Spotlight on Susan Parsons & Statoil

There is perhaps no better way for a person to peel back the layers than through the art of painting, watching a cornucopia of colours come to light to form the bigger picture (literally and figuratively) with each brushstroke. It is a meditative, transcendental act that brings the artist closer to him or herself, as well as to others.

In September, a group of Statoil employees from Newfoundland and Labrador, and Norway got the chance to experience the joys of painting, and the bonds it can build, firsthand during a team-building workshop at the Delta Hotel in St. John’s. The session, designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork and help participants look to the future through art, was hosted by artist/teacher and Business & Arts NL member Susan Parsons. Guided by Parsons, employees worked together in groups to create a painting on canvas. At the end of the workshop, participants walked away with beautiful and unique pieces of art, as well as a newfound sense of creativity and camaraderie.

"The workshop was very successful. By working together with different mediums, employees from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines were able to discover and recognize each other’s hidden creative talents. Overall, employees had fun and appreciated the unfamiliarity of working with art and the opportunity to learn more about the people who they work with every day,” says Caron Hawco, Communications, Statoil Offshore Newfoundland. "From engineers to geoscientists - everyone worked with the same palette. The sense of accomplishment was unmistakeable as teams displayed their finished product."

In addition to helping promote emerging artists, Hawco says bringing creative people, like Parsons, into the workplace also helps Statoil engage employees while contributing to cultural development. As evidenced by the company’s established art programme, she adds, Statoil values supporting the arts and recognizes the strong connection between creative development and learning.

"Statoil would recommend participating in a workshop like this again,” says Einar Erfjord, Project Manager, Statoil Offshore Canada. "The Arts to Business Catalogue was very useful and efficient, providing art opportunities to employees immediately. Participating in programs that engage organizations in an art removes barriers. It allows employees who come from different backgrounds and countries to connect through creative process and work together in an uplifting way. Overall, the arts catalyze creative thinking amongst employees, allowing teams to shift perceptions and gain new insights,” Erfjord explains.

Statoil advocates connecting with the creative community in Newfoundland and Labrador and investing in arts and culture. By supporting the creative community, Statoil seeks to inspire those who enrich the communities that we live in. In particular, Statoil aims for this inspiration to reach Newfoundland and Labrador’s "Heroes of Tomorrow," youth achievers in arts and culture who inspire us and bring us together.