Pop-Up Spaces and Play Outfits
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Lead Artist Hazel Darwin-Edwards discuss the two different projects taken on by the Expecting Something groups in Wester Hailes and Lochgelly.
Each of our Expecting Something groups have taken on a project of their own this block. In Wester Hailes we have been creating costumes, dressing up and making outfits. In Lochgelly we have been exploring creating spaces to play in- dens, teepees, tents and temporary transformations of our space.
h(our) space in Lochgelly
We were inspired by a moment of togetherness we felt when singing under a huge parachute: the playful confidence of the group seemed to soar inside the tentish dome we created and we sang out far louder than we had a moment ago on the outside. We began to investigate how we could create an intimate place, marked out for quality, playful, creative interactions between parents and babies. The space has to pop up and be fun to build, then disappear at the end of the session as part of the play. When inside we need to feel safe, engaged and relaxed. We have been finding a connection between these spaces and listening to or making sounds. And a connection between changing the light and atmosphere and how exposed we feel.
play outfits in Wester Hailes
In Wester Hailes we kept experiencing moments of real joy from the whole group when the parents dressed up and began performing for their babies- dancing around and clowning to make their babies laugh. At first it didn’t matter what we had to hand- a parachute or a space blanket could become a costume, helium balloons were tied to long hair or stickers put on faces. But now we have begun thinking about how these play outfits can express a part of ourselves that we like, and also how they can be developed from materials that the babies find fascinating. So we’ve been using interesting textures that move or catch the light in a fascinating way. The outfits feel like a real celebration of the way parent and baby play together- incorporating their own sense of style and humour.
