The Institute of Mass Information’s (IMI’s) regional hub Mediabaza Chernihiv organised an art workshop for local journalists, offering them a safe space to unwind from the constant tension and wartime challenges. The journalists sculpted three-dimensional mug decor from polymer clay.
Sculpting ponies was not just about creating a decoration, but also a way to focus on the “here and now”.
“The art class where we were sculpting a pony was a real solace and comfort! During the creative process, we managed to relax mentally, switch away from everyday thoughts and be ‘here and now, in the creativity flow.’ Sculpting a pony mug decor brought us a meditative sense of peace and pleasure”, said Kateryna Ahiyenko, BOOM! magazine editor, CMG interviewer.
The creations by workshop participants. Photo by Vidchuy Art Studio
The journalists say that the creative process helped distract them from the air raids, the war, and the constant stress of the media environment, if only for a short while.
“I know that no one will believe that I sculpted such a long mane pony out of polymer clay. I can’t believe it myself. Although it’s absolutely true. While at Mediabaza Chernihiv’s workshop, I forgot about the worries, war, and troubles for two hours and immersed myself in the creative process. We were sculpting together, making jokes, but each one was working on their own pony. Art therapy is very powerful!” added Olha Chernyakova, executive secretary at the National Union of Journalists.
All participants said that due to the high information loads and extremely difficult working conditions in wartime they need to take more care of their own mental health and attend more events to unwind.
Art therapy participants. Photo by Vidchuy Art Studio
The Mediabazas are a network of regional hubs created by the Institute of Mass Information in the autumn of 2022 to support the work of independent journalists amid Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine. The Mediabazas offer body armour and classes free of charge; a working space supplied with electricity and Internet connection, etc.
by Svitlana Bilous, Mediabaza Chernihiv communications manager
