This is our second Meet the Volunteers this week, this time with the wonderful Katrina Cobain, who supported our young artists during our Saturday Visual Arts Classes.
Are you a graduate or undergraduate artist? Can you tell us what course you are on, or a little about your art practice?
I have just graduated from the Glasgow School of Art’s Sculpture and Environmental Art course. My practice spans a wide range of media from performance to writing, always with an avid sense of humour at its heart.
In what workshop did you volunteer?
The Create Programme Saturday afternoon classes, for teenagers and young adults.
Why did you apply to volunteer at Project Ability?
I applied to volunteer with Project Ability after doing some workshops with children in the summer. I had such a fun experience and found the way they approached creativity and art really inspiring, so wanted to continue helping out in these environments. Project Ability allowed me to gain more experience with teenagers and young adults, as well as those with different support needs, whilst really feeling the effect art has on their lives. After such an intense final year at Art School, it was really brilliant to see artists making for the sheer love of it again!
Did your experience live up to your expectations?
I really didn’t know what to expect when I turned up for my first day to volunteer at Project Ability. I felt a bit nervous but I really hoped to have fun. It completely surpassed my expectations, from teaching me new skills to being a really bright fixture in my weekly routine. It has been amazing to be a part of such a positive and vibrant creative community and get to know some very inspiring artists. Everyone in Project Ability has been so welcoming and it was great to fit in right away.
What have you learned from your experience with us?
I have learnt from the artists not to be so afraid of making! Rather than over-complicate things, just try things out and see what happens, and not to have a fear of what others might think of your work. Every week in the classes someone would start a new, massive canvas and it was just brilliant to see such freedom in the way people work. Nothing is ever daunting at Project Ability, which is really inspiring. I have also gained some new skills from the volunteering both practical and social, which I hope to build upon in future.
Do you have a favourite Project Ability artist or art work that has stood out for you?
There is a real scene in Project Ability for fantastic portrait work. Whether made using felt tip or oil paints, I found myself really drawn to the portraits created by the artists, whether of their friends and family or favourite celebrities and characters. They have really sparked my interest in appreciating more of this kind of work!
Would you recommend others to volunteer with us?
Absolutely! It really has been a wonderful experience.
Thanks Katrina! If you too would like to volunteer at Project Ability, we are currently recruiting. Closing date for applications: 06 January 2019.
