Lumen Printing & Woodland Walk Workshop
Woodland and Wellbeing
Early September is a time of transition, light softens, leaves begin to fall, and seeds are scattered, ready for what comes next. This workshop invited male survivors of childhood sexual abuse to step into that seasonal shift and reflect on their own journeys as survivors: the moments we feel alone, and the strength that comes when we come together.
Gathering & Noticing
As we walked through the woods, we slowed down and noticed the shapes, textures, and forms around us. Each participant collected one or more natural items that resonated with them, perhaps a lone leaf, a seed pod, or a smooth twig.
These objects could be used as symbols.
But there were no rules, they could mean something, or nothing at all.
Participants were free to simply collect what appealed, trusting their eye and intuition.
Adapting the Process
The changeable weather on the day didn’t allow us to lay out our objects in an initial grid as planned. Instead, we moved straight into lumen printing once the weather cleared and the sun came out; a reminder that sometimes life doesn’t follow the order we expect, and we must respond in the moment.
The collections were placed on light-sensitive paper, exposed to sunlight, and developed into a unique print. During the process we were able to observe the changing of colour, as the lumen prints were fixed. These prints became portraits of each survivors chosen object, preserving its shape, in some cases texture, and presence.
Afterwards, we worked together to arrange the finished prints into a formation that felt right. This became a collaborative act of connection:
- How do these prints speak to each other now?
- Should we bring them closer, group them, create a new rhythm?
This shared decision-making was a moment of re-balancing, of creating harmony out of what first felt scattered.
Naming the Artwork: Transformations
Finally, we agreed on a title, Transformations, to express what the finished grid meant to us as a group. A cluster of seeds, for example, might represent a year of survival and hope, ready to move forward.
Why It Matters
Even though the weather changed our plans, it also gave us a different path, one that still brought us together, and perhaps made the finished piece even more meaningful.
Survivors Voices
“Keep doing these workshops as they help me ground myself and respect myself in the midst of very demanding work.”
— John Slater, Co-Founder of MoMENtum – A peer to peer group for men that have been sexually abused as children.
“Excellent workshop, wonderful setting. Fascinating to watch a new photographic process I knew nothing about.”
— Survivor
“An enjoyable and connected workshop to bring us together. I love the symbolism, connectivity and safety.”
— Survivor
This project was more than an art activity.
It was a reflection on what it means to be a survivor:
“It stands as both record and metaphor, reminding us that when our separate shapes and stories come together, they create something stronger, more beautiful, and alive with the potential for healing and renewal”.
We now have the opportunity for this project to be seen by other local communities and the wider public with an exhibition, Together Stories: Tales from the Community, at Studio Kind in Barnstaple, North Devon. Thank you to Evolving Events and co creators: Studio Kind & The Devon Mental Health Alliance for organising and supporting this worthwhile and important event. The exhibitions official opening is on Friday the 19th of September through to the 17th of October.
It has been wonderful to share our creative work and to further reduce the stigma that unjustifiably surrounds survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Through inclusion in these exhibitions, such stigmas can be challenged and taboos broken. As one brave and courageous survivor once said, “Shame needs to swap sides.” – Gisèle Pelicot. By giving space to these voices and stories, we continue to move towards deeper understanding, greater compassion, and collective healing.
