The Project...
In 2023, Dawn Eva held a series of experimental film workshops with our Peer Support Group, entitled 'Inner Worlds - Outer Worlds.' The sessions offered participants a unique platform to explore, understand, and express their inner world of unseen, metaphysical experiences and emotions.
Tranformation...
The workshops were not just a way to explore and articulate emotions but an alchemical transformation - a journey from the unseen to the seen, a consciousness expansion of the unknown and self-transformation moving from unseen to seen...
Experimental Ideas...
Many people struggle to articulate their emotions and inner experiences, especially when it comes to abstract or metaphysical aspects. Words often fail to encapsulate the depth and essence of these experiences. The project sought to address this challenge by offering an alternative, more authentic form of expression through experimental film.
Mixed Media...
The sessions harnessed participants around the experimentation of 'play' by exploring different ways to 'capture essence' and recreate it by playing - with water, inks, paints, sugar and different materials. This fostered a sense of innocent curiosity to work from, when usually such topics can be overwhelming.
Solutions...
The workshops involved discussions about 'inner and outer worlds,' understanding, exploring and expressing abstraction, and the limitations of words in accurately expressing profound inner experiences.
Participants discovered a shared metaphysical space, 'The Abyss,' which they mapped the journey into and out from collectively.
They captured the essence of their experiences by filming reflections of their inner worlds in the outer physical world; finding the right textures, materials, movements and colours etc. Dawn Eva then refined these samples, transitions, and expressions to create the final piece which was presented in a private screening to the group for sign off on public release.
What we’ve made is exactly how I feel on the inside that I can’t express in words.
Inner Worlds - Outer Worlds / Survivors Unite Participant
Results...
Participants reported numerous health and well-being benefits, including:
- Feeling Valued: The process of working with their trauma through this workshop made participants feel like they and their experiences were valued. They were also able to recognise and appreciate their own personal growth and progress.
- Articulating Emotions: Participants were able to articulate emotions that they usually found hard to express. The film offered a more accurate representation of their feelings than words could provide.
- Therapeutic Exploration: Participants found the process therapeutic as they explored and discussed their emotions without feeling overwhelmed. Their emotions were made accessible and less exhausting.
- Increased Emotional Awareness: Participants who often pushed away their emotions found a new way to express their feelings through this workshop. The experimental and creative approach allowed them to access and express their emotions in a heartfelt manner.
- Validation: Participants felt seen, heard and understood - finding validation in the tangible representation of their inner worlds.
- Catharsis: Participants reported a sense of emotional release after the workshops and creation of the final piece, finally feeling like they had managed to "get it all out."
Documenting extraordinary inner world landscapes allows us to understand the complexities of our existence. Capturing these unique aspects, we can share our stories with future generations, providing insights into personal struggles, triumphs, and the incredible diversity of what it is to be human.
Dawn Berry - Neo Alchemy
Dawn Eva Berry
Dawn has recently founded Maiden Mother Crone CIC to help build a more inclusive community, where the deeper aspects of life are explored together. If you’re interested in Dawn’s work, you can visit her website, book a course via her Eventbrite page or contact her via the Mother Crone Facebook page.