This is the last Meet the Volunteer of 2018, and it’s our great pleasure to introduce you to the amazing Hana Wilde, who volunteered in our ReConnect workshops.
Are you a graduate or undergraduate artist? Can you tell us what course you are on, or a little about your art practice?
I am an Applied Arts HND graduate from City of Glasgow College. I am a visual artist with a particular interest in mental health, environmentalism, and participatory art.
In what workshop did you volunteer?
I volunteered with ReConnect on Friday mornings.
Why did you apply to volunteer at Project Ability?
I had been aware of Project Ability’s work for a long time and was keen to be involved. I am especially interested in the link between art and mental health, and I wanted to see the therapeutic potential of supported studios in practice.
Did your experience live up to your expectations?
Absolutely. The studios are a very supportive and open place, and it was inspiring to see how well they work for the artists who use them. The community of artists and tutors in Project Ability is so welcoming – it’s an amazing hub of creative energy.
What have you learned from your experience with us?
It has helped me to learn how best to support people, as an outside voice- when to suggest possible directions for their work, different media or techniques, or artist inspiration- and when someone just needs a listener to work something through.
Do you have a favourite Project Ability artist or art work that has stood out for you?
It’s impossible to choose one particular work or artist, as everyone has such a unique and individual approach. It has been really refreshing to be in such a relaxed and creative environment, and see the sense of freedom that the artists have to try out different media and ideas. In my own work it has helped me to keep a sense of creative play and remember not to get too serious or fearful of trying new things!
Would you recommend others to volunteer with us?
Definitely. Even though I had moved to Argyll by the time I started volunteering, it was well worth the journey each week to come and volunteer in the studios.
Any other comments?
It has been lovely to be welcomed so whole-heartedly into the Project Ability studios, and to get to know the ReConnect artists. Thanks to everyone who has been so warm and kind. Project Ability has been a really inspiring example of the importance of access to creative spaces, community and resources.
Many thanks to Hana and all our fantastic volunteers of 2018! If you would like to volunteer with us in 2019, we are currently accepting applications until 06 January.
