Unwrapped 16th - 27th March Void Gallery, Patrick Street, Derry.Londonderry

Me, Myself, I came about after a discussion with the Learning Age team following the completion of the first year of the project. We felt that WEA was particularly good at skills building in the community whether it be arts and crafts, or computer skills, negotiation skills,  numeracy, literacy etc. What we were not so good at was offering the community the opportunity to showcase their new found skills and so this exhibition today is such a showcase, a real celebration of our learners OWN work.

The photographer Emmett McSheffrey approached the WEA with the project which looked at self identity in older age and we called it Me, Myself, I. We felt it offered many unique opportunities to those who would take part: new skills in Digital Photography, some computer skills, the opportuntity to explore a more positive self image and then a challenging photographic exploration of their lives, through a series of four photographic themes: Self Portrait, My World, Transitions and My Dreams. We felt the results was worthy of a title of it’s own and so we called the exhibition “UNWRAPPED”

At first the participants were hesitant. They did not belive they could be creative and indeed found the first themes"A Self Portrait" very difficult indeed. But as Emmett explained "Every journey begins with the self". And this was an important starting point.  Mary Scally one of the participants commented  "One of the most challenging tasks for me was the Self Portrait Exercise, where I had to spend 10 minutes looking at myself in a mirror thinking about what I could see. Of course ‘seeing’ is the essence of photography and a great gift in life. This project continually but gently promoted the ‘seeing’ that we call insight. I hope my piece called “Eyes” helps to cast some light on what I am saying".

The project has been a real journey for all concerned and as with any journey sometimes it went smoothly, everything clicked into place and great fun was had by all. But sometimes the journey was rough. It is always hard to reflect back on one’s own life as this involves examining the bad with the good. Sometimes it was painful to say the least and challenging for all. However our participants on the whole did stay the distance and completed their journey to create an amazing exhibition. Brona Sharkey another participant on the project was prompted to write a poem on her experience:

ME, MYSELF, I

Congratulations to the WEA!
I hope that you are here to stay
You give us excellent chances, coming to our aid
With excellent courses run by Sinead
 This opportunity I have taken and enjoyed
In this photography I got embroiled
Thanks to Emmett, his commitment and stamina
I now have a love of using my camera
 I hope that is this not a crime
And all you people think it’s fine
For me, just in the nick of time
To realise my dream at 69

(Brona Sharkey )

WEA would like to thank ithe funders Derry City Council and The Atlantic Philanthropies, WEA tutors Denise, Padraigin, Bronagh and in particular to Emmett who has worked so diligently on facilitating the learners to develop and explore their creativity.  WEA would also like to thank the staff of  the Waterside Women’s Centre and the Creggan Neighbourhood Centre for all their support and finally to all the participants who gave so much of themselves to this very unique and challenging process.