My Creative Life: Talking Heads
My Creative Life: Talking Heads
2 December 2021 – 6 March 2022
2 December 2021 – 6 March 2022
The heads on display are the expression of a creative process facilitated by Janna Edwards and the Dorset Museum. Annette Ratuszniak, the former curator of the Elisabeth Frink estate, introduced participants to Frink’s sculptures to inspire them. Working with clay has enabled the group to express how they have felt and still feel as we continue to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The project is part of a pilot, funded by Dorset Council and Arts Council England, managed by Arts Development Company using the Help and Kindness digital platform to advertise creative activities in the community.
Talking Heads: the project
Talking Heads is an art installation resulting from six workshops at Dorset Museum led by Janna Edwards of 15 Days of Clay. The experience has given the group a sense of ownership and something to be proud of. It has also brought people back together again many of whom were isolated and very lonely during the lockdown.
The workshops started in March 2020 and were aimed at adults with learning difficulties, young men with mental health issues and older people suffering from isolation, loneliness and living with dementia. Many of the participants had not worked with clay before. During the workshops they echoed the highly textured surfaces of Frinks sculptures, allowing the material to speak as she did. Each group member followed a set way of making the basic head form, features, and colour finish.
The idea was to replicate the way Frink worked and the bold, powerful presence depicted in her heads. By providing a place of safety and freedom from judgement, this project has encouraged the artists to be open. They can represent their thoughts and emotions through working with clay.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
The Victorian Hall will be hosting a private event on Friday 10th June 2022, all day and Saturday 11th June 2022, 12 noon to 5:00 pm, and therefore will be closed to visitors.
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Opening hours:
Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 4.00pm -
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This project is part of a pilot, funded by Dorset Council and Arts Council England, managed by Arts Development Company using the Help and Kindness digital platform to advertise creative activities in the community.
The Artists
“I’ve found the workshops very relaxing, with no pressure, just encouraged to be myself. Working with clay has been challenging and to begin with I found it a struggle, but the more I’ve attended, the more I think I’ve achieved.”
“I’ve always liked craft work. It’s a good way to put feelings and memories across. Some people explode with emotion and some people do it quietly. This has been a different way of saying what I think.”
“Working with clay totally absorbs me and I forget other things. I’ve enjoyed working with my hands, just playing with the clay.”
“Since taking part I’ve met up with other people and have made new friends. I’ve chosen to put a rainbow in the middle of my sculpture. My head is gazing up at that rainbow, dreaming.”
Elisabeth Frink
Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993) Dame Elisabeth Frink RA, one of the most significant British sculptors of the 20th century, lived in Dorset from 1976 until 1993. She dealt with themes that reflected upon human existence. Drawing and printmaking played an important part in the development of her ideas.
What's On
14 March to 12 June 2022
A Virus a Day Textile Art by Antje Rook
Antje Rook created the A Virus a Day quilt created in response to Covid-19. The Portland artist embroidered one virus for every day of the first 2020 UK lockdown while she was isolating with her partner.
Find out more28 May – 30 October 2022
Take a fresh look at the Victorian novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy, in the stunning Wessex landscapes that shaped his view of the world. His story will be retold in exciting new ways by our museum collections, from period costumes to personal letters, art to archaeology.
Find out more31 May 2022, 10:00am - 12noon
Half Term ArtyFacts
Model theatre-making based on Hardy's novels and the model by Thomas Tilley for the Hardy Players in the Hardy's Dorset Gallery.
Find out more2 June 2022, 10:00am - 12noon
Half Term ArtyFacts
Create your own wooden Victorian decoupage box using Victorian images and decoration in association with the Thomas Hardy exhibition and the Hardy's Dorset gallery. Younger children will be able to create simple Victorian collages.
Find out more11 June 2022, 10:30am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tours
A guided tour of one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England.
Find out more17 June - 11 July 2022, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Hardy’s Wessex: Drawing on the ancient past
This six-week course led by artist Helen Garrett will take you on a creative journey through Thomas Hardy’s work, inspirations and Dorset Museum’s collections.
Find out more18 June 2022, 11:30am - 4:00pm
Dorset Button making day
Join Dorset button maker and artist Anna McDowell to explore the history of Dorset button-making and take part in a workshop to make your own buttons.
Find out more19 June 2022, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Sunday ArtyFacts
Create colourful wax resist and collaged patchwork patterns and shapes inspired by Valentine Ackland's jacket from our Dorset Artists gallery. Make your own cards and bookmarks with colourful designs to take home.
Find out more22 June 2022, 7:30pm
Connaught Brass
Connaught Brass are quickly making a name for themselves as a fresh talent in the chamber music world
Find out moreWe’re Good To Go
We have gained the Visit England ‘We’re Good To Go’ kitemark confirming we’re following national COVID 19 guidelines for managing visits to our site.
✔ Face masks must still be worn to keep you, our staff and our volunteers safe unless you are exempt!
✔ Sanitisation stations will still be in place and we encourage you to use them.
✔ Social distancing will remain.
✔ Regular cleaning of our interactive exhibits will still take place.
This guidance will stay in place until further notice.
