‘Visitors have been moved by the honesty and humour’
Peckham’s local letterpress artist Michelle Dwyer has just launched her latest exhibition – Words of Wisdom – that, like her last one, only happens with input from the community, writes Michael Holland.
I went down to see the gallery soon after Michelle, along with friends and family, had hung the artworks – a colourful selection of phrases that people of all ages had submitted; phrases that they had heard and used as part of their life to, perhaps, be better people and be able to pass that wisdom on.
I asked How Words of Wisdom came about?
“The project evolved from my ongoing interest in community storytelling and how print can amplify the voices of people who are often underrepresented.’ she shouted while drilling into a wall. ‘I wanted to celebrate the wisdom that comes from lived experience and create something positive that connects generations. I also volunteer with the charity Good Gym, visiting an older neighbour once a week, so I’m always thinking about ways to bring people together through my creative projects.’
Where did you get the quotes?
‘I worked with several community centres across Southwark: Copleston Centre, The Green Nunhead, Time & Talents, The Rotherhithe Shed, and Pecan, running workshops and conversations with their members. We talked about the lessons they’ve learned, the advice they’d pass on, and the small truths that have helped them through life. The quotes came directly from those sessions.’
What has the response to the show been like?
‘Really heartwarming. Visitors have been moved by the honesty and humour in the words; many have said the exhibition feels both uplifting and grounding. I’ve also noticed people taking time to reflect on the advice they’ve received in their own lives, which is exactly what I hoped for.’
Where will you take the exhibition next?
‘I’d love to find a permanent home for the piece around South London, so the people whose voices shaped it can see it in their own neighbourhood. I’d also love the idea of developing a book version of the project.’
Also at the gallery getting a sneak preview were members of The Green Nunhead, a group of people that meet weekly. They had their own phrases selected for inclusion in the exhibition.
I spoke to Lynne Reeves whose words of pain and suffering as a child stayed with her all through her life. Sharing that pain through a few words seemed to help. Teresa Lowe emphasised how important it is to be polite and respectful. Some of the gallery crew were focussing on a different aspect of life: Susie Davies wants us all to ‘Do what makes your heart sing’, while Connie Scott said it simply and succinctly: ‘Follow Your Bliss’.
I asked Michelle if she had a favourite. She did, and it was a quote from Nathaniel: ‘Go on as if you’ve already conquered. Part of fighting is not giving up.’
On weekends, Michelle is running a variety of free creative workshops designed to bring people together to make something by hand and connect. Open to all ages and abilities. Materials provided
Location: 1A Philip Walk, Peckham SE15 3NH, until October 19th.
Opening Times: 11:00am—6:00 pm daily
Sunday, October 12th: Calligraphy @artsy_val; Clay @aa1dis; Colouring @elliotkruszynski
Saturday, October 18th: Collage @collageclubldn; Salt Jars @carmenlamejor_; Dominoes @carmenlamejor_
Sunday, October 19th: Letterpress @niceandgraphic
