playful works.

However with these prompts in mind it was also important to be sensitive to the nature of each individual and to see where they were at and if they felt excited to work in new ways and inspired or if they wanted to continue on the thread that they are already following.

It was very important to push them out their comfort zone but also to realise the boundaries of their unique styles and to see how they would develop from each point they were at.

Developing drawings into repeat prints:

After spending 8 weeks developing drawings, experimenting and coming up with new ways of workings and bringing the vision to life we then started choosing which works would be the finals to go onto screens to prints.

To turn them into repeat prints we scanned the chosen works on a large scanner, entered them into photoshop and adjusted the alignments so that they would work on a repeat screen to evenly match.

We also separated the layers to turn them into 3 or 4 colour way designs.

Finale phase, printing:

The final phase was to then expose the designs on to the correct amount of screens needed for the amount of colours.

Taking us into mixing the accurate colours and then getting into printing.

Together with the artists we printed the designs on to 2 meter fabrics which were then cured and later sent to a seamstress for tailoring into beautiful garments.

These works were later exhibited LAB E20 & Copeland Gallery.

magic of printing

This was a great 12 week programme because it gave us time to develop the works into a place where each individual was happy with what they had made.

It gave us time to create new and exciting works that got us out of our comfort zones and taught us new skills.

It was also a wonderful time to get to know one another and learn how we each work individually, uniquely and together.

It also allows us to explore different ways of working for a long amount of time before turning it into the final produce. Allowing us to be creative and expressive without boundaries and later turning it into something more focused and within the boundaries of the printing process.

personal learnings from this project

This project was an incredible experience to learn on a deeper level why IntoArt is such a fundamental and important project. What they support should continue to be supported for many reasons and their vision is truly remarkable and empowering on many levels.

Working with people with disabilities is important for several reasons, and it aligns with principles of inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunity.

Promoting Inclusivity:

Inclusion is a fundamental aspect of a diverse and equitable society. Working with people with disabilities fosters an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of abilities, is valued and included in various aspects of life.

Equal Opportunity:

Providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities is essential for creating a fair and just society. It ensures that individuals with disabilities have access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services on an equal basis with others.

Diversity in the Workplace:

Embracing a diverse workforce, including individuals with disabilities, enriches the workplace with a variety of perspectives, skills, and experiences. This diversity contributes to innovation, problem-solving, and overall greater creative vision.

Skill Set:

People with disabilities possess a wide range of skills and talents. By including them in the workforce, organizations can tap into these unique abilities, enhancing the overall skill set of the team.

Enhancing Workplace Culture:

A workplace that embraces diversity and inclusivity creates a positive and supportive culture. Allowing individuals of all levels to engage in the exchange of learning from people from all areas and particularities. This, in turn, leads to higher morale and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Breaking Stereotypes and Challenging Stigmas:

Working with people with disabilities challenges stereotypes and breaks down stigmas associated with disability. It helps promote a more accurate and positive understanding of what individuals with disabilities can achieve.

Building Empathy and Understanding:

Interacting with people with disabilities fosters empathy and understanding among individuals without disabilities. It promotes a more compassionate and supportive community that values the unique contributions of each person.

Human Rights and Dignity:

Every individual, regardless of their abilities, has inherent human rights and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Working with people with disabilities is an affirmation of these rights.

In summary, working with people with disabilities is a commitment to creating a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable society. By recognising the value and potential of every individual, we contribute to a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and participate fully in all aspects of life.

It embraces people and allows what society deems as a disability to become their true ability and potentiality.