Melissa Davies

What outcome will spontaneous conversations have? Will they differ from pre-arranged encounters where participants have had time to gather thoughts in advance. Or who come with expectations of engagement with an ‘art’ project.

I’m aware that my arranged recording sessions are becoming narrow for purely practical reasons. I’m accessing volunteers, during the week; which means people from outside the valley, from a certain social and age demographic. And in all honesty, not necessarily the individuals I need to speak with because this group are more likely to have considered ideas of connection and belonging. Also more access to creative opportunities and with that comes expectations. Of course these voices are essential to the project as I explore the whole range of connections. However, I need to reach individuals who wouldn’t volunteer to engage, whether this is lack of interest, lack of time or quite simply victims of rural isolation.

It’s here that I realise how dependant on a network this project will be. The more conversations I record the easier it will be to go deeper into the valley community, because doors will open through people understanding and buying into what I hope to make. 

Now, I ask myself, can I intrigue others to seek participation by offering quick and easy engagement. Can I ask the school families to gather materials for paper making, then inviting interested parents to record interviews? Will paper making be the key to drawing voices from within the valley?