Colourfull Workshop
Lockdown continues here in Scotland. The coronavirus has been going down and then up but it really hasn’t left. I have been trying to keep myself busy whilst in Lockdown. I have been writing more, reading more. I started reading Harry Potter, which I never read before but I have started now. And yea the books are much better than the films as there is so much more in the books.
One of the highlights from this lockdown has been meeting the inspiring individual that is Dee Jas, the founder of “Colourfull”. A place where as an individual I have found a place to learn and feel I belong.
The powerful mission that Colourfull share is:
“To empower the LGBTQ community, People of Colour and those who sit at the intersection of the two;
we want them to be seen, heard and valued at work, in life and wider society.”
As an artist, it has been a tough time when for all of us as the creative world is learning how to create and work within the new systems in place. To see how we will be able to work with social distancing and when we will get into our venues.
I was really thankful to be a part of the workshop on the 13th of May, led by Dee.
It was a storytelling workshop, and the first things that I took away from the workshop was “never apologise for the space you take up” which was written in an image by artist Stephanie Chinn.
I agreed with the phrase that “Free-Writing is about a deep connection with your inner voice”
The first question that really got me thinking about my own personal story. The question of “What is a personal story?”, got me thinking and as a group we came up with a list of things that included:
Autobiography
Owning your story
#feelthemfeels - (SO TRUE!!) You have to be able to share your experiences in a way that connects with people.
I agreed that LGBT+ POC Stories are not so visible. We don’t see ourselves as visible on screens/ stages or voices for POC aren’t being written by POC.
There were 2 tasks that we were given by Dee.
The 1st task that we were given was to write about an object that held a significant memory. Focusing on what it tells you about YOU.
I brought to the workshop a photograph of me and my family from the Handover Ceremony when I was leaving as Student President of my college. It was a period in my life when I was leaving one chapter and starting Drama School after the summer. It was also a period in my life where I hadn’t come out to anyone yet. And looking back as to when that picture was taken to today, so much has changed. And throughout it all my parents and big brother have been there to support me. I have seen so many downs but many more ups and met so many inspiring individuals like We Are Colourfull!
I left the workshop with so many tips and ideas that I would use within my own practice as an artist of colour.
I found the 2nd exercise I found tougher but made me think much more. We had to start a sentence with “What I Appreciate about being a queer person of colour is…” and to then tap into the ways my identity brings positivity into my life.
I at first struggled with this task but came up with a few things. A couple of things I wrote were:
able to create words that are new to some people.
it gives me a space to then create a space for others.
to feel comfortable with myself so I feel comfortable around my loved ones and new people.
Before the end of the workshop, Dee shared 6 pieces of advice that I will be keeping with me. The advice included:
Keep it real!
Tap into your 5 senses to fill out the colour in your story.
It was a powerful 1 hour workshop which I wish didn’t end! I met other amazing creatives and grew my network and grew my own basket of skills. It was a supportive space to be in also. It was a great way to spend an hour during crazy lockdown!
Follow the amazing work of Dee and Colourfull here : https://www.wearecolourfull.com/
It is a brilliant organisation and very unique in the work they do. Dee also released a great Zine about the South Asian Community and LGBT+ Community here in this awesome PDF during LGBT+ History Month that is so worth a read! https://www.wearecolourfull.com/post/we-are-colourfull-lgbt-history-month-zine
I now cannot wait for the next workshop! :D
Peace and Love to all. <3 :D
