In response to emailing questions across to Inkwell Arts about the kind of services that they deliver, my academic mentor got in touch with a student that graduated recently that she knew used the service. She asked permission of passing along detailed and then forwarded her name and email. I came up with a series of questions to identify the kind of needs that the service user required from Inkwell and how it benefitted their mental health to aid my written work.
Me: Hi! Sian at Student Welfare passed along your name as you had previously used the Inkwell Arts service, and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions for my dissertation research? Thank you so much!
Service: Yes of course!
Me: Thank you! Here are the questions, please take your time and answer with as much as you feel like sharing.
Emma: My reply is so long I’m going to have to send it over a few messages!!
• How did you find out about Inkwell Arts?
- I had been hospitalised for a psychotic episode and I’d also lost my job in the process. An organisation called Work Place Leeds (part of Leeds Mind) had helped me get that job so I went back to them to try and find employment again. However they said I still wasn’t well enough to re-enter work and instead decided to help me fill up my time with meaningful activity. The result of this was a referral to Inkwell Arts.
• What initially made you want to do workshops at Inkwell?
- I wanted to be doing something with my days that made me feel less embarrassed than not working. I always feel shame when I’m not working as I feel I should be.
• What type of workshops have you taken part in at Inkwell?
- I was originally referred to their GP referral art group for those wanting to enter a more guided programme to support their mental health. I then went on to join their non-referral Tuesday art group and the pottery group. I have also gone to some short course workshops put on by guests, for example a theatre set design course. I’ve gone to some drop in groups like needle felting and origami, which I also took my partner and best friend to. Finally I’ve also done a few courses facilitated by East Street Arts Leeds who used Inkwell’s rooms for the sessions (life drawing and urban landscapes are ones I particularly remember).
• How did it support your mental health and did your mental health improve while you were there?
- In the GP referral group I had check in meetings every so often to support my progress and address any concerns. But the main way my mental health was supported was because of the environment provided at Inkwell. The rooms are bright and happy and non clinical. The staff encourage you and get excited about your work. They support you to get your work seen through exhibitions which raises your confidence and helps you feel like your are worth something when not working. The other service users/art makers also support you. Learning to talk to and trust people again is easier when you know they all have some level of understanding of what living with mental illness is. I made so many friends. My mental health definitely improved whilst I was there.
• Did any of your experiences at Inkwell change the way you approach making art and illustration?
- Yes. They helped me let go of trying to be perfect and precise with drawing. Before inkwell my drawings would take ages and the joy in creating became a chore. During and after inkwell, I was able to just dive in and see what happens. The whole process is so more joyful now. It also helped me explore so many new techniques and processes that opened up my mind to many more possibilities of I can create. It was the inkwell staff that encouraged me to apply to education with my art at Leeds Arts University. I don’t think I’d even be having a career with art without inkwell.
• Did taking part in any of the workshops break down your usual systems of working?
- particularly life drawing and pottery. I’m autistic and avoid textures or “mess” with my hands. They supported me step by step to increase my tolerance with certain materials so I could make the things I wanted without compromise. And as I mentioned before, they helped start the process of loosening me up art wise so that joy and excitement came into my work and in the process of making.
• How long did you use the service and do you still engage with Inkwell now?
- I was there for 2 years I think. I stopped going shortly after I started education as I got too overwhelmed trying to fit them both in. I was really sad to stop going and always planned to go back after completing Access and then Uni. But covid happened and that plan has gotten delayed, but I definitely want to go back. I am a bit worried that all the people will be different now (staff and art makers), but I want to try going.
• Were there any transformative moments or interesting experiences that you look back on?
- I loved the fact they they exhibit your work. This was amazing for my confidence and learning to engage with lots of different people at those events. Having people that support your artistic development and see it as a valid use of your time is also liberating. I have also made so many friends from inkwell. I think that because you are all connected by mental health difficulties you aren’t as guarded about your mental health like you are in “regular life”. You form bonds unlike any other in your life because you can have relaxed conversations and don’t have to spend any energy hiding parts of yourself. I have to mention the laughs we had in pottery group too. That group was so much fun. Learning to laugh again and not feel confused, guilty, or bad for doing so (in other aspects of my life if I smile or laugh people then dismiss my depression and so it gets confusing for my brain).
• Would you recommend Inkwell to other people?
- I would recommend the Inkwell I knew back then to anyone! I don’t know if anything has changed there in the last 4 years, which is why I feel I can’t throw around the recommendation anymore. But I do plan to go back myself now that uni is finished and when covid allows which should say a lot. Once I experience inkwell as it is now I will hopefully be able to confidently recommend again.
• Do you find that being creative and creating art helps to improve your mood and your mental health in general? Why do you think this is?
- More personal work helps express emotions, and for me helps me form the understanding to eventually communicate feelings and thoughts in words. Over the years I’ve found that many of my skills deteriorate or disappear when I’m not doing well with my mental health. This means my previous work and education history has been inconsistent. But when I actually realised that I still make art when I’m unwell, the one skill that stays and that I want to do is art. Art gives me hope for a future.
Emma: Hope that’s all ok. Good luck with your project!
Me: Thank you so much for all of your honest responses. Wishing you a lovely Saturday!
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