Encouraging creativity and independent learning at HMP Humber

Creative enrichment plays an integral role in our education provision, engaging learners in new ways and encouraging them to explore and develop creatively, whilst also helping them to develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking that can be utilised in everyday life. Recently, a learner in the art class at HMP Humber created unique pieces of artwork by exploring different mediums available to him in prison. 

Creating artwork with prison materials 

In the art class the learner was encouraged to explore unconventional materials and processes to create different pieces of artwork. He explored different mediums such as bread, soap, saw-dust, and tea leaves mixed with PVA-Glue to create different pieces of artwork and found the process quite successful.

By kneading until he achieves a plasticine-like consistency, he can shape the material into whatever he wants to make. However, it takes time and patience so that he can smooth out any lumps and work out the tackiness of the sticky glue.

Using this experimental process, the learner was then tasked to respond to a collection from the Scarborough Art Gallery that resonated with him personally, he rose to the challenge and created pieces of artwork using different mediums. 

The learner chose to create a great auk with an egg out of tea leaves and his recycled prison waste consisting of coffee, sugar, and whitener sachets as well as an owl made just out of the tea mixture to showcase his interest in ornithology (the study of birds). 

The tea leaves were an alternative medium to clay or plasticine, and more readily available to the learner than the spare bread that others may have resorted to using. When reflecting on the process, he commented positively: 

Art encourages me to explore unconventional materials and processes. I have to adapt and think how to accomplish what I want with what is available to me – I like the problem solving.
 

The creative process 

To create the owl sculpture the learner kneaded the tea leaf 50-50 mixture with PVA glue, into a workable putty, until he found the right texture that would shape and hold shape. He then formed the tree behind the owl, the base and the structure, then the owl.

To create the smaller details on the owl sculpture, the learner had to sculpt lots of finer details from the texture on the torso and wings through to the tiny rodent in the talons. He made marks and scratches to bring out the plumage and tree bark patterns, then added colour. 

On the bill of the great auk, he had to form the tea leaf mixture, and later score and mark texture into it. Enhancing it in this way made it really stand out. The learner also did something similar on parts of the base around the rocks and barnacles he was making.

During the creative process, to complete both the owl and great auk sculptures, the learner had to incorporate many skills to achieve his desired end result. From refining his methods of working with tea leaves and testing different techniques to see what would and wouldn’t work,  to using patience, perseverance and problem-solving skills to find a solution.

Through this experimental process, he had the freedom to explore and expand on his own creativity, encouraging independent learning and developing transferable skills that can be utilised in everyday life such as critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making, resilience and perseverance as well as independence. 

Final outcome

The project was a huge success with the learner reflecting positively on the experience and end result: 

Owl sculpture

“My small sculpture of an Eagle Owl is made from a mix of discarded tea leaves and PVA glue, and I'm really proud of it. Using these materials felt special, like giving new life to something that would have been thrown away. The owl stands tall, its eyes, though tiny, capture that intense focus that makes these birds such incredible hunters. The little rodent in its claws was a tricky part, but it adds so much to the piece. Even with such humble materials, working on this sculpture helped me feel a bit of a connection to the wild outdoors.”

Great Auk with Egg

“When Scarborough Art Gallery visited, they mentioned a very precious Great Auk Egg in the Museum Collection – the Great Auk extinct and such a treasure. I am an Ornithologist and felt inspired to have a go at constructing a Great Auk with Egg – with a difference – using prison waste material such as prison issue tea, whiteners, coffee and sugar, mop ends and brush bristles. The inner body is formed by an empty plastic lemonade bottle and a bit of an empty pot noodle. The feet, using two old plastic cases. Tea bags form the base rock and tealeaves mixed with PVA do the shaping and hold it all together with lollipop sticks working like bones throughout. Empty sachets comment on the extinction for me, no more sugar, whitener, coffee or Great Auk. A shell of what was.”

To read more about our creative enrichment provision and how we engage learners in education through creative outlets, take a look at our 2024/25 creative enrichment strategy.