Since April 2011, artist Susan Bryson has been working with patients at Leverndale and Rowanbank Hospitals. With funding from the Lankelly Chase Foundation we have developed a programme of weekly art workshops which will continue through to 2013.
Susan has introduced a wide range of processes including block printing, mono printing, batik, watercolour and ink painting and as the project has progressed patients have gained confidence in using the materials and developing their ideas. Staff have also joined in and are learning as much as the patients as well as contributing plenty of conversation and encouraging people to try different approaches.
“I was very proud of doing different things like birds and animals and getting it done and seeing other people doing things. I was proud of what I’d done. I had never used the inks and prints before.” (patient)
“I felt safe even though I was meeting new people. I felt happy in the group, we were all talking and we were cheerful. We didn’t get embarrassed with each other. The most important thing is to trust each other in a group.” (patient)
“We wish the group hadn’t finished and it was more of a regular activity if offered we would appreciate another chance to take part.” (patient)
The workshops have taken people away from their usual routine and provided a regular, safe, creative activity where people have felt their work has been valued. A selection of this work will be exhibited in Project Ability’s gallery from the 29th September to the 13th October 2012.
