CreativeDynamix

Discovery and action

2012-02-18T10:02:00.001Z

What a week that just went by. Wow! Feels like I lived two weeks in one.
If your new to my blog welcome and if your returning Hi! good to see you again.
My practice is one of questions...
For the last few years I have been testing and trying out ideas and developing work in the areas of enterprise, community and education. The work is getting more refined and maybe less prescriptive - processed based experiential and engaged with people. I'm showing up in a way that I hope will encourage and support others to do the same.
SO WHAT's BEEN GOING ON?

experiment in generating sales for a newly offered product purely through social media, Hug Tokens the shop, images and ongoing sharing has been well received benefiting in building audience and sales
designing the moving cogs for the sun on the interactive wall in create Better Space - a multi sensory outdoor participatory project @ Gorey Youth Needs which is ongoing due to the weather
visualising and thinking @ Leading for a change, which is a fantastic approach and initiative with Wicklow and Kildare Community Education and 5 other tutors to develop an emergent community leadership program.
exploring a creative approach to "self in the bigger picture' course, an introduction to social science with a community group in Wicklow via Wicklow Community Education
developing a program of work with the Gorey public library on several things; Easter workshops for children and teens; creating space for cultural dialogue, brown bag lunchtime sessions.
exploration work on offering my first mastermind group
mentoring and supporting women in business; 2 clients this week
getting a space on the MAPAMUNDI SONRISA [Smile Worldmap ] with artist JOAN BAIXAS which takes place in Waterford next week. It is described as visual theatre and I decided to apply for one of six spaces offered because I also need to grow flex my creative muscle and play. I'll be talking more about this on twitter and Facebook and expect bloging too.
attending Theatre Forums Open Space facilitated session in Waterford on Friday. The questions that got my attention and got me there were; Do you feel like an outsider in your own profession? Do you want to help change things for the better? Are you looking for a sense of community, mentorship? Are you looking to change things? I will blog more on this but want to let the day sit with me.
Meet some great people and I am looking forward to following up with them. And yes I have business cards and postcards which I bring with me because I am a professional this is my business - it may be a practice but it is a professional one.
I've publicly declared #Salon_de_thing and I was delighted to see interest in the idea.

So besides work my three sons were on midterm and we have all been sick.
But life is good and my challenge to thrive is being meet head on... the work continues.

I'm looking forward to collaborating, making space and building cultural dialogue - are you?

What is a Hug Token?

2012-02-16T15:35:00.003Z

A CreativeDynamix hug token is a small item that represents a hug given as a gift to another or for oneself. It is a symbol of considered thought gifting these hug tokens simply says "I'm thinking of you". This little heart shaped hug offers an analogy of affection, care, kindness or love for the receiver to have and to hold.
Someone who bought one in Gorey last week asked "How do I use it?" You can carry it on your person, in a pocket, bag or purse. It can be kept close or in a special keepsake place. The idea is that it evokes a hug when held, squished or looked at.
The experience of the hug tokens are tactile. Sheep fleece is the perfect organic medium to craft this hug with. The packaging also fits that experience reusing old forgotten book pages. So when you gift a medium sized hug token it arrives with a string wrap and button or shell fastener.

It has been a revelation to share the idea with a friends and colleagues and listen to their input. I really appreciate that they have embraced the idea loved it share it and bought tokens also. These tokens are not just for Valentines day. It has been suggested that they would make great wedding favours.
I have a very clear strategy in creating a cup of coffee and slice of cake priced items. The primary reason for creating these hug tokens or keepsakes is to offer people something to buy at a price they can afford. This is a response to what I have learned and absorbed about creating art and selling my art in the current climate. I hear that people really like my work and want to support it. So this is one solution to offer a smaller product. I have been fascinated that people are buying them for friends, family, Mums and teams the quantities are not in ones but in threes, five's and ten's.
I've also been fascinated that orders have followed via email, over the phone and are not all being funnelled through the Facebook online shop.
In the last few weeks while making hug tokens to sell I've reconnected to a basic joy of making images with a camera. The illustrative side to communicating something I have created. An approach to graphically looking at an object and expressing it in different ways. If you have been following my CreativeDynamix page on Facebook I hope you have enjoyed the images, if you have n't discovered them yet I'd love to hear what you think; like and leave me a comment positive or otherwise on the different images. I am always open to feedback.
So while making these hug tokens I think of love, of someone receiving and holding this hug token which is made here in the studio in Ballygarrett, Gorey, Co. Wexford. A handmade hug token keepsake crafted from sheep fleece. Where possible I try to source the fleece locally.
So lets see where this exploration of smaller items takes us and what we learn on the way...

SHOP here...

2012-02-09T00:38:00.000Z

Shop here shop now!

BIG NEWS
I've opened a shop.
No rates, no rent, its open 24/7 YES online on Facebook.
As you may know I do not have a traditional website - I designed this blog to read and act like one. It is an ongoing experiment. Ask me about it the next time you see me or we connect online.
SO click here to jump to the link to my Facebook Shop which is called Heart Felt Art.
I'm open to feedback - what do you think of the shop, hug tokens, prices, shopping experience?
I'm listening - tell me...

Creativity Enthral

2012-02-03T18:54:00.000Z

I think visually. I work and solve visually... Sometimes I make visual work.
Often I teach people how to think, play, make and communicate visually. I map areas of interest and weave them into my research.
But are we too enthralled with creativity? Is it what people need? Is it what society, enterprise needs?
The arts are designated as entertainment.
I baulk at my work being categorised as entertainment. But know that a percentage of it is - the visual art I make that is for peoples pleasure to enhance their living and work spaces. People who buy my work tell me it resonates with them and speaks to them deep within their soul. I like that but...
My participatory, civic community and enterprise work I don't want that classed under entertainment! I want that to be more meaningful. It needs to have a purpose and a function. I demand that it stands in a robust space of being able to be hacked, shredded torn apart by people who don't care and are not interested. I want it to ignite sparks of curiosity, engagement and enquiry. Then give people an expressive way of sharing communicating and learning, of stepping from the edges... and applying that experience within their life.
Last year I achieved a good quality work using both. This year I will develop work that will resonate and have purpose - will it use the arts and creativity? Expect it to that is integrated to who I am at a deep level so when I show up that's just there. I will also be making and crafting art for sale, so watch this space and Facebook to. You might have noticed an easier follow button in the right hand colum click on it if you like it then do click and stick around I use it to post interesting stuff talk about what's on my desk and other enterprising ideas or jump now to my FB CreativeDynamix page.
What is your creativity enthral? do you think the word is to buzzy and not enough substance? How does creativity work for you and in your life? or does it?

Women, start ups and entrepreneurship

2012-01-30T12:42:00.001Z

Wonderful Ted talk by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon on women entrepreneurship. Insightful comments on the association between women and micro financing. I was n't particularly looking for this topic but it resonates with me and CreativeDynamix's work with women in business and women's development.
I've pulled these quotes from her talk in case you think you don't have time to watch

"Never import other peoples limitations"

"The women in my family are not exceptions... we are not a special interest group we are the majority... for for too long we have under estimated ourselves and been undervalued by others. It is time for us to aim higher..."

and one we could all benefit from "think bigger"

In relation to Irish women in business and female entrepreneurship in this country I definitely see issues around not thinking big enough, bootstrapping and scalability. Once businesses come within the 100K turnover they struggle with funding, development and the grow or stay small mind trap.

[Do women come to enterprise in a different way then men?

Our driving influences are they different?]

Although we are no longer a nation of conflict as such Ireland is still a young nation of change. Flux seems to be our natural strife. We have moved from the struggles of depression in the 70's with the help of the EU and raised our heads to look and work beyond the troubles developing a aspiring progressive society in the 90's. So much so that we started to see immigration on to Irish shores a definite reversal + a change to the psyche of the nation happened. The Celtic tiger did not roar everywhere don't forget that. Not all of us escalated our wealth trajectory to the max... but now - where are we now?
It looks and feels a lot like Irish Society has digressed, we may have moved back to economic hardship at the core but I'd argue the poverty is not the same. It has changed you don't see the abject poverty of the 50's -70's. The face of poverty in 2012 is more subversive. Now it creeps into middle class families it moves beyond boundaries of underprivileged and excluded society. There is a new type of poverty that questions the very nature of why we live and work within the Irish tax laws, why we pay charges and our bills.
Some of my work in the last few years has been with women in business groups; business networks and the local county enterprise boards. I noticed that no matter where in the country I stood to speak and engage these women's networks they had similarities. Most of the women were early stage entrepreneurs or business owners passionate about their business yet they were more then a little shy of standing in their own brilliance. They suffered from that odd combination of female embarrassed self awareness and striving to push their business forward. Some of them had little or no business experience their skill set was one learnt through trial and error. There were no strong role models of women in business or female entrepreneurship in their area. In a room full of peers many suffered from the inability to stand up and represent their business. Some it seemed did not know how to help themselves. These are reasons why I continued to speak in public and working through experiential learning to support women in business.
More recently I've been asked to turn that focus to women's groups; to look at how to solve unemployment by helping women to solve it for themselves. Ideas for business is about creative thinking, skills recognition and boosting self esteem. It has at its core the gem of supporting women to change their lives, to value themselves and recognise their contribution to their family, their community. It challenges and supports women through the process of thinking outside the box about how their contribution can support personal change and answer their own questions. Perhaps starting with small ripples we will see a tide of change.

Clarity and focus of work, Arts health and well being.

2012-01-19T09:44:00.000Z

In the last few years I've worked in a milieu of creative and enterprise projects under what I have termed Creativity in Context. My clients have ranged from multinationals, local government, business owner managers, community groups, enterprise networks, groups of interest and individuals. The age range has been from two years old upwards. Ability has also been a constant working with people who have intellectual and physical disabilities.
Recently reading Art and Culture for Well-being – proposal for an action programme 2010–2014 by the Finnish Governement written in 2007 and presented in 2010 to the International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Institutes (http://www.ifacca.org). I recognised a lot of my work in their description of Arts health and well being.
"The aim of the Art and culture for well-being programme is to promote well-being and health by means of art and culture and to enhance inclusion at the individual, community and societal levels. The three priority areas in it are:

1) culture in promoting social inclusion, capacity building, networking and participation in daily life and living environments,
2) art and culture as part of social welfare and health promotion, and
3) art and culture in support of well-being and health at work."
So the work continues...

CreativeDynamix focus 2012

2012-01-16T09:53:00.003Z

So how have your decisions for 2012 tripped into action?

I've been taking things slowly because I feel like that is what is being required. This study grant in May changes the landscape of my year.

I've been doing a lot of thinking, mind mapping and big picture focus on my work. There is a process of sieving going on and I'm not totally sure where its going but I am trusting the evolving process. One thing I do know for certain is that it is bringing clarity and that is always a good thing.

So what have I been getting clear on?

creative vision for my arts practice
sustainability issues around running a business and paying bills.

I have to say I'm more then a little bored of sustainability - I want thrive. So the balance between profit and not for profit clients, associates and partners needs to be right. I also need to define and refine a strategy towards grant makers and other avenues of funding. But I need good work and a project that is worth defining before taking that approach by my standards. So it starts...

Why 2012 is already different...

2012-01-13T11:14:00.001Z

I'm pretty excited - trying hard to not be overly so because I am impatient... and don't want to be too overt in showing my delight at being awarded a fully funded week of study in Spain!
My great news (from about November last year) is that I've been awarded a Grundtvig EU study grant to go to Barcelona for a week the beginning of May!
I'll be immersed in a course of experiential learning and visiting project sites, studying ART, PUBLIC and INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE -- Building bridges between cultures and communities with and through art.

We are all different, we are all the same. Roisin Markham 2011

I'm intending to set up some projects or have them in some shape before going to Spain in May so I'm currently looking for partners to explore work with. I'm interested in a community and corporate site to explore themes of insider, outsider.
Generally what do you associate with insider? Or outsider?

The biggest disaster of 2011

2012-01-08T23:18:00.003Z

After summing up last year I realised that the biggest disaster in 2011 was a project I really enjoyed. It got no funding, no formal recognition, no accolades yet it still went ahead and I learned a lot from doing it. Why - because that's a choice artists make "do I do this work or not?" Why was it a disaster? I got paid a nominal amount, I did not to realise my artistic vision and got a limited response from the community, I had hoped for more.
I could n't help doing the experiment - the landscape called out to me and I had no choice but to respond. The happen stance went unnoticed by most and yet, I hear associates refer to it as they introduce me to people. What was a rather bad experiment in my opinion others were impressed by it ...I must ask them why?
The landscape intervention at The Gap on Annagh Mountain was designed to raise a question mark on the landscape, a question around land use, transitional space and a community without a central village.
What it raised for me was a question mark about performance art in non theatrical spaces, dramatic statements and being attached to preconceived ideas before venturing out onto a geographical space to work with a community.
It taught me what I already knew. It reinforced my knowledge that to work with and in communities of place to get the level of engagement the artist wants, to get the depth I want - I need to build trust. That level of engagement and participation I want with communities worked really well in the 'a stitch in time' commission. That was an urban project with a central building location. In a rural setting the project framework for engagement needs to be established differently a slow process of getting to know people - talk to them, relate, communicate and then go about building an engaged project. Otherwise community work becomes an artist led statement. That's okay too it has its place. But is that how I want to work?
What 2011 taught me more then anything was that my creativity has a voice people respond too. The response does not always have to be positive...
The questions I ask now as we move into January 2012 are

which hill will I choose to climb?
who will accompany me?
what space shall we be creating?
why do we want the dialogue?
when shall we start?
how will we share our learning?

I continue my practice of questions looking to how creativity plus the arts can build and support change providing a tangible impact for people in communities and enterprise.

Best bits of 2011 for CreativeDynamix and Roisin Markham

2012-01-05T18:28:00.285Z

CreativeDynamix had another good year revenue almost doubled again. My arts practice business continues to grow and develop by my criteria. A huge progress point along with fiscal growth was my public art work and community creativity projects started to converge with my personal art, they are not separate any more.
What do you set your success by?
Me... payment, artistic integrity, turnover, profit, new clients, repeat business, business development success, products shipped, happy clients, new business, time off, a job well done...
2011 had residue stress from 2010, I worked through it and meet my fiscal targets and yes there were external factors weighing in on this one. At one point in October with serious financial pressure I considered job hunting and closing Creativedynamix. I really was seriously looking at having to get a job. Despite having a growing and expanding business is it succeeding...?
2011 highlights for me were

A Stitch in Time Commission. I transformed it into a participatory arts project. I collected stories and memories, old photographs and newspaper clippings during my research. The community around the St. Brigid's Family Resource Centres got involved through workshops, feedback forms and interviews.with workshops, interviews an open call for information.

Cultivating and Growing Happiness Seminar.

I challenged the organisers to embody the theme of the seminar and created a triple layered project; public speaking 'Owning happiness', participatory arts project 'Gratitude Tree', breakout creative workshop 'creativity and the arts for cultivating and nurturing happiness'. Wexford County Council and the Loch Garman Childcare Network funded this project.

create Better Space Project. I designed this project to enhance the out door play area and create a beautiful and intriguing multi-sensory play area with children and staff in Gorey Youth Needs, Little Daisies Community Childcare. The project is on going.

Working with enterprise networks in Cork, Mallow, Westmeath and Longford.
Selling my art work at the 'of word and stitch' exhibition in the The Irish National Heritage Park.

I surprised myself at how much I enjoyed
facilitating and creating governance training and strategic planning with two Sport Active Partnerships in the South East and the blue skies think tank session with The Performance Corporation.
Mentoring SME owner managers and consulting to help them build better businesses.

I loved working on
Doodling and drawing, gritty graphics, graffiti and making a comic with the kids at the Cottage Autism Network Summer Camp. A challenging group to work with because of their high level of visual and arts skills. A great support system of co-workers to ensure all the children and teens, siblings and a mix of autism spectrum benefit form the week.
The Gap Landscape intervention, meeting and working with Garret Keogh writer, actor, producer.

