Ysbyty Tri Chwm hospital drawings
I was asked to record dance lessons at a hospital in Ebbw Vale during a 10 week project. I quickly discovered that the best solution was to use charcoal. Drawing people moving was difficult so occasionally I drew portraits of the participants whilst they watched the lesson. This enabled me to develop relationships with the participants very quickly, making them feel at ease, encouraging conversation and participation with the activity.
The outcome of the project was three fold. First a touring exhibition of the drawings was organised with the hospital itself finally keeping the artwork, on permanent display in the corridors. Second, I was asked to run art workshops with the participants in two sections of the hospital, and this ran on for four years. Finally, the participants themselves were made to feel welcome, could bond with the other patients, were made to feel valued, listened to and stimulated both physically and mentally.
The most touching thing was when one of the participants passed away, their family would ask to see their portfolio of work and would ask if they could keep drawings, paintings and sculptures made by their dearly loved ones.
The outcome of the project was three fold. First a touring exhibition of the drawings was organised with the hospital itself finally keeping the artwork, on permanent display in the corridors. Second, I was asked to run art workshops with the participants in two sections of the hospital, and this ran on for four years. Finally, the participants themselves were made to feel welcome, could bond with the other patients, were made to feel valued, listened to and stimulated both physically and mentally.
The most touching thing was when one of the participants passed away, their family would ask to see their portfolio of work and would ask if they could keep drawings, paintings and sculptures made by their dearly loved ones.
