My Cliffe Castle Thing

I grew up in the centre of Keighley, next to Cliffe Castle park and museum. Throughout the pandemic, the Cliffe Castle Support Group worked hard to help people feel connected to each other and the park. I was asked to take part in an online activity called My Cliffe Castle Thing, where they asked people to share something they loved from the park. Thinking about what Cliffe Castle means to me, always takes me back to my childhood, playing in the bottom field. I very much lived inside my own world and the site of the big beech tree would spark sheer joy, thinking of all the possibilities my imagination would be inspired to create. I think this memory helped me enjoy playing with my materials, using whatever colours and techniques gave me that excitement and happiness. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy takes some practise, but this piece gave me the confidence that I can apply it to my working practice effectively. I truly let go and enjoyed being in the moment throughout the creating process