I relished the opportunity to

combine experiential learning and public speaking if I stand up to publicly speak I want others to be able to join in the conversation and leave with a practical skill or mindset.

share the same speaking platform as the Junior Minister for Enterprise and Innovation Sean Sherlock at the opening of Spralli in Mallow, great to be able to talk creativity, innovation to a group of business people with my art hanging on the walls in the room.

I also took a big risk in Mallow with the North Cork Business Alliance bring creativity in action + art materials into their weekly network meeting. The creativity in action piece I designed really worked it encompassed creative thinking, motivation and having a positive outlook.I got the chance to bring some creativedynamic magic up to the mid-lands and work with the County Enterprise Boards Women in Business Networks in Longford and Westmeath in a joint session on networking, building relationships for business and with Westmeath on strategic planning. I have a really passion for encouraging, motivating and supporting women starting, growing and developing small businesses. It was great to go to Cork this year and work with the Cork Women in business Support and advice group about the value of networking great group such a buzz.
I was really honoured to be invited to work with the Life and Business Coaching Association of Ireland at their last seminar - I spoke and engaged the delegates around positive and negative thinking in action very powerful piece it worked really well.

and really enjoyed
Teaching felt at Secret Valley Farm using the sheep fleece from the sheep outside the barn. Demonstrating felt making and speaking about the importance of textiles in my creative work at the Greystones Art Club. Working with a minority of teenagers around the issue of mental health in CEART which is part of the Wicklow Travellers group.]
My Bluedrum association is an intriguing one that I value it lead to the commission in Waterford, I really enjoyed meeting an extended group during the summer both at the Open Space session in Glencree and the outing to Knowth. They have definitely helped me become more focused on my research based project 'outsider insider' which you will be hearing more about this year.
Lastly a nice one was to be featured in the Irish Quilting Magazine bringing my art and creative process to a different audience.

That's not everything I was involved in or worked on... but as I thought about last year and was bring all my invoices into the one spreadsheet to close off 2011, YES these were the gifts, treasures and sustainability for Roisin Markham @ CreativeDynamix.
What did you enjoy about my work last year?

...before you rush into 2012

2012-01-04T20:09:00.000Z

Can you really focus on new goals without acknowledging or closing off old ones? Can we really get excited about the New Year with out taking a really good look at last year and figuring out YES - that was excellent and NO - that did n't work.
So what were your best business bits of 2011? Small wins or big successes what were they?

pithy

2012-01-03T02:41:00.000Z

Yes pithy. I wanted to start 2012 off with a pithy post on my CreativeDynamix blog.

Natural habitat? Outsider insider. 2012. Roisin Markham

So what have you decided is your primary goal for 2012?
This time next year will you be celebrating your achievement? Will I be celebrating mine?
You and I won't be celebrating unless we

are clear about the goal
have defined the success criteria for that goal
have planned how we will reach that goal*
are working on the steps that take us to that goal daily, weekly and monthly
are celebrating our wins along the way that will significantly ensure we succeed in our goal
work with situations that arise to pull us off focus or derail our course
are maximising potential success and opportunity along the way

Set a goal for each area of your life and plan time each month to review. Write them down and plan their success. Get an accountability partner for your goals.
What do you think about publishing your goals? I mean like publicly declaring them writing them on your blog, post them on Facebook, I do think its important to share your ambitions - own them say them out loud. But how publicly? What's your take?
You can read more about one of my ambitions for this year and about the image above taken New Years Day, outsider insider.

destination, vision and goals

2011-12-22T09:34:00.001Z

Postbox, Wicklow, Ireland. Roisin Markham 2011.

While driving to a colleagues house for a meeting in rural Wicklow I happened across this post box pretty much in the middle of nowhere. It seems apt as the year draws in and we've started to think about what next year holds that a destination in the side of a hedgerow sums up this aspect of the drawing in 2011 and the dawning of 2012.

So what will you treasure from 2011?

What worked, what was successful? What do you want to repeat? Can you scale it - do you want to?

What were your key learning points? Our biggest mistakes and disasters if you want to call them that hold our biggest learning... consider and absorb those lessons. Build that learning back into your own process.

I've taken down my mini installation in the studio that space has been reformed into a blank ideas wall. In the last week it has transformed into a mapping wall - do you have one in work or for yourself? A space for ideas, shaping, linking, process flow, people, business and strands of research, development, funding and revenue.

I love maps and having a wall space to map 2012 just works for me.
So today I'll leave you with this question: What do you want more of in 2012?

...its all in the doing

2011-12-18T00:19:00.001Z

parking lot door. Roisin Markham

I've been quietly absent on social media including my blogs. I've also been absent from my studio. To be honest I've been working on the ground in projects and with clients. Not to mention being there for my kids as they grow.
I love working with others and facilitating them to reach their own potential while constantly tying to reach mine. Am I there yet? No, but I maintain acts of bravery everyday that keep me connected to my creativity, vision and dreams.
How do you keep connected to your creativity?

Gratitude and mindfulness

2011-11-18T10:19:00.001Z

Multiple streams of thank you

It's that time of year where I get all curious and encouragable about gratitude some of you may know that myself and JulieAnn Turner run an OPEN GLOBAL positive living and creative project called THE GLOBAL GRATITUDE POSTCARD PROJECT. GGPP as we shorten it to, is about getting people connected to thankfulness, accessing their creativity and participating in making an open expression of thanks to another person and sharing that within the GGPP community on the ConciousShift site.
I love working with Julie Ann on this project which is now moving into it's third year we are hoping you will love the project too and join in.
You can listen to the project kick off interview on ConsciousSHIFT radio podcast in itunes here. In the interview you will hear me talk about

the concept and ideology behind the project,
why gratitude is important and its links to some of my other work,
a short meditation in the second half about getting heart centred and soul connected for the activity
the tractor mindfulness story that will bring a smile to your face.

Lets be clear being thankful, grateful, mindful and acknowledging people is not just for a particular time of year. I think it is something we should all invest in daily in our professional and personal lives. But once a year this project draws attention to the practice of thankfulness and acknowledging people. Once a year we run this project to encourage everyone to focus on it and perhaps this is the year you will find a way to share your own thankfulness to someone through the global gratitude postcard project #GGPP.

When was the last time you got a thank you message?
When was the last time you wrote or crafted one?
So take note this is a project for you and the people around you and your life. Do it, share it, enjoy it.
The basis for the project is choose one person in your life to whom you are grateful towards, get a blank postcard and make or craft a postcard plus send it to the person. We'd ask that you also share it
on the http://consciousshift.posterous.com site. The reason we want you to share it online means you are acknowledging that thankfulness, gratitude and mindfulness are important pieces for you in your life plus sharing the images publicly gives you accountability within a like mind community, extends the vibration of gratitude in the world and encourages others to join in. It is very easy to share a photograph or scanned image of your made postcard you just email it to the site. All the instructions are on the site including these easy to follow visual and written ones that you can printed out:

This morning I am thinking about how I can bring this idea to groups in Ireland and further the project globally... hey we could even organise a #GGPP tweet up or Skype creativity session. Who's on for that?
It would make a great exercise for a family, group of friends, network and I think it would make a great team building exercise.
This project has been designed to be easy and accessible all you have to do is create the postcard with intent. No stress on the image on the front of the postcard it is just away to add another layer of creativity and mindfulness. But choose, make, post and share #GGPP2011.
If you'd like more information on the how contact me or to join in - check out the GGPP project site.

Background:
My 2010 blog on the GGPP project is here. The original concept for the project was inspired by a Wexford based project I devised and ran in 2009 on creativity for boosting morale and self esteem which you can read about here. This created a ripple across my community at the time and connected me to some great people including Julie Ann.
Other projects that you might be interested in where I've used gratitude, mindfulness and access to arts have mingled and featured to connect others to their creativity:
Cultivating and Growing Happiness Seminar,Wexford 2011. Part two happiness grows on trees.
Earth and Soul Exhibition and workshops. Wexford 2010
Employee satisfaction, happiness quotient and work life balance Corporate event and research. Dublin 2010
Crash the artistic scene with Women in Business and entrepreneur's down time. Wexford 2009

a practice of questions

2011-11-17T13:50:00.001Z

This morning as I sit at my design desk with the crux of a design challenge my mind drifts to asking questions...
After all that's where everything starts for me its the crux of the thing, no matter what thing is!
Asking good questions.
Asking the right questions.
Asking bad questions ...so that you can find the good ones the ones that move you on nearer the outcome nearer better questions. All those questions they need space. I'm good at creating space for solving it is one of the things I do best. Create space for people to step into and do their work. At the moment I'm doing that for myself and a bunch of under five year olds who attend a local community childcare centre.
That is what I'm doing with these blank pieces of paper at my design desk thinking, pondering - knowing the questions to ask but letting myself have filtering time, deep thinking space.
The design challenge on my desk is for the Create Better Space project. It really encompasses my creative practice. Working in partnership, understanding the needs, identifying a budget, devising an idea and making space for collaboration, participative research, building trust, designing a response, making and producing an outcome. Mixing play, education, hands on experience, engagement, enquiry and people.
I know what I want to design I don't know how to bring it all into to reality yet. My questions continue and clarity percolates.
I'm thinking about cogs on walls that move things, windmills that move cogs, wheels within wheels, tubes for water, movement of water, mixing colours. A wall that even when it is raining will delight the eye and create curiosity. The balance between budget, moving parts, visual beauty and interaction is influx or flow...back to my desk!

Positive self empowerment

2011-11-12T16:54:00.001Z

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. Henry David Thoreau, US Transcendentalist author (1817 - 1862)
I spoke on Friday 11.11.11 to the Life and Business Coaching Association of Ireland, http://www.lbcai.ie/ at their “POSITIVITY IN COACHING” Coaching Conference in Dublin.
My theme was on

Of course I combined public speaking with engaged learning eager as I am to let people experience what I am talking about, triggering the collective intelligence in the room and making different space within their conference to do things rather then just hear about things. I got delegates to pair up and explore the physical impact of positive and negative thoughts. A powerful demonstration that we are all susceptible to on going shaping of our psyche.
The experiential training engaged conference delegates and embodied the topic into experiential learning and some practical skills. Another of my passions is to impart skills when ever I talk or work with groups.
One of my slides looked at blind optimism within the Pollyanna story and the fact that eventually it crashes... Pollyanna loses all hope when she gets run over by a car and looses the use of her legs.
I believe in the power of positive thinking but also in power of strategic planing and putting structures in place to ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes for our businesses, ourselves and our communities.

When I showed this graph on Friday I spoke about how the realism of life tackles blind optimism and crashes it to the bottom of the graph. Feelings of guilt, failure, depression, fear and being unable to grapple positiveness dis-empower self esteem. Some people never recover or get out of the trough. A mindset at the peak of 'Pollyanna' is wonderful but the handing over your mental health to blind optimism or belief systems should carry a large mental heal warning.
Take charge. Give yourself the best opportunity to thrive.

One of the reasons I left promptly after my session was I wanted to get back to Gorey to pick up my children from school. It was my eldests birthday.

not the actual cloud we saw but still silver lining
Roisin Markham 2011

On the way home we saw some amazing clouds one had a silver lining... I explained to my three sons what a 'cloud with a silver lining' meant.

A very apt way to end the day.

What's your experience with blind optimism?
Do you have a success story around positive self empowerment?

Proving popular @ 'Of word and stitch'

2011-11-05T10:22:00.001Z

Leaf, 36 x 20 cm. Unframed

This 3D leaf is a piece of handmade rolled wet felt with machine stitching and tiny amounts of metallic fabric paint. It is proving irresistible everyone touches it...and yes there is a sign asking them no to. But I did leave it unframed so people could see the texture and visceral succulence of the felted and stitched leaf. It's price €150.

More grows in the garden then the gardener sows. 25 x 33cm

Yesterday I over heard two people describing this as 'Magnificent', a lovely compliment. It is a piece that is proving popular perhaps because of its visual complexity. The fleece and silk laps were built up in layers adding depth, then using fragments of fabric, threads and fancy yarn a layer of complexity to evoke the feeling and pictorial sense of a garden was added this piece was hand felted for the addition of stitching and beading.The last layer of hand stitching, beading and free hand machine stitching adds lovely detail and brings the piece together. I had shown this piece during some of my felt talks and training sessions and it was a popular piece before the last layer was added. Now framed it is truly finished and waiting to be sold priced €300.

During any exhibition it is amazing to watch what people are drawn to and to listen. How others respond to the work especially when they do not see a person standing in the space or they do not consider that person to be associated with the work. Fascinating!
It is also really nice to share with people how the work is made, handmade felt is still not very familiar to people. The contemporary textiles I make are still unusual and some of the techniques I use are often new to people. Being there to offer more information leads to all sorts of insights, conversations, memories, snippets of cultural reflection and sharing of information. Which is a significant part of the reason I make art.

Have you been to the exhibition? What did you enjoy? What would you by to hang on your wall and live with?

Looking forward to being in situ at the exhibition this afternoon in the Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig Wexford as part of the Wexford Fringe 2011. You can read more about the exhibition and see other images here.

about my new exhibition, 'Of word and stitch'

2011-10-23T14:03:00.001+01:00

work in the studio before it was sent to framers and mounted

‘Of Word and stitch’ is a collection of work from 2007 till today that explores the evolving stitch and written word in my personal work through painting and handmade textiles.
I've long had a curiosity about the use of rare breed sheep fleece in hand made felt. I use felt as another medium for painting. The addition of machine stitching builds on my fascination to explore the written word in my images. Hand stitching is mainly used for beading work and fine detail. Layering in my work is not new it just has become more obvious, I have gained a certain amount of confidence to push forward my words within the work.
In fact this exhibition seems to provide clarity of meaning to earlier abstract painted works through photo-graphics, felt making and stitching.
When I paint I write first, journalling into painting, writing with pencil first on the paper or canvas is my in. I like how I am finding ways to show the layers of my writing within and on top of my work. In the same way my photography is reasserting itself as a visual element in making work.

a poem I wrote now free hand machine stitched

I feel there is another step which is brimming where my writing, felting, photography and stitch will combine further and is evolving right now.This exhibition builds on a successful commission earlier this year with a community in Waterford called ‘threaded stories’. I devised the mural commission into a participatory arts project culminating in three pieces of work. The project collected stories and memories of 25 years social history at St. Brigid’s Family Resource Centre. The words were then stitched by community, staff and board members on to fabric which I wove together into a St. Brigid's Cross.
Having access to a Janome sewing machine of a very high calibre meant that something changed in my approach to stitching and embellishing the textiles. Having studied typography in college making freehand machine stitching text was quite fluid and I can see many more applications for the technology meeting felt and fabric.

"When you are inspired by some great purpose"
Roisin Markham 2011

detail of "more grows in the garden then the gardener sows"
Roisin Markham 2011

The element of fabric, stitch and wool acknowledges the traditional role these materials had in Irish families and our society in farming and industry. Making family clothes circa 1940 – 1990 were significant parts of the role and skill of mothers in particular my Mother and maternal Grandmother, who were very active makers. I recognise their influence on my work in particular my mothers ability to teach and share the skills she had learned within different communities.

In ‘Of word and stitch’ sheep fleece, fabric and stitch are an expression of the contemporary practices in making, craft and creative expression. The synergy between these old traditions and exhibiting at the Irish National Heritage Park is noted.

"Of word and stitch" exhibition

2011-10-20T11:03:00.002+01:00

by what do you set your compass? Roisin Markham 2011

Of word and stitch is the title of my exhibition and evolving personal work at the Wexford Fringe Festival. I've the car packed and am heading out of the studio to Ferrycarrig where I will hang the work today in the Irish National Heritage Park. The exhibition will be on display from 10am tomorrow.
The image above is a small machine stitched piece of handmade nuno felt and block print approximately 11cm squared, unframed ready for sale and shipping.

