7. A SPECIAL PROJECT
In January - September 2020 I ran ceramic workshops for residents at Nightingale Hammerson, a care home in London. Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic residents were at risk of extreme isolation within the confines of living in care with no outside contact.
Working with different cognitive abilities and physical needs, from advanced dementia to brain damage, at times workshops were socially distanced or one to one and only ever run if residents wanted to partake.
The simple act of working with clay in a relaxed environment had an amazing effect on residents memory and mental health to the point that advanced dementia residents were able to make long term projects and remember processes specific to their projects.
By spending time with these wonderful people I was able to get to know them through a challenging situation at a time when most creative classes were postponed. I bore witness to amazing stories and moments of clarity.
These paintings are of the wonderful people I made friendships with, imagined in surroundings I know make them happy.
‘Nigel’ 8’ x 11.5’ Watercolor on paper 2020
‘Rene’ 8’ x 11.5’ Watercolor on paper 2020
‘David’ 8’ x 11.5’ Watercolor on paper 2020