As artists, our journey is often a balancing act between personal creativity and community engagement. In the whirlwind of community projects, it's easy to lose sight of our own artistic endeavors. Lately, I've found myself deeply immersed in various community initiatives, pouring my energy into providing free art and crafts clubs through my community interest company.
However, amidst these fulfilling endeavors, a gentle nudge from a close friend reminded me of the importance of nurturing my own artistic practice.
The suggestion of having my own exhibition felt both exhilarating and daunting. With only a handful of artworks and a few dolls from an Art4Space course to showcase, the prospect of a solo exhibition seemed like a distant dream.
Yet, tucked away in my notebooks are countless ideas waiting to flourish—ideas that crave the nurturing touch of time, energy, and motivation. Unfortunately, space constraints in my new smaller flat pose a challenge to establishing a dedicated art space. Oh, how I yearn for the funding to rent an art studio, where creativity could roam freely without the constraints of physical space!
Despite these challenges, I remain determined to carve out time for my personal art practice.
Monthly updates on my blog will serve as a testament to this commitment, as I strive to translate ideas from paper to canvas. Additionally, I'm exploring avenues for hosting pay-what-you-want mental health boost coffee mornings, intertwining art with discussions on mental wellness—an endeavor fueled by the desire to create safe spaces for dialogue and expression.
In the realm of online engagement, I'm excited to announce upcoming Zoom classes for both adults and children, focusing on the art of upcycling with household supplies. It's a small step towards making art accessible to all, regardless of resources or space.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of community involvement, a ray of recognition shines through. The nomination by a close friend for the "Star of the Year" award in celebrating neurodiversity is a humbling reminder of the impact of visibility and advocacy. While the accolade itself holds little importance, the sentiment behind it—a recognition of effort and dedication—fills me with gratitude.
To those who walk alongside me on this journey—whether online or within the walls of Art4Space and/or Cromwell House hub—your support is the bedrock upon which my aspirations stand. Your encouragement fuels my determination to keep pushing boundaries, even in the face of fibromyalgia flare-ups and unfinished projects.
As I continue to weave my narrative within the tapestry of community engagement and personal artistic exploration, I invite you to join me.
Together, let's paint a future where creativity knows no bounds and inclusivity reigns supreme.
With love and gratitude,
Tiah
PS: If you're interested in participating in upcoming events or workshops, don't hesitate to reach out via email at tiah.Algalarrondo@gmail.com. Let's make magic happen, one brushstroke at a time!
News :
Exhibition of dolls with Art4Space (more informations coming soon).
I am also thrilled to share my involvement in the creation of the Wandsworth Sanctuary Banner, a heartfelt project spearheaded by Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees. As both an instructor for MACWO and The Arty-Crafty Crescent Club CIC and a passionate textile artist, I am deeply honored to contribute to this endeavor.
This 3-meter-wide fabric banner, themed 'Our Home,' symbolizes our collective vision for Wandsworth as a place of safety, inclusivity, and sanctuary for all. It's a testament to the power of community and the values we hold dear.
Through drawn, stitched, or appliqued images on the 'stones' alongside the river, we depict what 'Our Home' means to us all. It's a collaborative effort that celebrates diversity, resilience, and the spirit of belonging.
I am grateful to be part of such a meaningful initiative and look forward to seeing the banner come to life during Refugee Week in June.
I'm disappointed that I couldn't complete my own piece of work due to a flare-up of fibromyalgia (leaving my tatreez incomplete and didn't even find time to take a picture of it with some of the red patterns from https://tirazain.com/. However, despite this setback, I prioritized finishing my members' unfinished projects first. I added beads and embroidery to enhance their creations and also transformed kids' drawings into beautiful textile art pieces. Please see the pictures below for examples.
If you wonder why I apply for Art4Space courses as I'm an artist:
I believe there's always room to learn and grow. Art4Space courses provide a unique opportunity for me to explore new techniques, connect with fellow creatives, and find fresh inspiration. It's all about embracing the journey and nurturing my passion for art in every possible way.
As someone with a neurodivergent brain and chronic pain, these courses offer more than just artistic development. They provide a structured environment that helps me stay focused and engaged, while also serving as a therapeutic outlet for managing my conditions.
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