Create Better Space, A new project

2011-10-18T09:06:00.001+01:00

Create better space is a participative project to enhance outdoor play area for children under five in a community childcare setting. A participatory project created in collaboration with the community in Little Daisies Childcare. Devised, facilitated, project managed & documented by Roisin Markham.
Creating a multisensory experience with children and staff in Gorey Youth Needs Little Daisies Community Childcare. To provide access to the arts, creative use of materials and enhance the early years outdoor play area. Work with staff and children, aged 2½ to 5 years to create a beautiful and intriguing multi-sensory play area. To include a wall space and creating a garden among the tarmac and the walls.
Who might the project be of interest to? anyone working with or involved with children or in limited space where development and care of the child is central to the work or play.

Gorey Youth Needs Project site; #betterspace

The last month has seen a new creative project kick off in Gorey Youth Needs.
Amazingly I saw the opportunity and potential benefit to childcare facilities and the link to this kind of work at the Cultivating and Nurturing Happiness Seminar back in May.
I'm in hands on research phase with the children and staff with some dynamic results and igniting play in the small space by bringing different ways to think and engage with the children and staff in Little Daisies.
I'm in the process. The kick off went well and the slow lead in time has lead to building good relationships with the children and the staff.
I'm still doing lots of thinking, devising, exploring ideas for interactive multi sensory play during contact hours with the children and staff. There is a lot of work going on in the early stages as part of the project aims are to build resources into the 'Little Daisies'.
I've also been debating and considering how best to document the childcare multi-sensory project with under fives, staff and parents...
You will find the unfolding project will be blogged about here only briefly - all the online information will be funnelled into a dedicated blog http://createbetterspace.blogspot.com/ . The twitter hash tag is #betterspace. between now and the end of November I'll be tweeting on Wednesdays before contact hours, between observations and after the days work is done onsite.
If you would like more information on the project click here or contact me.

a mixture of

2011-10-06T09:13:00.001+01:00

This week and next I'm working with Camphill Ballymoney and their felting workshop. Having taught some of the residents and co-workers felt two years ago they established a small workshop to make felted goods and sell them at a local events. Since Sanda Markoc started running the workshop a year ago the quality of the work they are making has leaped forward which is great to see.
My role is a combination of artist, felt maker, business & creative development, special needs advocate and change maker. I have an interest in rare sheep fleece and in general how local materials get used in local craft and artisan based businesses. Already they have commented on my ideas and responses to questions describing the 'artists brain' as being so different. In reality I make different connections because of my different interests and how I link ideas and thoughts into solutions and actions.

I've spent sometime getting to know people, observing and listening work and process.This is a complex environment. Co-workers and residents change and rotate to other activities. You have to learn how to make felt and its application to various products. the residents have different intellectual disabilities and special needs. But understanding these mixed abilities can provide keys to getting different elements of work done. Repetitive tasks are bliss to some while the texture of the activity may be difficult for others. Mixed with individuals personalities and it is an interesting space to produce products of value.

On Tuesday my observations distilled down into diversity of work and action. Were the actions of the residents really producing meaningful work? The balance between providing meaningful work and making work for sale is one that is being unpacked at the moment.

I can definitely see cycles of work that will add to the quality of

experience
work
process
product
sales.

My observations and prompting continues I've made some practical observations already. The work continues.

Creativity creedo

2011-09-22T08:07:00.000+01:00

Recently I've gone back to thinking about the questions I started asking in 2009. Perhaps it was that drive on the road from Cork with good tunes and twinkling stars for company, the dark mountains shadows like the silent overseers. Maybe because in the last few weeks I've been asked about my story, the how and why I work the way I do. This is why

More creativity = more new ideas = more innovation.
More creative expression = more emotional outlets = less stress.
More innovation + less stress = happier, fulfilled people.

That goes for employees, boards of management, staff and business owners; families, children and those people who are marginalised in work or in our communities.

I really started an enquiry and particular focus for work on a Ballygarrett Art Studio blog post, 15th of September 2009, BGA is a sister blogspot to this one where I wax on about my creative process and things that I used to think needed to be separate like arts and education, arts and health, arts and special needs. So the questions were stated like an intention:

Collaboration
Creative lab open to all exploring the relevance of creativity and art in our lives.
How artists are relevant in today society? Can art get people back to work? How can artists facilitate the creative entrepreneur?
What is the role of creativity and artists in times of harsh economic realities? Creativity for moving forward. Creating a positive creative environment conducive to excellent work.
The core starting point being the fact that art is the realisation of creative thought.
Yup the typesetting was important at the time...
I'm still working with some of these questions and some of them have evolved into more specific questions. Others have developed into projects, research, workshops, events and images.
What has really evolved is a practice of questions and that continues...
I love that people and organisations come to me with their questions and let me create space for enquiry, solving, celebrating and choosing a different way to work.
Here are some links to work done that filters into research, testing of ideas in my practice:

Creativity for boosting morale and self esteem, the start of the postcard as an engagement device in my work and thinking about Can art get people back to work? May 2009, UCD lecture 2009 . This prompted the Gorey Job Club Initiative pilot in 2010 It has lead me to many conversations with journalists and sharing the research in Wexford and Fermoy, Co. Cork. This in turn led me to others, different conversations on twitter and an invitation to Mallow, Co. Cork. A triple fold opportunity firstly to exhibit my work, share a speaking platform with a Minister of State for innovation and research; and to bring the creative process by shifting thinking patterns and applying creativity in action directly with a business networking group (yes it was risky to bring art materials). That is just where one strand of work has gone and it still leads into the future because I still think about how Ireland solves its current economic crisis with people...
Other links you might like to read or follow if you are not a regular CreativeDynamix follower:
Creativity is not the sole preserve of artists and designers.

Creativity in your context

Creative ideas are just that... Making work UCD lecture 2011
Cultivating and growing happiness Seminar, Wexford 2011

a stitch in time... Threaded stories Commission Waterford 2011 participatory arts project
There are plenty more examples have a wander around or ask me a specific question in the comment section. If you find a post you like leave me a comment. Having a socially engaged practice means just that, I'm interested in your response.

The thinking and enquiry continues and I realise work for me is based on how I bring the creative process to others, it has to be relevant to your task at hand, it has to be accessible and in a language you can relate to, it has to add to your meaningful work.
I see the links through my work the strands that I thought were separate they merge, they weave together and this in turn filters back into other work and my personal art works.

Mallow, Cork, art and public speaking

2011-09-08T12:25:00.000+01:00

Trust, Earth and Soul.

Mallow

Love going into the space that Ivan and Niamh have created in Spiralli, Mallow; hot desks, training facility, serviced offices, web design, training and support services for businesses. Some of my Art and Soul exhibition was been hanging out there over the summer. I have studio visit with potential patrons next week so time to bring everything back to the studio. Thanks for the hospitality guys and always great to catch up. Yes, I am still thinking about that mega overhead projection system and training facility and how to use it...

The painting on the left is Niamh's favourite from the collection.

Cork

Then it was on to meet Aodan Enright from Smarter Egg, really enjoyed meeting him great conversation.

Have I mentioned I love Cork? I always have a really great time meeting interesting people and doing business in Cork it kinda buzzes. I really do have an emerging network in Cork city and county and I'm loving my evolving connections and practice there.

So it was onto a public speaking gig which was based on another twitterdom connection.

Margaret @umnumnum_cork . We have been connected via twitter for over a year, following each other, chatting, RT'ing, getting to know each other just because we like what each other was saying. Margaret came to Mallow for the launch of Spiralli where I was speaking and showing some of my work and I really valued her support and showing up. She is going from strengthen to strength and is building a great reputation for her cookery school and social media know how. You can see that clearly demonstrated in a recent Nationwide programme that was aired last week well done to everyone involved (can be viewed on http://www.umnumnum.ie/ just scroll down home page). Margaret founded a support group for women whom where starting and evolving their own business and I was invited to speak to them by their training officer Elaine @elainerogers. I have to say I've really enjoyed getting to know Elaine over the past few weeks she is a pleasure to work with and as a speaker she made sure I was looked after, thanks Elaine. You may know her as a business coach Seefin Coaching I know I knew about her from the old days of IBW forum but watch out for her as Smart Solutions raising the bar on staff development.

Social media is so rocking!

But Wow what a great group Cork Women in Business Advice and support are. I really enjoyed working with them and got a great response. The topic was Networking. Buildingconversations forbusiness…

Here are the live tweets they read backwards finish first down to beginning.

At one stage it did feel like performing art or stand up comedy... lots of laughs, interaction, surprise and nodding of heads. I devise my public talks to be mini workshops. Public speaking for me is about sharing knowledge and experiences the focus is always about the subject matter and the learning. It is a pet hate of mine when people use public speaking opportunities as sales pitches!

It is that combination of knowledge, enquiry, curiosity and sharing of ideas through an interactive dynamic experience that jumps the learning forward. I do enjoy working with women in business groups as I said on the night I'm biased. But more then that I love to see what happens when questions and knowledge are shared in a group and people are engaged and responding.

Tell me and I will forget;
Show me and I may remember;
Involve me and I will understand.

Chinese Proverb

If you were there on the night I'd love to know what your 3 takeaways were let me know by leaving a comment. It was lovely that I was approach by several who said their first takeaway was to meet me and connect.

The feedback has been great and I look forward to meeting this group again and getting to know more about all the different businesses. I will be showing up to help them craft the conversation further next month at the workshop on Towards a networking strategy...

This blog has lots of resources for Networking and building relationships just go to the search button on the right side bar and type in Networking you will get a full list to learn from.

So what is your No. 1 networking must do?

Cork Women in Business

2011-09-06T00:45:00.000+01:00

This evening I will be speaking to the Cork Women in Business Network about the value of Networking, networking rules and roles, how to start and what to do once you have started!

I will be working with this group to bring a deeper understanding of networking, unlocking ones network and moving towards a networking strategy which is the title of the workshop offered 15 October in Cork. More details plus to book click.

Landscape intervention

2011-09-05T00:30:00.000+01:00

A new festival played out from the hills up near Annagh Hill, Ballythomas, Wexford. A community with out a village came together to share the arts. Wonderful to see people making things happen!

Garrett Keogh, on Annagh Hill during the recce trip.

A man passionate about his craft, community both socially and physically, he decided to bring a bit of his world to theirs. Garrett Keogh an actor and playwright envisaged this arts festival together with an able bodied group they set about making it a reality.
Garrett started a conversation with some of us from the County Wexford Community artist panel earlier in the summer. We spoke initially on the phone. He spoke about doing theatre in less then conventional settings, I liked what I was hearing.
I thought of improvised story telling in the woods, "happen stance" where walkers on a journey happened across a theatrical event and they too became participants and not just observers or consumers. We arranged to meet, discussing his plan and getting to know each other. As you can imagine we had a very enthusiastic conversation. It was exciting to talk about the big picture and then look at the realities. I encouraged him but did include caveats from my experience of arts administration and driving big creative ambitions including "be clear why you are doing this".

Annagh Hill, The Gap, Wexford. 2011

We arranged to visit the site one week later. I was familiar with it. We have friends living out that direction and it is a route I take over to Tinahely where I often have meetings or go to the arts centre. The area is locally known as The Wicklow Gap. It is a mid way point between Gorey, Wexford and Tinahely, Wicklow. In fact the area feels like Wicklow. The landscape is mountainous and has magical charm. But it also has managed forested which are harvested. At the moment one of the most beautiful and obvious sites is has been harvested. On the day of the visit I was over whelmed by the visual sense of scarring of the land - AN INTERVENTION was called for.
We called over to the Chairman of the group Eamonn Nolan aptly his house looks on to the desecrated harvested site. We spoke about the idea - what was an intervention? How would it work? Would it work. I was clear it would be experimental.
The aims were clear

A creative noticeable intervention on the landscape
Prompt people interacting with the landscape in a different way
Engage a community further with their landscape
Comment on the environmental change that occurs in farmed forested landscape
Alter the negative visual impact of land use

The proposal was as I wrote it... To create an intervention with the landscape in The Gap geographical and community area as part of the new festival that is being created for the end of August. Working a small group of volunteers create a symbol on Annagh Hill. Using found objects on the landscape or biodegradable materials to create an landscape visual that will engage the community visually and verbally.

So we applied for funding from Wexford County Council. But the intervention was to be scheduled for before the announcement of the funding! A dilemma, no not really. After a frank discussion with the committee we agreed two distinct fees. Fee 1 if funding was awarded and and alternate Fee 2 if funding was not received. I agreed to go ahead.
When I envisaged the project I thought it would be easier to move things on the mountain. On the recce trip we discovered the site was tough terrain not the furze that I had expected but deep troughs left from the harvest machines covered with stripped branches and brown dead needles of fir trees. The soil rich and peat was boggy in places and it was step in places as the location was the side of a mountain.

Annagh Mountain, Landscape Intervention Site 2011.

But it was intriguing and challenging. As I considered the project and scoped the idea I started referring to points of note as landmarks on the hill.

A lone striped tree with nought but a fresh green top left standing alone

The only tree growing on the wall. The criss cross of pathways. We visually created our own map and points of reference they became part of the discussion about the where and the what locators of scale and practicality. The tree in the wall important as you will read.

Annagh Mountain, The Gap Festival, Landscape Intervention 2011.

For those of you reading this blog that maybe unfamiliar with Ireland's temperate climate to arrange out door events is a risk. These shots are taken in the height of summer during August as you can see they are dull and overcast.
So the evening of the 19th of August came. The time had not been published on the poster nor the meeting point. I had wanted it to be mysterious but perhaps on a Friday the idea or piquing of interest had been too elusive. A small group gathered. We made our way up to the site. The weather had started to close in and it was a soft evening (meaning that it rained lightly but continuously).

We learn by doing. Landscape intervention. 2011

The site was littered with logs that I had intended us to pull into a question mark. Yes that was my plan to build a giant question mark on the hill. Some of the big logs you can see from the Gap pub and my intention was to build these in an outline that said "?"
What do you see, what has happened to the landscape, what do you notice driving through this place with no village? a big fat bold question mark that got people wondering what?
But after tugging about ten trees each and aligning them we can to a decision that we need machinery to really achieve my approach. Their were a few other ideas tossed about. Just a shape - but what would be the meaning of it?
During the recce Garrett and I had discussed the idea of material being wrapped around the tip of the lone tree. I had spied a group of trees and the idea of wrapping fabric around visually linked me to the work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude and another work where London fabric company Malabar wrapped a Sri Lanka Island in swathes of material.
We had also discussed various other ideas which seemed to be variations of ludicrousness as we stood wet and the weather closing in, Garrett field calls about the festival from the side of the mountain.
What came out of the intervention was Garrett celebrated finishing a piece of writing by letting of steam moving trees around and chatting to everyone. I was improvising. The conversations were good.
At one stage Garrett was messing and I filmed a short piece about "what everyone in Ireland needs to do..." it was very funny. The tree he held up right and pretend to fall was pining him down and he could not move. I thought he was still messing but quickly went to his rescue hauling off the tree, much too amused laughter. The weather closed in further and we accessed the work done and what we could realistically continue to do .As we made decisions to leave he stood by the old tree and invented a story.

Garrett Keogh in front of the only tree that grows on the wall.

I hope to share it with you soon.

View towards Tinahely, watching the rain come in

Rain coming over Annagh Hill, landscape Intervention

View opposite intervention site towards
Ballythomas and Monalee Hill

This is the top curve of the "?" the stark bark was visible from the road but not obvious enough. Gosh but we got a workout hauling those logs around. This also shows the view to Tara Hill North Wexford and Arklow on a fine day.

