My theme initially explored what it means to belong & the impact the sense of belonging has on hormones & performance.
Research into the crossovers between art and anatomy, the strength and functions of the female pelvis as a structure to create a belonging environment with functions of attraction, nesting and support.
Womb Installation
Collaboration with Teigan Ross, 16 Days of Action Art Exhibition at West Lothian College, December 2022
Materials: Fabric, Lights, Sound & Heat
An interactive installation to create the experience of being inside the womb .
Installed in a darkened gazebo with subtle lighting and ambient background sounds of the womb.
The replica fabric womb is cushioned and heated and large enough for an adult to crawl into, in the foetal position, to create a safe, comforting environment to experience the sense of safety and belonging experienced in the womb.
'HELP' Live Art Performance
Collaboration with Marie Henderson & Jill Harvey, Edinburgh, December 2022
An interactive Live Art event, presented as homeless with large text of 'HELP' on cardboards OFFERING help.
Helen, Marie and Jill all experienced feeling invisible despite attempts to engage with passers by.
Help was rare forthcoming, eye contact avoided by the majority and Help that was offered was from those who may have experience of needing help themselves.
The finale was with Pete who asked if we were in distress and then strongly embraced each of us.
We all noticed a surge of endorphins, oxytocin and serotonin, the 'happy' hormones for days afterwards
