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Sarah Fuller's residency at Knockalisheen >>
When I came to Knockalisheen there was no specific brief other than to
identify a suitable project that would enhance the life of the children
and the residents at the centre. After six sessions my perception of their
needs changed considerably and the benefit of an open brief allowed for
a change of direction and a more appropriate response to the situation.
My background as a textile artist currently working with children and
puppetry lead me to favour the idea of a project with puppets that would
culminate in a performance.
At first we made experimental shadow puppets using simple shapes and a
range of materials. Then we worked on larger more expressive masks. Children
wore these on their heads so their bodies were free to move and dance
behind a huge shadow screen.
My aim was to explore the idea of a journey, combining music, movement
and puppetry. However the makeup of the groups that I was working with
changed from week to week and and there was a wide variation in their
ages and range of handicraft skills so it was hard to pursue the original
aim of a complete performance.
It became clear that that there was great enthusiasm to work with paint
and colour and out of this we developed the large painted townscapes which
are on the walls of the playroom. The children worked together in groups
to create these pictures. Working individually on their houses and then
piecing them together to form the whole image. They responded well to
the idea of contributing their part to a larger picture.
As well as working with the children, we also wanted to leave something
behind for them and Allie Kay and myself set about the task of transforming
the playroom. My contribution to this is a large brightly coloured folding
screen playhouse/shop. A colourful home which will hopefully be filled
with lots of activity and games.
My original project was centred around journeys, but houses and homes
have become the central theme in this work. A theme very relevant to these
children. 
