Leading art and craft workshops for Mushkil Aasaan, a Tooting-based charity, has been immensely fulfilling. I worked with two groups: older women on one day and children on the other.
With Ramadan approaching, the series was themed around this festive occasion. It was especially rewarding to draw on my own cultural heritage from growing up in India, which I don’t often get the chance to do. We explored Islamic art traditions, and for the first time I could use my Indian languages to talk with the participants, which made the sessions even more enjoyable.
Some of the ladies had reservations at first, but they quickly warmed up, and I found myself happily challenged trying to keep pace with their enthusiasm and creativity.
Workshops facilitated by Putney School of Art and Design.