Since the beginning of March 2020, members of the Pavestone Collective went into lockdown. For many, self isolation was not a choice but necessary to avoid the Corona Virus. Lockdown affected lives in so many ways but for the Pavestone Collective, it was a chance to embrace a new pace of life and work in self isolation.
In what could have been a dark and depressing time for many, the Collective set to work continuing to create new art against the backdrop of the lockdown. The body of work produced is an eclectic mix that includes traditional, contemporary, impressionistic and mixed media pieces.
The exhibition includes subjects from every day life including places and things of interest to them. Materials used are acrylic on canvas, and household products are used to create texture.
Each artist has developed their own style and used visual art to express their innermost thoughts and feelings.
As many of us have experienced, and our Articulate project illustrates, participating in creative activity undoubtedly had a positive effect on the health and well-being of group members, as well as having the ability to reduce anxiety amidst the turmoil of covid19.
Some background about the Pavestone Collective by member Liane Jamieson
“The Pavestone Collective was established in October 2011, by clients who attend the Pavestone Centre, Coleraine. The collective was created through ‘Leisure Quest’, a programme designed to rehabilitate adults with physical or mental health conditions.
Such were the benefits gained through involvement in the arts, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust developed an Arts & Wellbeing strategy. Since it was founded, we have exhibited throughout Northern Ireland. Through time, trust was built and friendships formed.
The Collective gives its members a chance to meet on a weekly basis to develop their skills, build confidence and most importantly socialise with each other to share good practice.
Although we are primarily a painting group, many of the artists enjoy other activities producing, pottery, candle making, felting, papier-mâché goods & jewellery making. We hope you enjoy our work as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it for you.”
Desima Connolly, Arts Service Development Manager, further adds “We have supported the wonderful Pavestone Collective over the years and had initiated an exhibition of the collective’s work to be shown at both Flowerfield Arts and Roe Valley Arts. Unfortunately, due to covid19 lockdown, the Pavestone exhibition was one of many exhibitions we had to postpone and reschedule until our venues reopen. In the meantime, we are delighted to support the group with this virtual exhibition and greatly look forward to working with and further supporting the group in various initiatives.”