The top of the abandoned ? Landscape Intervention 2011

As we climbed down from the site I felt a bit defeated. Garrett suggested a final attempt to raise a post. I had brought a small collection of items for the intervention kit including about two meters of red satin fabric. This is the accumulation of the intervention... listen

Walking back down to the cars Garrett and I had an amazing conversation about improvisation and situational theatre. He spoke of a very exciting workshop he had attended in The Project Arts Centre. We discussed the project and the idea of success or failure and how to evaluate those conditions in an experimental landscape intervention. We spoke about the up coming preparations for the festival; knocking on doors, asking for support in all its sense materials, labour, patronage and ticket sales. He spoke of what he had learnt and how layers of communication were happening in The Gap, the space between. I see wonderful things evolving for this community. I love that they have made the Arts Festival a reality.
Landscape Intervention, The Gap Arts Festival 2011
Did it go the way I expected it to: NO
Was it experimental: YES
Did it meet all the aims described: well YES it did.
Did we get funding for it? NO
Did I learn anything? YES
Was it useful to do? YES
Would I do it again? YES but I would not be so attached to the outcome plus I've been thinking about simpler devices that could be just as effective.

The memory of some of our original discussion and the idea of 'happen stance' has not left my head space yet. I have some lovely ideas forming...

Ideas of the sea

2011-08-17T19:09:00.003+01:00

Sometimes I think my role is to promote Ireland and to encourage people to Discover Wexford...
We have an amazing coastline

Old Bawn Beach. Cahore, Wexford. Roisin Markham 2011

I twitted this image to Stacey @mylifestylemax yesterday. She is in Bali and I wanted to share that Ireland has top class beaches too. Yesterday dues to the exuberance of my seven year old I ended up at the beach twice yesterday the second time late enough. The sun sets behind the sand dunes at Old bawn beach in wexford. The sky takes on these rich colours of shot silk. I stare at them and decide that is what a camera is for but this morning with my boxes of felt, fabric and fancy yarns open and out I found myself felting obsessively. A fact I tweeted and was informed by Ivan of Spiralli.ie fame @IvanODonoghue
@creativedynamix did you know that "felting obsessively" is a Googlewhack? http://ht.ly/65ekn (don't ask me why I checked)apparently that's a big deal! It is a unique term not found by google... yet! A fact I will destroy by posting this blog.

So this is what I was making

Watery felt, Roisin Markham 2011

Shimmering sea. Hand rolled felt . Roisin Markham 2011

they are about A4 size and are available for sale.

"a stitch in time" threaded stories commission

2011-07-28T18:00:00.000+01:00

is being presented to the St. Brigid's Family Resource Centre community in Waterford at 6pm this evening. Waterford is in the south east of Ireland. They are an amazing community and it was my privilege to have been invited to work with them. They originally wanted a mural. I think that is what they thought they wanted. But it did not express the amazing story around the community and people. That is what I tried to draw out, weave and present.
I can't wait to hear & see how the community reacts and responds to the work. I've already heard feedback about the impact of the work and positive feedback on the framed pieces, there ended up being three pieces...
I'm really looking forward to seeing the work framed and hung in-situ. I always think a piece is not finished till its framed (& up on someone else's wall).
No you can't see the three finished pieces just yet as I have n't published it online. I made a concious decision not to publish the work until it was presented to St. Brigid's.
In the meantime you can read about the work in process and as the main piece came to a finish in my studio or view this short visual story of how the project evolved

'a stitch in time', threaded Stories Commission

View more presentations from Roisin Markham.

Visual story telling and spiral learning

2011-07-21T23:29:00.000+01:00

that monster is taking over the floor...

Lots of stories to be told and a book in the making. 2011

Well the week progresses and so does the great work the children and teens are doing at the Cottage Autism Network Sibling Summer Camp! Last day tomorrow the week has flown.
I designed the camp so that each day we would build on some activity, skill or art material exploration woven through the visual art of story telling, graphic version of a word or image.
The first day scribbles and doodles with both classes developed in two directions. Character making firstly the comic cartooning for the older ones and story telling and progression of ideas for the younger ones.
Scribbling and doodling have a great importance in childhood development of idea. I asked did anyone know what a doodle was "drawing without purpose" was the response.

Getting really into the spray can feel and freedom of the outdoors

Doodling frees up the brain and the hand it allows for brain activity to process and go to a different level.
Much in the same way as meditation does. Doodling and scribbling free up the dexterity in the hand so when you introduce ideas like hand drawn lettering the hand creates and flows more easily over the page and through the design.
The younger group took their characters today into clay. Others took their drawings bigger We are having fun with that one!
So much to do tomorrow with the guys and girls. There is a comic book to pull together and photocopy not to mention some more graffiti, 3D making and shaping and an exhibition to put on of everyone's work.

Taking teddies on a bigger scale

The parents are invited in a bit earlier and have the opportunity to see all the work displayed plus see what everyone else did. It worked really well last year. I'm looking forward to seeing all the children's work for the week exhibited. I know they get a great sense of achievement from it.
Some heavy duty spraying and learning about graffiti today tomorrow some free style spraying.
I think when designing blocks of work with children and teens it is important to teach skills and build on the learning from day today.
Watch the blog for conclusion photos and to see how it all came together at the exhibition.
Read about how the week got started here.

Visual story telling a learning experience

2011-07-19T00:52:00.001+01:00

Finding faces in scribbles. 2011

Monday, kicked of the first day of the Cottage Autism Network Sibling Summer camp. Two age groups 6 - 11 and 12 - 15. Last year I worked with this group and I was delighted to be invited back again. I think I learned as much as they did. It piqued my curiosity and inquiry into the impact of special needs or serious illness of a sibling within families, both on brothers or sisters individually and as a collective family group. I continue to look for research on the topic and explore it through my own practice. But more then that it is a group I am interested in to help share their story; for self expression, for support, for building self esteem and with the possibility that these siblings may help each other through their personal experiences and friendship.

In 2010 I taught the older group about typography, how to make, shape draw and construct letters and funky junk. The younger group had a more generic theme around 'the art of construction'. You can see some images from the 2010 camp here. I was really impressed by the visual sophistication and creative ability of both age groups. I was challenged to step up and ensure that what I was working with them on was fully creative and engaging.

Face finding in the scribbles.

This year I thought long and hard about what to bring to the older group in particular.

I'd like to develop a longer term project with the extended network of families, siblings and parents. I thought about how the teenagers could use some of their visual brilliance to communicate some of their experiences.

So visual story telling, gritty graphics, comic strips and graffiti were all brought into play. I've devised a weeks summer camp to produce a comic book and urban hip chic graphics for the older group. The younger group will be working on story telling to developing characters think Mr Men meets their story.

Today I introduced both groups to some people I follow on twitter that I consider interesting, wonderful and do visual story telling well. Doodling and scribbling were themes for day 1 leading into drawing, journalling and visual story telling so I shared the following peoples work:

@gappingvoids work Hugh MacLeod has a great style and sense of humour and mixes a very easy style with narrative that is accessible. I particularly like his use of doodling within his cartoons as is evident on the blue space rocket Evil Plans - Rocket Launch [6431].

@LittleAnimation the amazing JC Little who has a very easy doodle kind of style her testimonial illustration caused a stir as did her story about her daughters bullying. The Bully is a great example about telling a visual story with ease.
@michaelnobbs who introduced me to great illustrative websites and kinda inspired me to start drawing again. I love his illustration style and his drawings come with an added message. he has a disability and uses drawing as a way to deal with it. Another great message to be able to share with children. Start to draw your life is a great e-book.
@Dannygregory amazing, amazing, amazing work his journals are studies of time and place and record his travels. Sumptuous drawing. I showed several images the first one of the room in Rome, wonderful cross hatching of skyscrapers Landscape05, the third image across the top of the handwritten page graced with images of a mother and child.
Joyce Harbin Cole, Draw Daily I discovered while trying to remember Michael Hobbs site I included it because it uses text, photography and drawing and I like the combination.

The images illustrating the blog post are from an exercise using right and left hand simultaneous scribbling. One piece of paper a crayon in each hand and scribble at the same time the following was a mirrored scribble done by one of the teens. This is the first time in all my years of doing this exercise with children or adults that I have seen this.

Mirrored scribble. CAN Sibling Summer Camp 2011

Painting with fleece, from sheep to frame.

2011-07-13T11:53:00.000+01:00

Come along to a public talk and demonstration about handmade textiles and the role they play in my creative practice.

Thanks to Greystones Art Group Saturdays event is an open session and everyone is welcome.

Painting with fleece, from sheep to frame.

Talk and demonstration.
3pm - 4.30pm, Saturday 16th of July.
Venue: Greystones Art Group Annual Exhibition, St. Patricks Hall, Church lane, Greystones.

You will have an opportunity to view and purchase my work, hear and see how I go about it and ask questions.
April 2010 I gave a demonstration for the Greystones Art Group I'm surprised and delighted they have invited me back so soon, to demo at their annual exhibition is an honour indeed.

Paul Flynn the groups President sent me this feedback earlier in the year

"You were highly recommended....Everybody was very impressed with your demonstration the last time. Your artistic approach to felt making was much talked about and it was suggested that it would be a wonderful demonstration to have again."

For photos from the demo in Aprill 2010 see end of this post...

Painting With Fleece_Greystones

"The magic of felt" Greystones Art Group demonstration April 2010

The piece I made during the demonstration was a series of three landscapes that were included in the Wexford Exhibition 2010, 'Of earth and soul' slide 10 of 15. These three landscapes will on view and available for purchase this Saturday.

Hope you can make it, I look forward to seeing you there!

Out of time

2011-07-12T16:28:00.000+01:00

It is not that I have not written a blog since my last post rather I was dissatisfied with what I was publishing and hence the appearance of neglect. I have been away on a much needed family holiday with my boys and hero husband. The pace of work before holidays and the break away both have provided me with refreshing insights and new associations. Watch as they roll out and my work continues to develop.
In June I was finishing the threaded stories commission which is being presented to the community in Waterford the last week in July. My framer told me 'you're mad' when I asked him to frame the piece actually their are three pieces. I wondered do I challenge people too often.
I also really enjoyed a couple of days in the company of my associates in Bluedrum at Glencree. Two days of 'Take back the power' openspace facilitation which was excellently held by Susanne Bosch. I was delighted to meet such an interesting group of people from all over Ireland more information to follow on that weekend as I believe the work is to be published on the Bluedrum site.

no access - access?

Glencree is an interesting location to hold any indepth work in, the buildings restored and not, an ancient shrine, the German soldiers grave yard.
This building seemed a metaphor for some of what we were talking about over the weekend and some of what I think about. The windows and doorways implied open and equal access but in fact there was none. Windows were bared in three ways and although you could push your way through the fenced off doorways you had to know where to break through.
In simple terms children and adults in Ireland do not have access to art materials and to making art.
This is a broad general statement. Equally so
Opportunity and equal access to creative play and art is a basic human right.
Yes one can go out and purchase art materials; paper pencils but if you live on a tight budget this can seem beyond your reach. I'm not talking about families who choose to spend money on other things. I'm talking about genuine lack of access and opportunity to art materials colours, paper, paint etc. The reason this is important is that art materials and creative expression encourage self expression, artistic ability, lateral thinking, brain development, hand eye co-ordination, dexterity and reflectiveness for starters.
I think I talked to much and was concious of that. I was inspired felt supported and realised their are a great many excellent creators of good meaningful work with which I have a lot in common with.
There were questions asked at this weekend that I am wondering how I can bring them to the community I live and work in?
Conversations have started, links made and ideas and thoughts bloom for expression. I look forward to their fruition.

Threaded Stories Commission

2011-05-19T14:37:00.000+01:00

This commission is to Celebrate 25 years of St. Brigid's Family Resource Centre In Waterford City, Ireland.
I have n't blogged so much about this process as it felt like the reality of it needed it's own space. I have documented the process and shown some photos. Sneak peak was introduction.
After initial consultation and a research phase this commission evolved to give true voice to the community around St.Brigid's. I am delighted to be the artist listening and making space for those stories. The stories are not pretty or funny, there is real hardship, struggle and life in all it's realities.
I choose to listen first, a collective of voices talked some wrote, these stories were taken to fabric and offered last week to the community for stitching. A way to connect and live the metaphor of 'the fabric of society'.

Stitch and bliss mayhem & coffee in the studio. Roisin Markham

With a week and a half left to go of this commission all the work comes back to the studio.

Creation of the background montage. Roisin Markham 2011

I am filled with nerves of excitement to continue making this commission. It all comes together as I sit and work.

Creative facilitation

2011-05-18T13:23:00.001+01:00

Last week I did some training and open facilitation work with Wexford's Local Sports Partnership Board.

I designed the training to filter towards positive action and outcomes moving the group through the work at a steady pace.
An important element is the groups interaction with each other so a carefully picked exercise to embody the training, getting everyone up from their seats moving around and interacting was a key. Especially after some heavy duty work.
There was a real break through in that session. A fantastic obvious AHA! moment. Because of the information available and walk through in a particular way.
This is the second piece of training I have facilitated with this group and they are making great progress.
I always feel honoured to facilitate space for significant work to be done. All the ingredients need to be there and they can take time to shape and build into a scenario; trust, communication, engagement, openness, honesty, willingness to do the work.
Having just finished the report I realise what a lot the group accomplished, they are making great strides to reach a best practices model.
The feedback forms were very positive. A lot of clarity for individuals taking personal responsibility for work on the LSP Board.
You can find out more about Wexford's Local Sports Partnership Board here.

Cork and Mallow

2011-05-15T23:36:00.000+01:00

I've been looking for an excuse to go to Cork, knowing it has been on the cards since Autumn last year. I was delighted when Spiralli in Mallow invited me to exhibit and talk at the relaunch of their offices in Mallow. They felt my approach to innovation and visual art work was a good mix for their relaunch. My the trip started of as an invitation to exhibit art on the walls and speak after Sean Sherlock, Irish Minister for Innovation.

Niamh and Ivan, Spiralli, Mallow.

Niamh and Ivan, Spiralli, Mallow.Lets be clear I meet Niamh and Ivan of Spiralli for the first time last Thursday when I arrived in their offices with my art. At this point Niamh had already organised a public speaking and creative facilitation event plus networked and brokered meetings with some very interesting businesses and organised an excellent deal with a local hotel.
This is a business context with several threads art, social media, networking, creative facilitation, social innovation, creativity in business, progressive thinking and business innovation, meeting the Minister for Innovation, reconnecting with my past and opening another door to my future.
What I valued most from my two days in Cork and Mallow was meeting and connecting to fantastic people, some great businesses and progressive community development managers.
To quote Sean Sherlock Minister for Innovation "Fair play to Niamh and Ivan" for their tenacity in coping with a crisis and getting their business back on track. Besides the excellent facilities of hot desking, training room, meeting facilities in a central location in Mallow. Niamh and Ivan know how to do a job well. I was very impressed by the businesses I was introduced to and Niamh did an excellent job of identifying key people for me to meet. It was testament to their commitment to do business better that such an impressive group showed up for the relaunch which you can read about on their blog Innovation draws Mallows Big Guns.
Art adds impact to the walls at the Spiralli Business Centre Social media builds business. I know Niamh and Ivan mainly via twitter, Naimh and I subsequently connected on Linkedin and spoke on the phone some time ago. By communicating in a clear way through social media and my blog Spiralli had a very good idea about my work; my business, visual art and public speaking. This lead to directly working with them and in foraging relationships further into their network.
Now our networks are connected further, my art is on the walls in Mallow and I have started to raise questions in Mallow about creativity in business and what that really means. The only way for us all to move forward is to find new ways to do things in the communities we live and work in. It is great to meet people and partner with their business in an adventure of difference.
Synchronicity. On my return journey home from working with Westmeath Enterprise Board in March I got a call from a Sunday Times journalist asking me about the Gorey Job Club initiative I ran last year. The article she published prompted a call from Fermoy Adult Education Centre where they were researching how to approach a Jobs Club. As I had done with the journalist I recommended speaking to Aran Downes, I spoke passionately about what I had tried, learned and the experience of the network. I shared my research and information in an open way as is part of my practice. One of the things I highly recommended was an open meeting first, to communicate ideas and engage with people. Amazingly that open meeting was held in Fermoy Thursday 5 May. I did not attend as I had meetings in Cork but was curious that Sean Sherlock spoke at that meeting and I subsequently meet him the following night. It was great to hear that attendance was good. Councillor Noel O'Connor also was at the Spiralli relaunch and in Fermoy the night before and we had a very good conversation about the Fermoy event. He was astonished at the speakers whom were open, frank and honest about their difficulties in life and shared on personal levels about getting through hard times. It was great to hear a social innovation pilot making a positive impact and best of luck to all involved in that project. In turn I hope they share their success, best practices and research openly with other groups so that the collaboration continues.
Creativity in business starts with communications and how people connect with each other, the space between two people. Do you make time for that space?
Friday morning I was a guest speaker at the North Cork Business Alliance Network a weekly group that meets to network and share referrals in Mallow. I decided not to do an electronic presentation but to invite participants to bring cardboard boxes. Yes I requested that everyone bring a card board box to the meeting. Boxes of all shapes and sizes were brought. Some left them in their cars to see what the story was first. I knew it was a bit of a risqué. But I had been asked to talk about "out of the box thinking".
I devised a small exercise for the network where we played a little, laughed, shifted perspectives a bit, used art materials, got people out of their comfort zones and physically moved people about mixing a static network format up.
"We all have boxes. It is our framework for living, work and play. Before you get out of your box evaluate what is in it. have a good look."
The second part of the exercise looked at synergies between people and business.
It was obvious that some participants really got the exercise and others not so much. There were some great questions. A few people brought their boxes home with them and I heard some others are still thinking about the exercise.

