<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[BRUSH PAST]]></title><description><![CDATA[BRUSH PAST supports its members through creative workshops, materials, and mentorship, while also providing a digital platform to showcase their work.]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:14:08 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.brushpast.co.uk/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[MAIMOUNA'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[@myteakultcha (Mighty Culture) – Maimouna Camara Song title: Sleeping pills* [verse 1] Continual body contact provided by soft mattress But the lack of support can cause the neck and spine to sag The level of firmness should relate to your body weight The heavier you are, the firmer it should be Uninterrupted [chorus] Sleeping pills offer a quick-and-easy fix Temporary answers Many of them have side-effects Sleeping pills offer a quick-and-easy fix Sleeping pills! [verse 2] I’m feeling well,...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/maimouna-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f0f24f89aa25024ee04faa</guid><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:31:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8636c3_bee33c63f30542079fc440d3f338a295~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[CHRISSIE'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[I woke up to a rainy, dark and stormy morning and a mind filled with heavy thoughts and concerns. My mood was low and sad feelings seemed to fill my whole being. Sitting by the window, watching the rain and battling with my emotions, I tried to focus and prepare for the day ahead. The ringing of the phone brought me back to the present moment….to a moment of devastating news. A childhood friend had died during the night as a result of a lifelong battle with drugs and alcohol. This unexpected...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/chrissie-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f0f14d24f9d3e5cd70deab</guid><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:31:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8636c3_f4a8e83c0d6d430d8ee99c8dd359b8b6~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_477,h_725,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[T-Shirt Design]]></title><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/new-workshop</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e8a75eb17cf497ceb088ac</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:48:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eca1d1_f56b273492f64b59bf43a4e25b75811f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>alice6223</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[SOMETHING TO TAKE OFF THE EDGE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Brushpast is delighted to announce our upcoming collaboration with the Stockwell Park Community Trust. On Thursday, 2nd April 2026, we are helping host a special performance of ‘Something to Take Off the Edge’ by acclaimed performer Errol McGlashan. The play explores the poignant and unexpected bond between two people in prison, offering a unique perspective on human connection in the toughest of circumstances. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of storytelling. Grab your tickets...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/something-to-take-off-the-edge</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c27dc6d67c72d7ecb7ab87</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:22:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eca1d1_03fec6941dbd4af7a60d2068962a3c64~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ERROL'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. - Julian of Norwich "Occasionally, well every now and then, quite often actually, in fact several times a day; increasing in frequency the older I got, my thoughts were preoccupied with two main areas… the times I have been wronged. I was like… What? Is that it? They’re just gonna get away with it? And the wrongs I have done. The wrongs I had got away with knowing that somewhere along the line there has to be a...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/errol</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ba89fd8b3a7e776406292d</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:39:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8636c3_e1d25ec8afac4a82990f6a5d246be276~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ROB'S POEM &#38; STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[GLITCH "There has been a... As I lie in a ditch. A bitch. A parasite A whore of society to challenge your sobriety A sore to be scratched off like an itch Just a glitch Human scum. A man on the run A druggy, a drunkard, an explosive gun... Or perhaps I am none - of these! I beg for reprieve as I cough and splutter in my gutter and wheeze A glitch in the system Through my own ill-gotten reasons Treasons to the sanctuary of my heart As I lie here Often cold, tormented and torn apart And no, I'm...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/rob-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ba73718b3a7e776405f542</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:03:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8636c3_cc7b4b7e42c440d681e0c82adcbc9a4a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[GROUNDSWELL x BRUSHPAST]]></title><description><![CDATA[The art of empowerment is stronger when communities create together. Partnering with Yves, whose work turns lived experience into powerful storytelling and with Groundswell - Homelessness Charity UK, bringing the voice of people affected by homelessness into everyday spaces through our Coffee Boxes. We were very lucky to share a space at Canterbury Court and engage with the public to raise awareness to our causes. Here are some photos of that day:]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/groundswell-x-brushpast</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69383aa8f99ccc1a7aa74e95</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:50:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_2f323903d91d4322a5e06ec2a46779f7~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_738,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[JAMIE'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is not a sob story. I consider myself to be one of the very fortunate ones. Both my parents were drug addicts and are dead as a result of that. I was placed in care young. It was bad, and a vulnerable kid popped out damaged. Then, I was long term fostered by great people, but in my family, you just 'got on with it'. And, by Lord! I had no idea how to do that. At 11, I found drink and drugs, and everything changed. The thing about mind altering substances for a person like me is they...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/jamie</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692717ace0c845cf93a6236c</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:15:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_0a94ae8801d24f83a444157d235004eb~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_756,h_756,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ENEH'S DAY IN PHOTOS]]></title><description><![CDATA[Eneh took some pictures of her day and the things she likes. I hope you enjoy them and find them as wholesome as we did!      Zalbeth is funny. Zal Zal is my sister. The leaves fall off the tree when it’s very windy. All the leaves fall off the tree when it’s so cold. The park is good to play and get exercise from there. Somebody put a book on the floor. Jehovah made the park. Jehovah is our God. The squirrel is funny and when I make too much noise it runs away. I think the truck is moving,...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/eneh-s-day-in-photos</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69171d6deb7dccdd38abb9e7</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:37:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_153ba1baf6504122b2d6debe58f86520~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[COTTON GARDENS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP]]></title><description><![CDATA[GA Films, led by George Aponsah , hosted a  BRUSHPAST  photography workshop where participants from the Cotton Gardens Estate community, spanning ages 4 to 80, shared personal stories and captured meaningful photographs. We also had a little girl named Eneh taking us with on her day. Here's ENEH'S DAY IN PHOTOS]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/cotton-gardens-photography-workshop</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6915cfa9ecba7a9528ce9226</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:37:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_62587e68b51b48c58280f06957edd313~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ED BEERBOHM'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[“Fairly late on in my life, I was afflicted with a neurological condition which slowly but surely eroded my ability to move about. Walking - previously an automatic function that I didn’t really think about - became perplexing, exhausting and painful. And so with disability and immobility I became increasingly confined to my flat and increasingly isolated. Art also came to me late in life and it has proved to be a means by which I can escape the tyranny of isolation. Disability reconfigures...