Through three core themes – ‘Flow Theory’, ‘Community’, and ‘Sustainability’ – the workshops will explore how creative practices can boost health and wellbeing.
- Flow Theory will focus on flow state principles coined by psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, which involves being immersed in an activity to promote the perfect balance of enjoyment focus.
- Community will explore how art sessions can enhance social connection, reduce loneliness and isolation, increasing health benefits.
- Sustainability will observe the benefits of engaging with nature for mental wellbeing and physical health.
The series is curated by Gussi Philippou, an interdisciplinary researcher and designer, who focuses on creative health, exploring the ways arts, culture, and creativity can enhance physical and mental health. She is currently completing a PhD that evaluates the effectiveness of community-based textile workshops as a health intervention for older adults with dementia, exploring how hands-on sessions can support cognitive, behavioural and emotional health.
Each workshop will invite you to engage with a different hands-on activity, including clay, drawing, working with nature, textiles, working in both indoor and outdoor settings. The sessions are designed for postgraduate students and University staff of all creative abilities, exploring the impact creative health can have.
The first workshop of the series ‘Flow & Form: An Introduction to Hand-Building in Clay’ will be run by ceramicist Holly Reed. The session will take place on Wednesday 20 November, 6pm-8pm in Edward Barnsley Building. It is free to attend for all staff and postgraduate students (PGT and PGR). Book your free place online.
This will be a beginner-friendly clay workshop where you'll explore the core techniques of hand-building with clay – pinching, slab-building, and coiling. Through demonstrations and hands-on guidance, participants will learn essential skills while choosing what they’d like to create. Working with air-dry clay, this session focuses on shaping and building unique pieces, which can be further decorated once fully dried.
Enjoy a relaxed, creative environment as you experiment and discover the mindful process of working with clay.