Over lockdown I have been inspired by the rainbows that have appeared in my street and part of the Art Clwb community gallery to symbolise hope. The kindness and community spirit in my hometown, Newport is what has inspired me to create a warm cwtch, to bring joy and energy to others.
Over this time lots of people, including myself have reverted back to crafts for comfort and warmth to escape from the worries of the world. I have been called ‘Bohemian Mary Poppins’ with my suitcases of creativity, doorstep art visits and Art Clwb. My home has become the portal for creativity and dreams. I have created a world and space inside, inspired by the outside. Creativity is about instinct, passion, dreams and happiness. From gathering stories for Lost Connections there have been many small acts of kindness and warmth shared in my hometown. This has really inspired me and kept me going. I feel now more than ever, kindness matters.
I will be leaving Pom poms of kindness in areas of Newport, if you find one please share a photo and tag @ZibaCreativeUK and #OurCreativePlace.
Coat of Radical Kindness – Naz Syed
Film – Creative Fez
Doorstep interviews – Naz Syed, Donna Underwood, Onizmo Mullanga and James Mitchell.
Voices of the community – Rahila Hamid, Ayesha Khan, Danielle Rowlands, Awen Rowlands, Tabassum Ali. Francesca Battersby.
Quilt featured – Naz created quilt ‘We shine brighter together’ for local charity Bundles and The Riverfront, for Processions to commemorate 100 years of women’s suffrage - 100 hands created by the community in Newport.
