Deaf Pupils have a 'hand' in making masks

'Creative Hands' the annual Deaf Arts Festival, a four-day period with a variety of activities recently took place at the Deaf Cultural Centre.

With the contribution by DANUK (Deaf Arts Network UK), co-ordinator Lisa Davies piloted the event which resulted in fulfilling its aspiration in presenting an inventive role for Deaf artists, pupils and visitors.

A private viewing was held on Wednesday 10th June. Produced by Deaf artists, the works investigated the themes of communication and guests from the Council, local art organisations and professional artists attended and had the opportunity to meet the artists.   

Glass-made stands consisted of enthralling sculptures produced by a Deaf sculptor, Linda Bagnall and a particular one in which held a deep significance was a cage with an ancient hearing aid placed within it. Linda explained that this is the very hearing aid in which she wore at a very young age. The cage exemplifies her inability to hear when growing up and emphasises her deafness. “I want to use objects to develop a representation of my life experiences” Linda said.

Various splendour works were hanging on the painfully white walls, produced by the likes of illustrator Iva Hay, contemporary artist Olivier Jamin and multimedia artist Sunny Channa.  

Creative workshops followed on the Thursday and Friday where Deaf artists lead the full day with d/Deaf pupils from local schools in the West Midlands.  The theme was ‘Masks’ where the pupils each ingeniously designed a mask. 

With the received publicity during this event, various requests have been made for Deaf artists to visit regional schools to give talks and continue to deliver the ‘making masks’ workshops.  

On Tuesday 14th July, Linda delivered such a workshop at Deansfield High School with more than 10 deaf and hard of hearing pupils.  Lisa said, “It was clear they enjoyed this very much because they made 2 different masks each, one to keep at the school and another to take home.  Being creative with their own masks brings new-found confidence in their potential and the masks really were wonderful!”.  

With high hope of making next year’s festival twice as better by incorporating more local and national art organisations, in particular art galleries and museums, the Deaf Cultural Centre proves to be the place for Deaf artists.

With thanks to Louise Buglass for this article.

Lisa Davies can be contacted on either lisa.davies@bid.org.uk or deafartsnetwork@gmail.com