‘As I cannot write’: transforming perceived barriers toautobiographical writing through the use of experimental writingpractices
Conventional approaches to autobiography assume access to memory, personal history and a coherent sense of self which is stable through time. These assumptions disadvantage those who have difficulties with writing for reasons such as cognitive impairment, mental health problems, physical disabilities, or literacyissues. Such disadvantages can be a barrier to their ability to engage with writing activities which promote wellbeing, as current approaches rely heavily on the ability to write about difficult memories.The research comprises two interrelated elements: a critical thesis considering the barriers to writing autobiography and how the perception of these barriers might be transformed through the use of experimental writing techniques, and an innovative autobiography.The critical thesis analyses the difficulties with conventional approaches to autobiographical writing, including in writing for wellbeing.The creative project consists of an innovative autobiography, formed from linked sequences of quilts, which are embellished and embroidered with experimental and conceptual writing. The basis of the pieces will be found texts, rather than memoir, in order to investigate the potential of experimental writing techniques to construct and transform notions of identity, for people who have issues with access to memory, or personal history, or with their sense of self.Bridging the two aspects of the research will be autobiographical passages exploring the conventional approach to writing autobiography, through the practice of writing in this style.
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