Beginning to make bench cushions (eek-reminding myself about sewing machines again!) and helpful tutorial with Becky

To do over Easter and in next few groups:

Becky has realised that the bench idea of mine has been done before...all about the bench as a driver for connection and noticings...so it is important that, whilst this is still crucial for the project, it is also important to push the outcome aesthetically in terms of the crazy bench outcome!

SO... This cushion is quite naff...I need to bring tomorrow and check what the group thinks. However, I wanted to go with their vision first...the emotion and people and participatory element drives my work, but it is important as Becky reminded me, for me to put in my own artistic vision and voice. This may look like:

Bringing in my painting, e.g. portraiture of those involved, the landscape, the words and responses from conversation, collage onto the cushion covers for example- t-shirt transfer, waterproofing spray, acrylic paint and medium and iron on to fix, embroidery, lots of mini pyrographed designs or painted bits on wood stuck and drilled on....and inviting others to try out too...mosaic...

Representing people who come and go, like the whole reason of the bench.

Becky suggests parking audio piece for now and focusing on the bench...

Tomorrow=teak oiling and when in Ros's ceramic planter workshop...getting inspiration for bench and drilling holes into it for putting on the bench!!!/for the plants in the back.

Becky also said something so kind and touching about Ros posting a lovely message for my workshops and joining of the group, which she says she hasn't said before...this makes me so delighted and happy that we have connected. That's what it's all about!