Women’s Experiences of Homelessness Revealed Through Art Bus Workshops
Claire and Miranda, respected artists, qualified teachers, and owners of the Art Bus, have been running a weekly visual arts program at Catherine House for almost two years. They are known and trusted by those who use the Women’s Centre to access the many diverse activities and supports on offer. We recently asked them to devote a series of classes focusing on the women’s lived experience of homelessness. Here is what they had to say: In July this year, we were asked if we might focus part of our upcoming Adult Community Education program on gender and homelessness through art. We introduced the idea, asking the group of 10 women if they were interested in talking about this issue and if they would like to learn the process of mono printing. Three women were new to the group: one woman was recently released from prison, another had just returned to Australia, and the third was recovering from long-term addiction. We discussed what parity meant and how gender and homelessness intersected. Each person had something to say, and as we talked, key words and ideas were written up on a whiteboard. The women described a homelessness journey as often, but not always, going from cars to tents, to couch surfing, and finally to cement.
Claire Harris and Miranda Harris from The Art Bus.
Their experiences of homelessness were also connected to and shaped by the broader social determinants of health, including family violence, unstable employment, mental ill health, and women’s often low levels of superannuation. The current cost of living crisis and spiralling rents add to the increasing anxiety felt by many women. The conversation drew mixed emotions, including outrage, humour, and reflexivity. Following the discussion, each woman chose a single word to explore visually. We asked them to think about a pose that might best visually represent their word, which would be included in their work. We workshopped possibilities with each other about how to stand, different poses, and how to capture an idea through our bodies to create a self-portrait. Claire took photographs of each participant, which became the inspiration for the drawn mono print – a one-off that requires spontaneity and some courage. This project was the first time some of the women had participated in this type of art-making process, one that involved sharing stories and lived experiences. Furthermore, while mono-printing is a simple but multi- stage process, some women were initially hesitant and needed support through each stage.
Miranda demonstrated the process, creating the No Super image. As artists, we aim to also create work alongside the participants, thus creating a feeling of equality, safety and mutual respect working in an art space together.
Claire and Miranda discuss gendered homelessness with the class.
PAGE 12 | CATHERINE HOUSE CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER | 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
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