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/ed-beerbohm-s-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6915c36d2d98b143a5453862</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:45:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_5372511058ac463094446712d5105b7e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[JR'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[This painting meant so much in the time of despair for me. I had been through court fighting for access to my son where I soon lost contact again. This destroyed my world leading suicidal thoughts. I had to do something to distract my mind and focus one step at a time in which I painted the word 'love' as a reminder of why it hurts and why it was worth the fight... I had to go on. Having gone to court for a second time I won my case against adversity. This word also gave me the drive n...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/jr-s-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6915c09cc6ea60b037f4f3d6</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:29:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_80a6d8a930034083989d840116f681a4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_747,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ART &#38; DRAWING WORKSHOP]]></title><description><![CDATA[GEORGE CARTY Artist “My Story, My Voice: Writing and Art as Expression” This workshop invites participants to tell a real story from their life through both writing and art. With space to draw, paint, and reflect, it offers a safe way to explore memories and feelings. The day ends with a quiet celebration of everyone’s work — and a reminder that every story matters.]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/art-drawing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69149bab3b27b314835ed902</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:40:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f829a8f81b1348e8a2a532e9159018b4.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[DESIGN WORKSHOP]]></title><description><![CDATA[TBA TBA “Design Your Voice: Graphic Design through Zines” This creative session introduces basic design ideas using zines — small handmade booklets. Participants use collage, images, and words to tell their stories or share a message. It’s a chance to be heard, make something personal, and build confidence through art and design in a relaxed, supportive space.]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/design</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69149a35a1d0fbff5962c57b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:32:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6965f4e2b7694112ae98bf41a6dae7a2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[WRITING WORKSHOP]]></title><description><![CDATA[ELIZABETH MORTON Writer “Your Story Matters: Writing from Experience” A calm, welcoming space to explore life experiences through writing. Participants learn how to shape a short story using real moments from their past, with support at every step. Whether someone wants to share or just write for themselves, this workshop values every voice and helps people feel seen and heard.]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/writing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691499b834dbfde30e6c9248</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:30:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7d6d864e1426493e9c0c4948b0fc24a0.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP]]></title><description><![CDATA[GEORGE AMPONSAH Film Director “Through My Eyes: Telling Your Story with Photography” A hands-on workshop where participants use disposable cameras to capture their world as they see it. With simple tips on photography and storytelling, this session helps people express identity, daily life, and personal meaning through powerful images. The day ends with reflection and plans for sharing their photos, if they choose to.]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/photography</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69148f6334dbfde30e6c7a14</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:28:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/23c404aaa733485996c4655adff7a71e.jpg/v1/fit/w_584,h_389,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[JEREMY'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[A fish named Jeremy Ohio State Prison: not a place I ever imagined being connected to. Yet, there's a fish swimming in a tank there with my name on it. For years, I was a master of disguise, hiding an addiction that whispered, 'You're not good enough.' Success felt like a borrowed suit, always waiting to be taken back. Rock bottom? I knew it well, but then I discovered there was a basement. Recovery has been a stumble forward, a messy, imperfect journey. It's about facing the truth, not just...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/jeremy-s-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691478ca5e10fffe9cc70a54</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:24:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_5e14db4bd6494889b93021c16accfed6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[LITTLE GEORGE'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[There were days, which were most days when rising to the morning and the daylight was a daunting experience. ​  The only certainty was that it was going to be  the same as rest of the enumerable days wishing that you hadn't woken up and that you were still oblivious to the new day. Eventually you realise the darkness of the night has given way to the light of day and you are part of it ,as much as you wish you were not. You play your mundane part which is usually the same script of feeding...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/little-george-s-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69147fa13b27b314835e94ce</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:24:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_a6fbf83e908a46beabc7ef455f7b4b75~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[GEORGE'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[When Jeremy and David asked me to create an image that represents me as an artist for the Brush Past project, my first thought was to use a photograph I had taken back in the 1980s or 90s. The problem was that all the successful prints had long since been framed and given away as gifts—leaving only the rejects in my portfolio. So, I ended up rephotographing one of those rejected prints with my iPhone. Interestingly, the phone automatically brightened the photo, correcting what had originally...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/george-s-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69147d4d744f3eeb162166e4</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:24:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_3038646b30c649838d6afb9c00d76148~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[DAVID'S STORY]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Rooms As a child I was sent to my room, without a voice to reply, or knowing how to reply, to await my outcome. Sometimes the outcome would be full of joy, other times, my outcome would be full of pain. As a teenager, as I battled with myself to scrape out an identity for myself, coming from a dysfunctional room (home), I was sent to many different rooms (cells!)by those who thought they knew what was best for me. Within those rooms (prison cells) I found &#38; embraced a lifestyle that I...]]></description><link>https://www.brushpast.org/post/david-s-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69147ca9744f3eeb16216520</guid><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:24:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/47b7c0_6e0e003d49f642c1b84ca9fbf25a2a88~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>BRUSH PAST</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>