Cultivating and Nurturing Happiness Seminar Part 2

2011-05-05T01:37:00.001+01:00

During the 15 minute talk I spoke about using moments in your day to stop and connect with your self through three breaths. A wonderful Buddhist teaching I first came across in Thich Nhat Hanh's book 'Peace is in every step'. The awareness practice audio will bring you from the kitchen sink to red traffic lights and into rural Ireland and tractors, the links are a gift at the end of the post, read on.
Sharon Murphy's who was a delegate at the seminar commented on Owning Happiness the previous blog post mentions it tractors and how she used the technique on the way home. Thanks Sharon for the lovely comment.
After lunch I did a workshop in the Tain Room downstairs. I started off by getting every one to shake themselves then did a double helix clearing stretch. Everyone sat down ready to get comfortable and I talked them through a a yoga based relaxation grounding and centring everyone. In the last fifteen years of teaching and facilitating workshops I find adults come to their own creativity easier after a relaxation.
The work shops was only 50 minutes or so but critical to freeing people up more is a quick dose of scribbling. Everyone was invited to choose two crayons and an A3 sheet of paper, a crayon for each hand. This is a great exercise to do with children (and at staff meetings). Scribble with both hands at the same time. No other instructions are needed. Although I do find myself saying 'there is no wrong way to do this' if I see participants hesitating or overly watching what others are doing. Lets be really clear I think scribbling is really important. This exercise actually balances left and right brain activity. I usually stop the activity after 5 - 8 minutes if it has not already reached a natural conclusion.

I spoke about my gratitude practice which I practised daily on and off for the last five years. I even read some of my lists. One or two inclusions made us laugh. They were normal every day things and then some abstract stuff. It needs to be a list of 10 things every day that you are grateful for. One of the delegates commented that "it was 10 different things" my answer was if that is what you want to write.
I used to write my list of ten things by starting with the date, then "I am grateful for 1.... 2....3... etc. This was done every night just before I went to bed. Now I write it in the morning it sets the tone for my day. Experiment what time of the day works for you but its a simple thing that brings positive energy into your life. You acknowledge right there in front of you with pen and paper what you are happy for. it can be hard initially to reach ten. Stay with it do it for 6 weeks and keep an eye to how you react to doing it that will reveal insights too.
Then we got stuck into magazines and glues sticks and making images.
It was great to see how busy people got and how quiet the room became a content silence interrupted by rustling of paper. At the end of the session I everyone had a look at each others work in an informal way. They were all wonderfully different. I was fascinated to hear several times:

"I have n't picked up a pencil since school"

"I have never done anything like this before"

"I don't want to stop"

All great stuff.We returned upstairs and joined the rest of the delegates where I briefly closed the gratitude tree project plus thanked Wexford County Councils Arts Department for their support and funding through the County Wexford Community Arts Network.
I was delighted at how people joined in and as you can see by the end of the day the apple tree blossomed into a gratitude tree... and we proved that happiness can grow on trees.

Gratitude Tree, Childcare Network Seminar.
Creativity in action, Roisin Markham 2011.

For those at the seminar "I DID IT" I figured out the audio and published it for you and others to listen to.

The 15 minute audio and extracted traffic light, tractor - breathe MP3 files are available as free MP3 downloads you can follow the links here or go to the audio widget on the right and click the Last.FM blue button (I'll be adding other audio there too).

Cultivating and Nurturing Happiness Seminar

2011-05-03T23:05:00.002+01:00

Thursday last the 16th Annual Childcare Network Seminar occurred in Wexford's Ferrycarrig Hotel. What a great location for a seminar on 'Cultivating & Nurturing Happiness, A time for reflection'. A wonderful blue sky morning showed off the hotels location on the banks of the Slaney River to perfection.
I was one of three speakers on the day. But I was n't just speaking I had devised a creative response to the whole theme, inviting people to share in making a gratitude tree as a way to embody some of the learning of the day. I also ran one of three break out workshops in the afternoon.
I introduced the day and set the tone, speaking about owning happiness and how to create awareness of happiness which in return cultivates and nurtures happiness.
When I arrived I was greeted warmly by the members of the committee many of whom I know only by name so it was great to meet them. Unpacking the car and there were plenty of helping hands. It was a lovely welcome. Delegates had already started to arrive, tables were established around the back of the room by various businesses and Wexford County Council Services.
After sorting out a circular table in the centre of the conference room for the tree. I had selected an apple tree which was starting to blossom and will bear fruit this year.
I went about decorating the base in which the tree stood. Golden wall paper with teal plant graphics and green tuile fabric tied in a bow. The table was like a punctuation mark in the centre of the room. Pencils, coloured markers and extra tags were offered at the table along with the following instructions

Roisin Markham, Gratitude Tree Project with Childcare Network Loch Garman 2011

Each attendee got a tag in their seminar pack plus an A4 folded orange piece of paper above on the back explaining the idea of the tree and inviting them to join in.
Unfortunately the photocopying on the inside of the leaflet was not great but this mind map was designed for the session I did

Roisin Markham, Owning happiness @ Childcare Network Loch Garman 2011

I did n't record the first session where I set the tone and anchored people into the day. After the introductions I asked the seminar questions about what they were hoping to get out of the day? professionally and personally? I named them as a key group in preparing the next generation of Irish citizens. I asked about their happiness and the effectiveness of their role with children if they could not own happiness for themselves?

Dr. Colm O'Connor whom has just published a book 'The courage to be happy' gave a wonderful talk. I really enjoyed it but I heard from some of the delegates they found it heavy going. However for me it was the perfect dance between philosophy, psychology, spirituality, reality and self realisation.
As I sat listening to his lecture and making notes I marvelled at the raiding of the internet for visual images and videos used in his lecture.
He included a this very poignant clip of a Dick Hoyt and his son, it tells the story of a fathers promise to special needs son. That I found very moving

These are my notes:

Roisin Markham visual notes @ Happiness Lecture by Dr. Colm O'Connor 2011.

The one thing I took away from his lecture was "measure yourself worth in the currency of the everyday". Colm's lecture was rich with content. I bought his book and I am looking forward to reading it.
Carol Duffy, Early Childhood Specialist with the Irish Preschool Play Association had amazing things to share, great images and stories to boot. She spoke about the positive mental health of children and the use of play especially the outdoors in their education both academically and emotionally.
She mentioned the word think more than once. What struck me about Caroles lecture was that I recognised some of the types of creative projects I do with children, schools and libraries in her slides. I saw the creativity around play. Like in my themes of funky junk and muck and magic.I am looking forward to connecting further with Carole to explore.
One of my favourite images was a metal circular tray with shallow water in it and large stones and a paint brush. The simplicity of it said "Paint me, watch the stone change colour, the water will evaporate, the stone will change colour again - why? ask why? wonder but most of all paint and watch then ask". Images are great!

Roisin Markham visual notes @ The
Wellbeing of the child Carol Duffy, IPPA 2011.

I mention other references to Carol's and Colm's talk in my second piece of public speaking to the conference. I made a concious decision not to do a big presentation.Both of the previous speakers presentations had been visually stunning. I wanted to talk of the experience. I wanted to bring the talks into to reality for people. You can listen to what I said when I figure out the audio editing and posting.
During the 15 minute talk I spoke about using moments in your day to stop and connect with your self through three breaths. A wonderful Buddhist teaching I first came across in Thich Nhat Hanh's book 'Peace is in every step'. I also shared the idea behind the gratitude tree and invited everyone to participate.

Gratitude Tree, community arts project devised by Roisin Markham 2011

Tomorrow I'll be posting on the break out workshop, how the tree turned out and I hope to bring you the audio from the seminar.

Owning Happiness

2011-04-28T07:20:00.000+01:00

Today I'll be standing up in front of one hundred people (possibly more) owning my happiness and sharing the simplicity of that with others. Today is the 16th Annual Seminar for the Childcare Network in Wexford.
Last night I was just about to head off to bed but I needed some head space to think, to express to be a bit nervous. I'm over prepared for the creative day ahead I always am... but today feels pivotal. It feels like I have been preparing all my life for standing tall and delighted and just being.
In college where I studied Visual Communications we had a subject called TV graphics it was the late '80's so you are taking hand drawn graphics. Our lecture asked us to create a graphic expressing what we wanted in our lives, in the future, in our careers. I remember some of the drawings were quiet complicated. Design studios in Japan, advertising agencies in New York... mine was a smiley. I had got lovely inks and rainbowed a large smiling graphic. My lecture told me it was a cop-out. I was still quiet shy at that stage, not very confident in my work or self expression and young to boot. But I was clear with him 'that is what I want, happiness'. He tried to argue with me that I should do more work on the topic plus that I would never be able to attain my goal.
So I think I found lots of unhappiness and on the way was a fantastic journey of life's ups and downs, plenty of joy and happiness too. I've spent time learning, understanding and coming to terms with the what and the why and the who. Like I had to make it clear to myself before I could turn my mind, hand and creativity to finding, owning and cultivating happiness for myself. I had to discover what was beyond nothing. To do that you have to be able to see clearly... so I learned how to be.
When I sent the worksheet for today to Carmel at the childcare Network her comment was "it seems so simple" and ah there is magic in that too.

apple trees bear fruit...

As I sat before going to bed I thought "often it is not happiness but acceptance of being. Clarity of the now and the how. Gratitude of small things. But most of all smiling just smiling and catching myself being happy".
So in Wexford today I will be speaking and listening to an important group of early childhood educators, workers and parents around the topic of 'growing and cultivating happiness'. I will share with them what I have learned about 'owning happiness'. After all if we entrust a group of people to work with our children and next generation of citizens should n't their happiness be a priority?
We shall be growing and tagging happiness on a tree which will come to embody the day. So yes happiness does grow on trees today i will happily proving that...
Key questions I'll be asking today so join in

what makes you happy?
how do you feel when you think of that happiness?
what one thing makes you happy? declare it, share it, add it as a comment here or on Facebook I can create a virtual tree...

The CreativeDynamix work flexes my creativity around strife, communication, discontent, change and conflict unravelling complexity and making space to find different ways through. But it also stands in that space of owning and claiming positive celebration and recognition of good things including the creative self.
These strands fit in my creative practice include illuminating personal pathways, creativity for boosting morale and self esteem, personal development within the health and wellness area of my research and work and devising creative responses to clients questions.
Today I'm looking forward to meeting people, listening, laughing. Hearing the other two speakers and owning my happiness.

Labyrinth path, Art NOT chocolate for Easter 2011

2011-04-18T09:35:00.000+01:00

As part of my Art NOT chocolate for Easter 2011 campaign I am making my visual art work for sale more accessible and offering great value.

Labyrinth path, 21 x 21 cm pastel mounted on a map subtly behind layout paper.Available framed or unframed. Purchase framed €75, £66, €107 + postage and packaging.

Labyrinth path, pastel and map. Roisin Markham

Also available unframed. Payment options include paypal. Contact me to buy.

You can see more of my visual art on the Art tab or click here.

Published article: Embracing creativity as a family

2011-04-17T10:48:00.000+01:00

I was approached by the Wexford branch of Cuidiú Irish Childbirth Trust to write an article on Embracing creativity as a family. For those unfamiliar with Cuidiú and their aims: to provide information to parents which allows them to make informed choices about childbirth, breastfeeding and parenthood.
Now I could possibly write a book on this subject but at only 1000 words you have to pick what you say. I wanted to impart some practical hands on tips to parents for creativity with children. But that only left me with a brief touch on adults accessing their own creativity and what that looks like with demands of a new born, toddler, family and work life balance.
Following is the article that was published in the Spring Newsletter for Cuidiú.
I was delighted to receive a text from an old friend who said she loved the article, it gave so much information & was the one she read first. Thanks Petra and congratulations to you and your family on the birth of your fourth child.
I'm publishing the article here as you or family and friends may find it useful especially during the Easter break and for futher holidays.

CreativeDynamix_embracing_creativity_asa_family

If you'd like to reproduce this article please contact me.

Happiness research

2011-04-15T08:20:00.003+01:00

So for my journey exploring happiness can I help you with yours?

CreativeDynamix: Owning happiness on Prezi

Happiness can be found in trees

2011-04-14T14:44:00.000+01:00

Well it will be on the 28th of April at Ferrcarrig Hotel, Wexford. Childcare Network Loch Garman are holding their 16th annual seminar.
I'm pretty excited about it.

Childcare Network Loch Gorman have been a client for about two years. They asked me to do an afternoon breakout workshop at the seminar but... I said no I want it all!
The theme of the seminar

Cultivating & Nurturing Happiness

A time for reflection

When I heard about the seminar I suggested that they let me respond to the theme in a full on CreativeDynamix way. I challenged Carmel to give me some room to devise a creative event that embodied the theme. I think she was really worried where I was going to take it, I could hear it in her voice. After all I have a reputation for being unconventional and have that maverick swagger. But fair play she went for it and the outcome is going to be FAB!
I've just finalised the graphics for my piece.
Not a presentation as I don't think I'll do a traditional one.
I've devised

an opening session,
collaborative participation and engagement piece and
a breakout workshop

I'm going to talk about owning happiness. I hope to be working with one hundred people+ in a collective fun interactive way to show them how to... and then there is the tree 'finding happiness in trees...'

Happiness is found in trees... Roisin Markham.

This project fits perfectly into my health and wellness stream of work and my on going research around happiness quotients. Where creativity fits and how more people can have access to the arts.

So you see creativity is amazing for boosting morale and self esteem even if right now I'm the person getting buzzed!

What buzzes you?

My work continues...

Study in blue; Art NOT chocolate for Easter 2011

2011-04-13T22:57:00.000+01:00

As part of my Art NOT chocolate for Easter 2011 campaign I will be making my art work for sale visible and offering great value.
Art should be accessible. Art should be affordable. Art should be enjoyed.
So in light of my personal philosophy of access to the arts I will be offering a selection of my art at a range of your prices!
This little gem is a mixed media 'Study in blue' 11 x 13¾ cm. It is window mounted behind an off A5 card (fits 16 x 11½ cm frame). Ready to be posted. Price €15, £14, $22; postage and packaging included.

