A Newport wellbeing project inspired by contemporary art
Based in Newport Market Arcade’s Heritage Centre, local community artist Nathan Sheen introduced project participants to the national collection of contemporary art on Celf ar y Cyd. Together they discovered inspirational artworks and learned about the artists’ motivations and processes behind the creation of the works. In weekly sessions participants were given the opportunity to create their own works in response using similar methods. Mostly working with clay, they now have their own body of work which was on show in a window display in the arcade as part of Art on the Hill 2024, an initiative which celebrates local artists and creatives.
Artcadia, Window display at the Heritage Centre, Market Arcade, Newport Museum and Art Gallery
"This has been a fantastic project to be involved in", Nathan says. "I relish the opportunity to share my passion for art and the powerful benefits being creative can bring. I have found it particularly rewarding to see the participants grow in confidence and use the techniques I have delivered in the sessions."
Artcadia, Magda's work, Newport Museum and Art Gallery
Magda found inspiration in Geng Xue’s The Other Side (part).
"The images … made me think about the water, sea, sea life and sea creatures, also those embedded deeply in our myths like mermaids … and the Welsh white lady Gwenhidw". Magda also was drawn to the symbolism in forms such as porcelain dolls from Chinese medicine symbolising ailments and by working with clay felt encouraged to give form to feelings.
Artcadia, Adele's work, Newport Museum and Art Gallery
Richard Deacon’s Empirical Jungle inspired Adele.
"Working with clay is very calming for me. It doesn’t matter that I am not a famous artist …" Adele describes, "it just matters that I enjoy working with clay. I enjoy the feeling of it in my hands and I like the shapes I make".
Artcadia, Cath's work, Newport Museum and Art Gallery
Alison Britton’s Black and White Pot with Base was only one of the pieces Cath was drawn to.
"The weekly sessions have been a positive experience (and they) have really helped my mental health and wellbeing, and I have met some lovely people in the group. I feel so lucky that I have been able to attend these free sessions and experience the whole process from creating my pieces, glazing them and having them fired to become completed art works."
Artcadia, David's work in progress, Newport Museum and Art Gallery
David was inspired by Cŵn Gwyllt, by Catrin Howell
"(This work) encouraged me to try and re-create one of the dogs in clay’, David explains. ‘I was quite pleased with the result thanks to Nathan’s guidance as this was my first time ever working with clay." David also created other animal shapes.
The impact of the project on the mental health and wellbeing of participants was profound and the works created speak for themselves.