Youth Arts Open Fund: Exploring Land, Sea and Sky Through the Seasons in East Lothian

Sunflower Splendour

A Radiant Finale to Our Seasonal Journey

As the summer sun (finally!) bathed East Lothian in golden light, our YouthLink Scotland project culminated in a joyous celebration of the season's most iconic bloom - the sunflower. The young participants (CYP) gathered at the North Berwick Youth Project youth clubs in both North Berwick and Gullane for the final art sessions that perfectly encapsulated the vibrant energy of summer.

The workshop centred around creating pretty sunflower artworks using a combination of oil pastels, soft pastels, and pencils. This mixed-media approach allowed the CYP to capture the essence of these cheerful flowers. The choice of sunflowers as our subject was deliberate, inspired by the beautiful blooms that can be found around Balgone Estate in East Lothian.

As the CYP settled into their creative process, they discussed their summer holiday experiences. This informal sharing created a warm, supportive atmosphere that mirrored the sunny day outside. It was heartening to see participants encouraging one another and offering kind words about each other's artwork.

Some of the CYPs chose to create realistic depictions of sunflowers, carefully studying the intricate patterns of the seeds and the subtle variations in the yellow petals. Others were inspired to take a different approach, using the shapes, lines, and colours from our reference photos to create abstract pastel studies. 

The CYP shared how seeing these bright blooms could instantly lift their mood, and we all agreed that the act of painting them had a similar effect. This conversation highlighted how the CYP were able to connect with their emotions through art, a valuable skill that extends far beyond the canvas.

The sessions also provided an opportunity for reflection on the entire project. The CYP shared positive feedback about the overall experience of creating seasonal artwork. From the rich hues of autumn to the stark contrasts of winter, the delicate blossoms of spring, and now the vibrant warmth of summer, their collective body of work tells a story of both the changing landscape and their own artistic journeys.

The sunflower artworks, with their bright yellows and bold forms, seemed to radiate the positive energy and reinforce the sense of community and self-expression that has been central to the entire project.

Looking back on the YouthLink Scotland project, from the autumnal landscapes of October to these summer sunflowers, it's evident how much the CYP have grown. They've learned a variety of art techniques, learning to use mixed-media approaches, and deepened their connection to East Lothian landscape.

As we prepare for the August 2024 exhibition, these sunflower pieces will stand as a bright and cheerful finale, a testament to the creativity, resilience, and joy that have blossomed throughout this seasonal journey.

The success of this project goes beyond the artwork created; it lies in the confidence gained, the opportunity for observation and reflection, and the newfound appreciation for the role of art in expressing emotions and connecting with nature.

My hope for the CYP is that they'll continue to use art as a tool for self-expression and community building in the future. I'm excited to curate the group and on-line exhibitions, which are a fantastic opportunity to share the incredible array of artwork with the wider community.

Kat 👩🏼‍🎨