Study in blue. Roisin Markham. Mixed media.

This original is a textured layered piece that was a study using collage, paint, oil pastels and pencil on a 350gm watercolour paper. The pencil markings were used to imitate stitching around the edges of a central piece of paper. The effect was surprising in its subtle effectiveness. The papers torn edges emphasis the smoothness of the colours and the blending of the oil pastels.
Although a small original it still offers a lot to the purchaser.

texture & stitch detail from 'Study in blue'. Roisin Markham

I have lots of little interesting bits and bobs in the studio if you are in the area call me to make an appointment and drop by. If you are stuck for a gift and I can get some idea of whom it is for I can make some suggestions. Let me know how I can help you further in introducing you to my art.

Path Rhythms; Art NOT chocolate for Easter 2011

2011-04-11T14:11:00.001+01:00

As part of my Art NOT chocolate for Easter 2011 campaign I will be making my art work for sale visible and offering great value.

Path Rhythms, 16 x 21 cm handmade felt mounted on to A4 card, unframed ready to be posted. Price €65, £60, €95; postage and packaging included. Payment options include paypal. Contact me to buy. Details from the felt piece can be seen below.

Path Rhythms. Roisin Markham. Handmade textile 16 x 21 cm

This piece of handmade felt is created from a variety of sheep fleece, silk, Angelina fibres and thread filaments. It is a piece of hand rolled felt in the wet felt tradition.

Labyrinth filament detail. Roisin Markham

The blue circular labyrinth has a metallic thread element that catches the light and emphasises the Angelina fibres. They glitter in the purple central and right hand areas.

green silk filaments and red silk snips of material add texture to the tones enhancing the merino felt

detail of silk filament and nuno felt. Roisin Markham

working with smooth merino fleece and contrasting it with rare sheep fleece adding that curly dimension and enhancing that area of interest.

detail of felted rare breed fleece and thread filaments, Roisin Markham

The colours meet mingle, blend and show off all that is great about hand rolled wet felt. Yours to buy and enjoy. If this is already sold by the time you read this ask me about commissions and other work that is available.
You can see more of my visual art on the Art tab or click here.

Art NOT chocolate for Easter 2011

2011-04-09T14:24:00.002+01:00

Easter is approaching and while in other parts of the world it may not descend on the work or family calender in Ireland it does. What does it bring... usually copious amounts of chocolate! I'm not against chocolate but I think my campaign delivers good healthier alternatives.

In 2009 I started the campaign on my Ballygarrett Art Studio blog and in my local area. In 2010 I managed to get several galleries, craft spaces and artists to steal the idea and put up posters and share the concept. This year I hope to push the boundaries of the project further in selling good quality affordable art @ my studio in Ballygarrett near Gorey and online. Some of you have been asking me to make my personal creative work more accessible so I've been working on that and the roll-out starts Monday.
I also intend to encourage other artist, makers and galleries to steal the idea!
So get ready to get involved;
I, Roisin Markham suggests the following reasons why everyone should be supporting this campaign

Art NOT chocolate for Easter 2011

1. No calories in Art.

2. Art lasts much longer.

3.      Original art is affordable.
   Prices for my work start at €25.
   What ever your budget or the occasion we have something to suit
         or to recommend.

4. Support and patron your local artist.

So over the next two weeks I am going to be offering suggestions for how you can purchase my art work, support and share or how you can use this campaign...

Previous campaigns:
Art Not chocolate for Easter 2010
Art Not chocolate for Easter 2009

Creativity surrounds you

2011-04-06T09:40:00.021+01:00

Came across this TED talk and found it moving and inspiring; collaboration through social media and the arts. But it's poignant and such a human story. Youtube, TED.com are great places to find creativity every day.
I remember hearing about the virtual choir sometime last year but seeing and hearing Eric Whitacre talk about this project, his story and perspective it add so much to it.
The human element of connecting people individually in a collective through this project I love. Collaboration is a big theme in my work. The Waterford commission I'm working on is about listening and finding a visual reference for a communities voice.

The first virtual choir piece

The World Premiere of Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir 2.0 Sleep was Thursday, April 7, 2011 in New York and can now be viewed

Where do you find creativity?
How do you connect to your own? do you?

Sneak peak

2011-04-01T13:56:00.001+01:00

I've been working on a commission and will be until the end of May 2011.
It is to do with change, 25 years history, social innovation & inclusion in Waterford.
The journey has been an interesting one for me and I am very much looking forward to the continuing work.
I'm loving that it combines my experience as a consultant and my visual practice as an artist. In reality that is why I started to develop a socially engaged arts practice in 2007.

Sneak peak 1: research imagery.

Research material St.Brigid's commission 2011. Roisin Markham

The staff connected with the centre had already distilled what they wanted to be documented and recorded via this commission. They wanted a representation of a tree from the image on the right hand side. I was handed that document in my first meeting...
I'll be blogging more about the process, development of ideas. In particularly how I've moved the project from an info-graphic of factual data and a tree, taking their starting point, acknowledging changes and bringing the commission back to the core of the centre's work, people and their community. Plus not reinventing and using symbols already used at St.Brigid's Family Resource Centre in Waterford City.
Yes that is powerpoint. Its functional for A4 image printing and ideas.

Sneak peak 2: community invitation small sample of imagery I am working with in post research phase. It will be used for the community engagement invitation poster.

I'll explain the idea in full soon. Memories, stories, fabric of society, engagement, weaving, listening...

Networking, building conversations for business.

2011-03-24T18:33:00.000Z

As promised here is the presentation from the evening in Ballymahon with Longford and Westmeath Enterprise Boards Women in Business joint networking event that I spoke at giving a presentation and facilitated the business women putting the information into action!

Networking, building conversations for business

View more presentations from Roisin Markham

The presentation started with 'a conversation about networking' of course. I mixed experiential training, individual worksheets, pairing up for some work and mixing people collectively with everyone shake hands warm energiser plus lets see this in action.
To often I have seen these networking events used as promotional branding for someone's business - where little of no information is shared in a useful and applicable format. When I stand up to give a presentation I want people to be able to use the information straight away.
Looking forward to the feed back on the session.
I have to say I really enjoyed giving the session I have a lot to say about networking. I add a whole lot of tips from my personal experience. I think no one tells you the rules so it can be more difficult to engage.
Communications is often at the core of the work I do. Typically around clients, products, people and teams. I've a lot of real experience that I share in a very practical way delivering interactive events, training and open facilitation.
Do you belong to a business network that could benefit from a facilitated session like this? Lets open a conversation click here.

Networking yeah in real life too

2011-03-22T20:44:00.000Z

On Wednesday the 23rd of March I will be hosting double County Enterprise Board Women in business Network event for Longford and Westmeath.

CreativeDynamix, enterprise network and business development

If your in the area be great to meet you; Cooneys Hotel, Ballymahon, Longford 5-7pm. Call the CEB's to book.
One of the things I will be talking about is the hidden value of peoples networks to each others business

What you don't see when you meet someone. Roisin Markham

If you can't make it to Longford tomorrow watch out for the presentation being posted via slideshare before the end of the week. It won't have the added extra's like the worksheets or 'What do you want out of Networking? What's available?" or the interactive elements but you'll pick up on lots of networking tips.
In the mean time have a read on the CreativeDynamix site of
Networking 101
Developing networking skills
Networking master classes: Tips for remembering names and faces
Networking and Creative Strategy & what a previous CEB Networking group enjoyed the most

Team building as integrative element in business and training

2011-03-21T09:05:00.003Z

Yesterday morning I was curious to hear Sam Smyth on Sunday, Today FM discuss motivating staff without money, he touched briefly on team building. The comments about integrating team building exercises into off sites and the falling away of old approaches to team building activities like paint balling etc. were interesting to hear as this is a trend I have noticed in the past eighteen months. The move is more towards an integrated and experiential approach of which I am an advocate.
I sent a few tweets out this morning

@creativedynamix on twitter

but I wanted to add more to them as team building is part of the conversation I have been having with clients for many years. Plus new clients are coming into the conversation exploring the topic with me in new and exciting ways combining engagement, corporate community and team dynamic's. Although I have blog posts on Creativity in the workplace I've never specifically written a post bout team building. Up until now I have been concerned that my approach will only be seen as a team building exercise and I have so much more to offer.
The training and team building experience has to relate to the workplace.

Prototyping team communications with clay.
CreativeDynamix experiential training with Roisin Markham

The context of what is being solved has to be at the core of the design of the training or role out of any change. In my experience with tech teams, not for profits boards and corporate communities the more experiential the training where behaviours and situations can be looked at in a parallel way rather then head on the more effective the training. Understanding core issues that are impacting effective team work, defining them and setting about to create environments to work through is where experiential training delivers the best value for your buck.
After all what are you trying to solve with team building? Building better teams builds better business. Communications are key to effective work practices within organisations to clients and about products.
The effectiveness of any training is how easy it is to put into practice? do you agree?
Well I design training so that the experience can be felt. You physically work through something but the perspective is shifted so that you get a deeper insight and learning experience. I think you have to be careful about setting up predefined outcomes for team building training. Depending on the situation but typically it is better to allow individuals come to the situation, explore, evaluate, experience and work through the resolve within the team. While facilitating the training I watch groups work. I see communication patterns among teams or with individuals clearly. Sometimes further attention and support is needed. If during group feedback sessions these are not raised I have mechanisms to draw attention to them but again I evaluate that and determine the best way to respond.
This builds the team experience at different levels because it is designed that way. I have been told by participants of CreativeDynamix team building that some of the experiences linger because they are so different.
Again I recite that old Chinese Proverb

Tell me and I will forget;

Show me and I may remember;

Involve me and I will understand.

I've a couple of other things to share on this but busy day ahead.

Making work. UCD Lecture

2011-03-16T19:44:00.000Z

Last year due to being snowed in my original lecture 'Is art at the core of job creation' got shelved in favour of

“Creative ideas…

are just that unless you can make them happen”

I delivered the lecture on the February 24 in the wonderful light filed Quinn School of Business Building in University College Dublin.

Making work. UCD Lecture, Roisin Markham

View more presentations from Roisin Markham

The last slide has links to projects where I demonstrate all the areas I mention. Hope you enjoy looking through them. love to hear your comments and feedback.

There were some questions that I am still thinking about
Q. Did I think I should be influencing policy? I think it would be arrogant of me to think that I should be influencing policy. I need to concentrate on getting what I am doing right and build from there.
Q. There is a lot of energy in your work how do you nurture that? Is social media important in that context? I live in a big wide open space close to nature. Anyone that knows me or sees me tweet "I'm off to my other office" will know I have headed down to the beach... I find I do certain types of work there.
I hate to call it this but social media is like my water cooler it has provided me with external contact, conversation and networking. This is starting to move away from the virtual and into deeper conversations and meet ups. I also use twitter and Facebook for research. I made great contacts via twitter and built some business from it.
'It's only recently that artists could have a full time job being artists' I've thought a lot about that comment from one of the students and the subsequent suggestion that this will desist because artists also need sustainable strategies and new business models in the current economic flow. Artists whether they like it or not run businesses or remain in self-employment. If they don't think they are they are in denial. But then I am not your A-typical fine artist. I respond creatively and with focus to others needs my work does not always have to be at the centre.
Another student asked 'should an artist work not be at the centre?' great question. I think my response dealt with the society norm of what appears in art centres and galleries. It goes back to what has been defined in establishments of 'artists work'. While I think there should be space for all type of work I choose to have a socially engaged practice that intersects community, enterprise and the arts.I fully own all my skills and combine them to bring the best possible outcome a unique response. That is my creative practice. Sometimes I make experiences and other times I make pieces of art.
If you took over your local arts centre what would you do immediately? My local arts centre has gone through huge changes and improvements in the last few years and it has been great to see it go from strength to strength. It has a great children's and family program. I would introduce outreach programs. There is no point in bringing amazing exhibitions if people are not accessing them. I think the centre is to 'location' based.
There were plenty of other questions explore but these are the ones that stayed with me.

I hope you enjoy the slides have you any questions?
Love to hear your comments and feedback.

Celebrate, yes! art, activities and artefacts

2011-03-07T21:54:00.000Z

How do you mark occasions? How do you celebrate achievements?
Last year I worked with a school in Dublin to celebrate and mark the occasion of sixth class completing school.
The aims were to

make an individual celebration piece of art with the sixth class pupils
make a collaborative piece of art as a sixth class to mark the year
leave a significant visual reminder and acknowledgement of the children in the school
commemorate the importance of the school in the primary education of the children and class

A pretty good day was had and this is the artefact that I created for presentation to pupils and the school at the graduation ceremony. I hear it hangs in the school and proudly on some of the past pupils walls.

A picture of ‘me’ a snap shot of you.

Roisin Markham. 2010

The memory maker day started at the school first thing with some game playing in the yard, building trust connecting through fun and experiential learning. Equipment was three balls of wool and a packet of chalk.
Then the group met in the library and we sat in a circle. I had asked everyone to bring in a photography that they liked of themselves. I encouraged everyone to share why? For a group on the brink of being teenagers some were awkward with this task but they did great and we were clear about ground rules from the offset.
Then we returned to the classroom where I gave a brief introduction to portraiture, spoke about the emergence of photography and how that influenced it. I introduced some reference books on painting and photography historic and contemporary they were meet with great interest.
There were two worksheets the first asked the participants to find a portrait they liked and discuss it. The second was for the end of the day and was more reflective on the day as a process.
After the introduction of the first worksheet the class was divided into groups. I took the first group into the library. The students were asked to take portraits of each other using digital cameras. Then they returned to class and had access and choice on how they wanted to manipulate the image. When all 23 students had completed these tasks the day was almost done. We had some discussion on what they liked most about the day. The games and portrait shots seemed to get top of the class. Worksheet 2 was then explore and the day completed.
Then my job part two started. I took all the portraits away along with a disc containing images of the class from when they started in Junior Infants. The borders is a photo mosaic of a selection of those images. As you can see the portraits are in the middle. The text at the bottom has the school logo to the right. The graduating class pupils names 2010, teachers and other adults involved in the class. Also listed are all the children, teachers and staff who came in to the class at different stages and left before graduation.
The poster was then digitally printed. When it was framed I think it became a true artefact.
It was a very nice piece of celebratory art to create.
I enjoyed the the fact the group were involved and had input into the creativity of it; we used technology and photography, gaming, exploration of a topic through immersion into the idea and I got to complete the project as I devised it with very few compromises. All in all a great project.

Strategic planning, an introduction

2011-03-01T10:44:00.003Z

Last week I went to Westmeath in the the Irish Midlands to talk to the Women in Business Network that is run by the local county enterprise board (CEB). The meeting was held in Mullingar Park Hotel and they get an extra shout out because they lay on a complementary PC and printer in the conference centre, plus the coffee I had was excellent.
My laptop does not like taking to other electronic items especially when it comes to me plugging in somewhere and making a presentation! I had arranged a back up with Edel Bowles of SHEQ Training. After the presentation was sorted I sat with Edel and we welcomed other early networkers. Love meeting women in business networks. You get such a mix in the SME market (small medium enterprise). I was amazed and impressed with the geographical appeal of Westmeath CEB, Roscommon, Athlone all represented, more then half had driven twenty miles plus. The Women in Business Network also offers great value a speaker, full lunch and networking opportunity all for €10, great value.
Aileen McGrath arrived she runs the network and is the assistant CEO at the Westmeath CEB. Always nice to meet someone and put a name to a face.
Aileen organised everyone into to starting positions for speed networking. A noisy session ensued which is usually a good indicator that people are talking. However I'm not a fan of speed networking. I think it defeats the purpose. For me networking is about building relationships and I'd rather meet and connect well with a few people then have a minute and a half to be pitched badly by twenty businesses. I know it works for some if it is part of your networking strategy and it works well for you, tell me why.
I read a great profile on twitter this morning that stated "I think life is a search for people". Yes that's what I think networking is about. I've several blogs on the subject and have worked with business networks to facilitate best practices in networking and network strategy. This work was based primarily on research for my socially engaged arts practice around engaging audiences and creative projects with groups. This has of course evolved into creative and open facilitation work with businesses, not for profits and networks.
After the speed networking I had 45 minutes to introduce my topic. When I work with groups I like people get a practical skill that they can apply. Taking on a topic like strategic planning in 45minutes is more like a taster session for further development. With networks there is usually a mix of businesses and levels of business skills. Business owner managers, solo-entrepreneurs, senior professionals to communicate at that mixed level can be challenging. So I like to have an idea of who is in the room so a few quick fire questions to determine where peoples business was, how long they were in business, how many employees they had and who had done business with someone in the room.
To me strategic planning is second nature -
X - you are here...

