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Amelia Hawk

North Yorkshire
I'm a socially engaged artist exploring how artwork can be used as a tool to host difficult conversations. This might take the form of an event, object, video or sound, acting as a provocation for conversation.
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I am a socially engaged artist based in North Yorkshire, UK. I'm interested in how objects, artworks and events can hold space* for conversation that is uncomfortable, happily political and frequently about mental health. My practice explores what tools and objects we might use to instigate these conversations, and what spaces and structures of support we might need to generate. Many projects often integrate counselling strategies within them, as a way of creating spaces for conversation that isn’t afraid.

By exploring how to hold space and what this might look like, I often investigate how conversation and listening can act as a support structure, and create new ways of listening and places to hear* from. These conversations are often supported by an action, activity, event or object this could be the act of creating a tea, holding an object, being present in water. These actions and objects aim to create enough of a container, and feeling of comfort for discussion to begin from. 

To support this way of working I have trained to Level 3 in Counselling, ethically underpinning my work and creating a way of supporting others to run alongside and at times weave into my practice. I am also trained in Forest Therapy, and integrate learning from this into my wider work.

​*to hold space is to listen without judgment, to be present
*including non-vocalised forms of listening and hearing

I also run the organisation Holding Space which develops creative opportunities to support people's mental health. 
 

 

Relax & Lactate / Rest & Play

Gentle Waters / Dynamite Hotdog

Flavour of Emotion

Let Water Hold You

Listening Objects

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