VISION - where you want to go.

Q. How are you going to get there?

But this is where businesses get stuck

a vision for business
mapping out a strategy
tracking to achieve that success

Strategic planing is dreaming the big picture into reality. It is about being able to move from the vision to minuet details of making it a reality and tracking that success.

But what if you don't have a big picture for your business? Plenty of small business don't they deal in the day to day of running the business and so trickle along.

So why develop a strategic plan?

CreativeDynamix why strategic planning matters

The idea of how to create a vision requires attention if you'd like more information on that contact me. I love to facilitate creativity and evolving visions for businesses and entrepreneurs. Its part of my creativity in business toolbox.

I also raised the question of what is success for our business and for each of us professionally? Do you know what your is? Do you celebrate your business or teams successes? or are you to busy meeting the next deadline. How do you celebrate? This seemed to hit a cord with several business owners.

Afterwards I sat and had lunch with the central table a great mix of experience and difference between business owners stage of development from starting out to Dragons Den participants.

Jane Walsh, Button Studio was wearing her creations of buttons set in resin very funky and cool. A unique and innovative craft and jewellery based business. Looking forward to hearing how Jane resolves the secret of her own success. Look forward to seeing the Button Studio featured on RTE's Nationwide shortly. Great advice was shared at the table on her focusing on her business strengthens and moving to virtual assistance with administration or a book keeper for accounts.

It was great to meet Alison Cummins whom I had meet in Carlow previously at a South East Women in Business Conference. She is one of two women behind Aliara, a new Irish company founded by Alison and Tara Lane to provide a “Ready To Go” business for people who might not have the knowledge, capital or know how to start up on their own. I think they have a great story to tell about this business and look forward to see them on Dragons Den shortly.

I also look forward to the launch of Bernadette Rocks new business WeightWise which will focus on consultancy and bringing understanding to issues of our relationship with weight rather then diet.
When I go back to the Midlands at the end of March for Building Conversations for business, a joint session with Lonford County Enterprise Board I hope to have enough time to go look at Sharleen McCaffrey's Fashion Design Studio in Athlone, perhaps I'll encourage her to wear one of her classy designs.

After the session I was speaking to Edel Bowles who mentioned that she had two significant contract wins last year and did n't celebrate them. One was wining an ongoing contract and strategic relationship with the Carer' Association of Ireland- a significant one for SHEQ Training in the area of Health and Safety training. She also mentioned great feedback she was getting. Remember to put it up on your website, celebrate your win and share them.

Success is not always just about the bottom line.

Focus, strategic planning

2011-02-21T12:01:00.002Z

Looking forward to travelling to Mullingar to speak to the Westmeath County Enterprise Boards Women in Business Network this Wednesday, February 23rd 2011 on the topic of strategic planning.
Strategic planning. Defining and mapping success for your business.
Slide 3

Slide 4

I'll be talking strategic planning and design led thinking making ideas and skills accessible for women in business and providing SME's with tangible tools for practical application of focus for success.

Looking forward to meeting the network group and discovering businesses in the mid-lands.

Summing up my approach to experiential training

2011-02-17T11:50:00.000Z

Tell me and I will forget;
Show me and I may remember;
Involve me and I will understand.
Chinese Proverb

Writing an email today for a potential new client (Hi Anne) I wrote about my approaches to working with clients she is particularly interested in the arts based methodologies I use for designing workshops:

Experiential training where the event or workshop is designed to anchor an experience for the participant with learning at the core. Creativity is used as a tool to open and engage participants focusing them towards the aims. Approaches can include art materials, active participation, movement, gaming, social media, individual and group work. The training is designed around connecting with self knowledge, discovery, response, approaches to knowledge, sharing, consolidating information, owning actions or out comes, conclusions. Establishing that participants already have their own level of knowledge with the information, it signposts further learning and outlines a path for continued engagement resulting in an experience that empowers learning. This means that participants learn at their own pace and take value from the aims where it is appropriate for them at that time. Devising and facilitating training using this approach offers each participant a unique individual and distinct group collective learning experience.

Have you experienced this approach to training before? Could this approach help you, your business or community?

Fantastic Friday

2011-02-04T07:16:00.001Z

Well how was your week?

This week we saw the celebrations of St. Brigid, Chinese New year and Celtic Imbloc, I've stopped saying Happy New Year and switched to Happy Spring as a greeting... and what a week!
This week saw a definite cut off from last year and strong positive signs of growth.

Westmeath County Enterprise Board has confirmed dates with me to speak on strategic planning and networking master classes. The second session will be a joint session with Longford CEB.
Childcare Network Loch Gorman want me to facilitate their conference which will be focused on positive well being and happiness. Creative facilitation with pre-primary school care givers and educators in Wexford, can't wait to finalise the outline.
University College Dublin (UCD) rescheduled my lecture (which was postponed due to snow in December) the focus has changed. They want me to talk about my arts practice and cultural entrepreneurship. The new lecture will be on

“Creative ideas are just that unless you can make them happen” Making work. Roisin Markham’s response at the intersection of the arts, enterprise and community in modern Ireland.

Started teaching junior and senior infant art after schools program, ages 5 - 7 years. They always give me a different perspective and it is lovely to see such young hands make creative work.

There is the ongoing change consultancy and artifact project with St. Brigid's Family Resource Center in Waterford which is work in progress.

I'm delighted that the 1:1 sessions are going well, successful for clients and I continue to add tools and techniques to make this dynamic and insightful. There are a spaces opening up if your interested. I've started to do sessions with clients in the US via skype the walk and talk is more complicated but we cover that in other ways!

There are a few other projects and discussions bubbling away looking forward to seeing how they develop.

So what wow-ed your week?

The answer is "Yes"

2011-01-31T08:16:00.000Z

Can creativity in the work place and arts based methodologies help forward thinking organisations achieve change by building better relationships between people and process?

What do you think?

I have seen it in action and recorded the process in change.

Have you experienced arts based methodologies? tell me about your experience... if not what information would you like to know?

What action will you take?

2011-01-25T08:30:00.001Z

That block I mentioned.
Is it a Lego block your prototyping and creating with or a cement block you are weighing yourself down with?
What action will you take?
How will you move beyond this limit, how will you learn to grow personally or professionally?
Can you recognise what the block is?
Would you like some help with that?
In the last year a way of working with people on a one to one basis has evolved. I refer to it as creativity coaching it involves illuminating personal pathways. Because creativity is being about being open
I have some 1:1 sessions opening up what would you like support with?
Creativity is more than the arts; it is an attitude toward the daily encountering of how you engage with the world.
Sometimes change is about a different perspective.

Be aware of your comfort zone and your ability to push yourself beyond it.

Remember change is an opportunity disguised as a challenge.

Blocks as personal signposts for growth

2011-01-21T08:24:00.003Z

In reality a lot of struggle and strife in work or self comes down to reaction to change. Positive growth negative entrenched behaviour or just dealing with shifts moving from something familiar to something different. How do you transition through change?
Knowing yourself, understanding your strengths along with being aware of stress triggers, developing a healthy and manageable work life balance along with coping mechanisms are important. Recognising resistance to change or blocks allows you to start the process. Behavior modification around blocks and not knowing how to deal with them translates into fear and being stuck = stress. Stress amplifies blocks and tests our coping mechanisms.

Professional and personal development are linked because of this. Do you agree?

Enabling others to gain different perspectives at various levels of development and in different areas of their lives is a powerful tool for development and growth. I think it is also good practice for professional development, this get amplified when you start working in teams and laterally across communities and networks.
When you hit opposition consider it an opportunity for growth not confrontation.

Helping people use blocks to learn and move on is a key part of the work I do.

This week has been an interesting one for me in terms of my growth. Where is your signpost pointed?

Lets look at it differently for business

2011-01-20T08:24:00.000Z

So what does your business look like? SME, start up, corporation, local governance, not for profit? It's built around tasks accumulating into deadlines and people. You might call them other things and the larger your organisation gets you might think it is more complicated then that but in my experience of industry, enterprise and not for profit sector; multinational goliaths to solo entrepreneurs and local county councils it boils down to tasks, deadlines and people.
So where does it get complicated? Why does it not flow smoothly into "this is what needs to be done and here is how"?
Success with deadlines and getting tasks done boils down to people, communication and change. When those things are not lined up struggling through becomes messy, stressful, arduous and pushes limits.
What are the limits? when we reach them they are not the limits what you meet is a block.
In business I've learned to use blocks to build positive structures for growth rather then walls.
Are you using your blocks to build and grow or to stay stuck?
Part of my creative practice is to work with others at all levels to improve their alignment with success. Consulting in a solution and direct solving is one way, I like to facilitate frameworks in organisations and directly with people. Teaching others to manage growth for themselves and empowering them. Support is one thing but dependence well thats just another block.
Focus, clarity, assessing reality, owning our response, getting clear on what the real objectives are - removing barriers to achieving success. There are a few key things here acknowledging a block, recognising what the challenge is, facilitating the change, seeking support when the path through is unclear.

Enabling businesses to gain different perspectives at various levels of organisation and in different areas of their product or service path means that process, communications, go to market, fiscal focus all get aligned to the strategic nature and purpose of your work.
When you hit opposition consider it an opportunity for growth not confrontation.
I'll be blogging tomorrow on blocks as personal signposts for growth and in reality your professional development is linked with your personal growth.

Use blocks as building materials for staircases not walls

2011-01-19T13:29:00.001Z

In my blog post Letting go of attachment I wrote

Are you using your blocks to build and grow or to stay stuck?

I have since found this phrase popping up in conversation with clients and curious potential clients. On Monday I meet with a new client while we discussed the project she handed me a large sheet of paper among the symbols on it was a big wall. How apt.

We all have blocks, issues and baggage. If you think you don't I'll be frank with you, you're in denial. However if you are working through your blocks and growing I commend you, share with us what works for you.

In a business, community or personal situation blocks become pools of stagnation. They can seem like resting places where we stay but only because we do not know how to continue.

Sometimes parking blocks is enough to help you get through immediate situations I only recommend this approach as a short term solution. Blocks remain and resurface.

Behavior modification around blocks and not knowing how to deal with them translates into fear, miscommunication and being stuck = stress. Stress amplifies blocks and tests our coping mechanisms.

A starting point is to recognise you are stuck and look for how to solve the change.
My biggest blocks have lead me to grow and extend beyond what I thought was capable of both in terms of business challenges with the technology sector and personal catastrophes. It starts with the story of a shy introverted teenage girl with a great smile, I still have the great smile.

Do you know the feeling of push pull happening at the same time? When you physically feel a reaction to something you are asked or feel you are expected to do? That even fleeting moment of resistance where do you sense it? When your boss asks you to do something that is at the edge of your comfort zone, when you need to step up to grow, when you no longer feel good or start stressing out about a particular element of your life. For me that push pull happens some where in my guts.

Interestingly in the 16th century courage and stomach were synonymous with each other. Those phrases "it takes guts" came from a particular point of origin.

It seems appropriate to split this discussion into two. So I'll blog tomorrow on blocks in business and Friday on personal blocks. My own story well you've got to wait a bit longer for that.

So lets look at it differently for business tomorrow see you back here. In the meantime you might also enjoy a blog post I wrote last year What is the trade off for staying stuck? on my personal creative process at http://ballygarrettartstudio.blogspot.com/.

Creativity in business going mainstream?

2011-01-18T09:04:00.000Z

I came across an excellent blog on "How I use visualization" via twitter yesterday. I opened it to discover it was not your typical #vizthink but a VC and two time entrepreneur Mark Suster guest posting on Techcrunch.
It was a long post as I speed read it I knew I needed to make time to read it properly. I left it open knowing I would not get to it till this morning and sensing that it needed me to pay attention.
What a fantastic post the is link below. Great to see someone at this level of business sharing and owning his creativity in business. I love that he knows and understand what makes him tick and is able to share it in an albeit wordy post.
Having taught creative visualisation since the mid 1990's I'm delighted to see that the current trend in design led thinking has brought this creative tool mainstream into business. Or has it?
I like the way Mark describes the lateral and vertical doodling and solving of his thought process.
As I was reading his post I appreciated how a blog like this will allow people to claim their own brand of creativity in business.
Do you know what yours looks like?
Mark Suster guest posting on Techcrunch once again reminded me of the quote

What art offers is space - a certain breathing room for the spirit. ~John Updike

Making space for creativity and new ideas is critical for business success and in other areas of life.
I recall clients whom I worked with in the last year, their working environment had not a single space for new ideas or new thinking. Part of what I do is help people free up space to allow new things to come in.

I was curious that Mark mentioned he prefers to work on initial ideas first and then go to a group. Again this highlights the importance of knowing yourself. However I've worked with all sorts of groups as a facilitator, trainer and community artist. The key is to create environments where people get in and out of their comfort zones allowing them to connect with their creativity and feel stretched so that growth becomes them.

Its a post worth reading How I use visualization via @Techcrunch

Growth, green shoots

2011-01-17T09:59:00.000Z

Are you watching out for signs of growth? Well if you look closely you will find some. I have.

Peeking wild garlic shoots, 2011

On Friday during a client walk and talk at Courtown Woods I had unknowingly been scanning the forest looking for signs of growth. As my client and I finished our meeting and they left I decided to wandered along and do a bit of thinking. Looking more closely at the ground I found the wild garlic making headway through the earth. Fantastic!
I'm also seeing new signs of growth in my business. Projects kicking off, new clients contacting me. Potential clients from last year connecting again. I'm starting to feel a lot more positive about 2011.
If your not familiar with walk and talk it is how I refer to a client consultation or meeting where we literally hold outdoor meetings 'plein air' typically we walk in a forest or by the sea.
Why? It stimulates different approaches, objectivity, amazingly it is a metaphor for exactly how it opens up the discussion and work. I find walk and talks' allow people to be more open, it is good for processing as we move so does the work. The constant rhythm of ones footsteps helps keep the fluidness in discussion.
When business owners or individuals need to shift some part of their business or personal life walking outside removes the constraints of typical meeting environments and defines the difference of the work by the difference in venue. When I walk and talk with a client we progress through work much faster. It works well with bringing clarity, order and approaches for solving.

Galanthus, from my fathers garden

I was delighted this morning to find this image in my inbox the first snowdrop, galanthus for those into Latin plant names. This indeed is encouraging and it truly indicates natures cycle into spring has begun.

What signs of growth are you seeing?

Single most important action

2011-01-14T09:36:00.001Z

The single most important thing I did for my business this week was pick up the phone and start calling my clients. If you have n't heard from me yet you will.
After meltdown Monday, take down Tuesday and wonderful back on track Wednesday I decided I needed to simply say "thank you and I valued your business".
What was their reaction? Firstly a surprise and then a smile. It was wonderful to hear the intonation change. Building relationships is so fundamental to building a business.
It was also great to hear "Roisin, I have been thinking about giving you a call..." and "you did a great job" but don't take my word for it you can read what my clients have said about CreativeDynamix in the new Testimonial section on my site, some of these are via linkedin.
For the last two years I have shared my gratitude practice through the Global Gratitude Postcard Project #GGPP. It seemed really appropriate to extend gratitude into my business and let people who have trusted CreativeDynamix with their business know that I value that.
I'll be surprised if you are reading this and don't get it but I've worked and networked with plenty of people that miss the point.
What's was the point? I was n't asking for anything. I was n't selling.
I was making contact. I am valuing my clients.
You may like to translate this into a customer service strategy go ahead but do it sincerely and I guarantee it will increase your business or your money back.

What is the single most important thing you have done for your business this week?

Artists as innovators, I could have told you that

2011-01-13T07:32:00.001Z

"In the 21st century, the UK’s economic competitiveness and social wellbeing will increasingly depend on our ability to innovate. A significant part of the innovation process revolves around ‘creativity’ – the ability to generate new ideas, or to restructure and redeploy old ones."

From the @nesta_uk report on the similarities between fine arts and #innovation(PDF here) caught on an early tweet via @jorgebarba a retweet from @ralph_ohr.

How open is your organisation to inviting in an artist to sit at the table?

Moving on from attachment

2011-01-12T00:23:00.000Z

Snow Labyrinth, Wexford 2010

Yesterday I realised I was attached to some deflated idea of success.
2010 had a lot of things going for CreativeDynamix and Roisin Markham, yes it did and while blogging yesterday I realised I was being too attached. The idea of being in the now counters my instinct for strategic planning and visualising the future but along with being a reality check it is also a good starting point.
I came across this quote last night after returning from the Wexford Management Forum Meeting.

If you want to be happy, be. ~ Leo Tolstoy

via @createthechange RT @IMRobertdmWe oft need to remind ourselves that our worlds change, our lives are fluid, our ability to flex and adapt empowers us to move on. We can change the game. We can move.

Even the tallest tree bends in the wind.

Where are you in your game? Are you struggling?
What are you holding on to? Are you using your blocks to build and grow or to stay stuck?
When work is going well there is a certain flow. Yes, thats right go with it, follow that and it works.
So what are you attached to that no longer serves you?

Post 2010, is this too frank?

2011-01-11T13:56:00.007Z

I've been looking back at 2010 and I'm disappointed.
Last week I reviewed my annual turnover, although it had increased by 30%. I was acutely disappointed.
I'm curious what was your experience of 2010?
Lets be clear I was n't disappointed my business grew during a recession or that I gained new clients and retained plus deepened relationships with existing clients. I was also delighted all my clients paid their invoices in 2010 - unlike 2009 - but the cash flow was bumpy in some cases five months for payments. I also recognise having to choose not to do work because it did not make business sense. However I did discounted and negotiate fees and costs through out last year to get work and secure projects. I acknowledge I got paid for doing what I enjoy.
It was fantastic to work with new clients like World Vision Ireland and Waterford County Enterprise Board, Childcare Network Loch Gorman, RAPID, Wexford Local Sports Partnership Board & the Irish Sports Council, Wexford Town Library, Cottage Autism Network and Gorey Town Council. It was great to deepen relationships with existing clients these guys are always great to work with

Arts Department Wexford County Council
Wexford County Enterprise Board,
Camphill Ballymoney Project
Wexford County Councils Community and Enterprise Department
Gorey Educate Together National School

There were groups of individual private clients who I mentored and others who attended workshops or 1:1 sessions choosing my left of field creative coaching style, all good.

I was n't disappointed to break new ground, test drove ideas, honed training programs, facilitated challenging groups, helped clients solve communication strategy and think tank through blocks.
My clients benefited from bespoke training, talks and events. Why would I be disappointed to develop new projects? I was n't.

I really enjoyed documenting and maintained an online presence. I loved creating Of earth and soul, a new body of creative work and workshops that had a unique funding strategy (thank you to those who patron-ed and purchased vouchers). Of earth and soul was well received, selling a third of the work at exhibition and workshops were well attend.

I was amazed at the consistently positive high scoring feedback from trainees, clients and to see on linkedin and twitter people saying my training sessions had changed their lives.
I met great people and helped some of them connect and network further with others and information.

So why am I angry and disappointed?
My revenue stream does not tally with all the great work and how well I thought I was doing.
For me as a business woman it's the bottom line that counts. Consultancy, training, facilitation, project work and public speaking are all part of my business.
The idea is to strike a balance between profit and not for profit. With the less funded creative projects benefiting from the better paid work. My business is based on using my skill set to solve business, organisational and social issues.
I have identified ways to increase business. This time next year I am going to be delighted with the quality, quantity and revenue that my business has created in 2011, how?
I am planning on it!
Already in 2011 I have been approached twice and offered work but with no fee. Thats not work. It is something that comes up regularly. Why do people think I will work for nothing? It is something I am clear about, if you want to hire me you pay a fee or an agreed quantifiable benefit.
Now I'm frustrated. Pah!
Do you get asked to work for nothing? How do you deal with it?
This song seems appropriate.

Oasis - Don't Look Back In Anger

pepe | Myspace Video

Moaning is not in my usual repertoire and I don't advocate it. But then I don't often find myself this disappointed either.

What are your success criteria for work, your business and professional life?

I promise not to stay this grumpy for long maybe till the end of the day.

Strategy, decisive action, networking, clarity of communication, support and asking "can I solve that for you?" thats the order of the day from here on out.

As of now the ante has been upped. I'm moving on.

Compass setting through 2011 towards 2012

2011-01-06T12:12:00.000Z

for this year to be a success you really have to project yourself into this time next year. In January 2012 imagine yourself looking back at 2011... what do you want to be looking back on? make a list write it down.

2011 your business. Will it be a case of maintaining your business and keeping it a float or will you grow your business?

Will you drop unsuccessful aspects? Focus on new areas to develop? Will you consolidate or close a business? Or establish new ones?

How do you want 2011 to change your business? What will you be solving for your clients this year? that is the real question to answer.

A note about goals, they are only achievable if you put a project plan in place around them and make actionable items, project manage the actions so that you get real change and real impact.

You in 2011. Will you grow your own strengthens and develop professionally and personally?

Is there an app for that? aha I bet there is but you can't beat a pencil and a piece of paper or even a bit of day dreaming. In 2011 what will be the wow for you?

Setting your compass for 2011

2011-01-05T13:21:00.000Z

How are you setting your compass for 2011? what does the direction look like? What does the compass look like for your business? For you professionally? What does it look like for your mastermind group?
This time next year what do you want to be celebrating? In 2012 what will you be looking back and saying "YES, that was great, I achieved that, we accomplished it".

2010

What are you saying you achieved in 2010?

Have you marked that yet?

What was great for you and your business in 2010?

I'd love to hear about it, leave me a comment and yes do please brag...

Technology and communication

2010-12-23T12:05:00.001Z

There are positives and negatives to any element of society you want to consider. My last two blog posts have looked at technology and communication in particular the 'social media' scene that includes Twitter, Facebook, Linked, Youtube, Myspace, Foursquare the list is long and being added to all the time.
I have been thinking about how developing communication alienates and separates us rather then bring us together.
Bet you weren't expecting that... if you are reading this blog you probably came via twitter or my facebook page so you know I am an open communicator. But stop for a minute this is virtual is it a real communication?
Are we really connecting? or are we casually consuming and link hoping? and how is that effecting our isolation as we sit on trains, planes at our desks consuming in our personal social space. Previously would we have had conversations with the person beside us? Would we have picked up the phone?
I'm curious are you connecting? How are you engaging?

What is the social impact of communication technology?

2010-12-10T08:59:00.001Z

CreativeDynamix is interested in the social impact of communication technology, positive or negative experiences both online and in the real world. How have the changes in communication technology impacted our 'face to face' communication (and not just in relation to business). How have the mobile phone, twitter and social networks effected us in the long term? Have they separated us further? or have they linked us more? are we really communicating?
I have been looking out for information and research that explores social media and its effects on us and how it is altering our communication landscape.
First up is The Social Impact of Technology by Tiffany St James from the excellentLike Minds space.

The second is some research she mentions by McCann Universal which has been published in the form of Waves.

Wave5 the socialisation of brands By Universal McCann

View more presentations from Julius Trujillo.

The latest research published in October 2010 covers 53 markets, 37,600 respondent Wave 5 on Scribd.com it can be read online or downloaded. Or you can review it here
Some of the previous waves are available on slideshare.net and are good introductions to the developing area of communication technology:
Power To The People: Wave 4 Social Media Study by Universal McCann

Power To The People Social Media Tracker: Wave 3 Study by Universal McCann

Universal Mccanns When Did We Start Trusting Strangers

View more presentations from mickstravellin.

It is interesting to note the change of style in presenting the information.
Obviously their website is worth a search around http://www.umww.com/
Have you come across other information or research you think I would find interesting?

Is social media altering how we speak to each other?

2010-12-09T10:56:00.001Z

I have had several conversations with people in the last year about how social media alters our conversation and connections.

In my experience when I meet someone whom I'm linked to online I feel connected and find myself jumped into a deeper conversation. Since joining twitter the effect has been escalated, facebook and linkedin.com less so.

In traditional face to face networking that deeper conversation can take anywhere from three to seven meetings. Social media seems to circumvent those social norms and I have found myself thinking and wondering about how this new type of communication is altering our world.

Initially I found this disconcerting. Hoping past the "Hello, who are you?" straight into something real and important. Is it an Irish thing? The chat before the real conversation? I doubt it. I've readjusted and have become comfortable with the difference.

I know of others whom have had a real contrast to my experience when meeting people at a tweetup they were meet with "I know you" and then nothing. A real false start and vapid communication.

What have your experiences been? Do you think social media is altering how we speak to each other?

Current questions & areas of interest in my practice

2010-12-08T12:54:00.000Z

1. How are artists relevant in today’s society? to entrepreneurs, job hunters, children, not for profits, communities, businesses, networks, health workers, Joe Blogs, Jane Doe and you...

2. Can art get people back to work?

3. How can technology, social media & mobile apps add value to community development through creative engagement?

4. Can arts based methodologies help forward thinking organisations achieve change by building better relationships between people and process? in enterprise, communities and not for profits. Linked to this strand is valuing social capital beyond the bottom line and volunteering moving to building communities and networks.

5. Creative and reflective practices giving focus and clarity. Work life balance, happiness quotient, play, authentic self.

Areas of interest, currently reading, researching and thinking about:

Visual communications, design, arts and cultural contexts to building better societies.

Social Enterprise solving unemployment by solving community development, sustainability and building social skills. Adding positive value through building ethical businesses at local levels.

Moving online engagement into real time action and social connectivity.

Urban play and on street gaming linking into geo-cashing for creative projects and tourism. Plus rural context for connecting places with people and stories.

Original COLLABORATION questions framed in May 2009.

Job seeking skills, creativity when looking for employment.

2010-12-02T10:20:00.001Z

During the summer I was invited to speak on the subject of 'Creativity in job searching skills'. I was delighted to hear that this new client had throughly checked my background online; my blogs, Linkedin.com profile and slideshares. Recognising some of my clients she called and got direct recommendations.
Last month I spoke at VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) event in Wexford called The next Step. The presentation I delivered is below.
A new type of event for organised by the Wexford Vocational Education Committee and Grace Finlay. They invited people from the four main towns New Ross, Enniscorthy, Gorey and Wexford to meet together and attend two speaker sessions. It almost had the feeling of an unconference which I think would be a great next step.
I posting this here with the intention that those who need some extra support right now as they are in work search mode will find it.

Job seeking skills, being creative when looking for employment

View more presentations from Roisin Markham.

It is interesting that the strands around enterprise, innovation, job creation and asking the question about how an artist is relevant in todays society have melded and merged. Design lead thinking is emerging as an important part of my response.

Modeling excellence who leads?

2010-11-22T14:57:00.000Z

Modelling excellence who leads?

Last Friday I had the privilege to facilitate a session with Wexford Local Sports Partnership Board (LSPB), Irish Sports Council and Wicklow County LSPB. The topic was "Local Sports Partnership pooling individual skills into collective leadership for Sports Active Wexford".
The following blog post is not only directed from Fridays event but as an observation of my experience with voluntary boards, committees and steering groups.
Boards of governance that influence policy need to get the basics right. How do they function, what are the roles and responsibilities of the group and individuals.
What Friday's session did was reconnect me with previous experiences that highlighted for me the context of moving from doing work to leadership and towards best practices.
In an ideal setting groups working towards the greater good would ideally start off as they mean to continue with a best practices model. But what if one does not exist?
Who models best practices? Where do groups gain that experience?
It new boards coming together rely solely on the expertise within the group to harness its collective do they risk a false start? How can they over come that? With such diversity on boards from experience, practical skills to understanding the community context they need to be given every possible signpost to expedite the workload and effect governance.
However it is important that community boards work towards the vision, strategic direction and aims of the organisation. Focus, learning, assessment, fact, decision making and moving forward are all required as new teams of people learn to work together.
On a practical level it is important to get on with the work, fix the basics as you work along and build towards best practices.
It seemed appropriate to find @innovate tweet about 50 quotes on vision on Blogging Innovation
“You’ve got to think about big things while you’re doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction.” – Alvin Toffler
In Wexford we have a Community Forum run by Wexford County Councils Department of Community and Enterprise. This group in Wexford models excellence and works with and in the community to provide support, training and continues to work with partners towards an agreed vision for Wexford County.

I'll be blogging more about leadership and the session on Friday as my report is being compiled.

Global Gratitude Postcard Project #GGPP

2010-11-04T19:37:00.000Z

Really enjoyed being interviewed by Julie Ann Turner and launching the Global Gratitude Postcard Project 2010 the twitter hashtag is #GGPP. Love that she has me keeping amazing company on her itunes podcast listings with Dan Pink and Seth Goodwin. Thanks Julie Ann and cheers to all you guys locally who let me know via twitter and facebook that you were listening in really appreciated that.
The interview will be posted here shortly. In the interview I mention some of my recent work which can be viewed here.

Postcards - Postcards - Postcards

While preparing for the interview yesterday I was thinking about my relationship with postcards. I used to have stacks of old biscuit tins full to the brim with postcards as a child. In the time before the internet I treasured the pictures, the sending, the stamps, postmarks and stories of experiences in snippets.
I remember seeing The Hinde Collection exhibited in a gallery as a teenager, the postcard manufacturer had very particular images of Ireland. Social history will reveal his direct influence over how Ireland was perceived. The images are considerably dated. How does one describe pre-retro? Archaic.. dated Ireland.
My parents still write postcards to my children and their other grandchildren on their trips away. It is a lovely thing to see a postcard from them when they have just been in Dublin to see a new exhibition in one of the National Galleries.
Do you write postcards? When was the last time you sent one?
Do you think you might join in the gratitude postcard project?
I've designed the project to be easy and super accessible. My ethos is after all access to art for all and this project steps up. I've tested this idea in a supermarket in Wexford and proved the theory that anyone can be creative if given the opportunity. You can just choose to make a postcard. Instructions are on a .PDF that can be printed and shared, maybe leave one in the staff canteen or your local family center? You will find them here

doodle, draw, scribble, colour, collage

Let me know how you go.
Julie Ann and I would like to invite you to take a photograph of the postcard and share it to the http://consciousshift.posterous.com/ site. Sharing could n't be easier just put the image in an email it and send to post[at]consciousshift.posterous[dot]com a link to simple sharing is here.
The postcard strand of work that continues now into its second year started as training element. At the end of certain training sessions I would ask participants to self address a postcard and write down three points that they had learned in the training. Then I would collect all the postcards, take them back to the studio, apply stamps and a few days after I would post them. The method is based in self directed reinforced learning. The postcards were of my art work with a link to my blog and my name. So it worked on several levels.
When I worked on the Wexford project and blogged about it I got great feedback on twitter, Julie Ann saw the global potential for this project through its creative simplicity.

As I say on my facebook page

Creative on an adventure join in!