A big thank you to Marcela at St Andrews Healthcare in Birmingham. She worked tirelessly to ensure that my artwork was utilised in ways I had intended, while it was on display there. The artwork was installed on 27 August and was taken down on 30 September. Early on I talked about the impetus behind the making of it with an assembled group of patients, their escorts, and St Andrews professionals. Following the talk, a lively and often deeply moving, conversation ensued, with patients sharing their thoughts and ideas gleaned from interpreting the artwork as it related to their own lives and experiences.

I was privileged to have been invited to join Marcela in her art room, along with a couple of patients, as they embarked on the production of their own artwork in response to what they had felt and thought from both viewing my artwork, and from our conversations. One person had the idea to make a three dimensional house, where the front and sides appear 'normal', complete with flower boxes on either side of the door. However, behind the front facade, a volcano is in the process of erupting. The work, although not complete when I saw it, was very powerful. Images of this and other artwork will be posted soon.

Routes of Sorrow was display in the Multi-faith Room. Marcela on the left.

I'm very grateful to Marcela Matejickova in Birmingham for all of the extra work and effort she has put in to bring my artwork to Birmingham. I look forward to meeting her and the team on Wednesday, and getting to know the staff and patients.

Exhibition at the Chapel of St Andrews Healthcare, Northampton

11 - 17 April 2014

Many thanks to Neil Tyrer, Head Chaplain at St Andrews, for his tireless support and for making it possible to exhibit this work. It was seen by patients and staff during Holy Week.

Neil also enabled patients to make 'use' of it as I had intended. Some patients visited the chapel on Monday, the 14th April, to meet with me and discuss what the artwork means to me, and to provoke conversations around what the recurring symbols mean to them.  There were many stimulating questions and a few tears shed, but this artwork contains a hopeful message which came up in conversation.

Discussions with St Andrews Healthcare in Birmingham are now underway to transport the artwork there in the not too distant future.

Comments from the visitor book (names withheld to protect patient anonymity):

• Very impressive art and on Sunday it looked fitting as we approach Holy Week. The imagery of the face is powerful, may evoke different emotions.
• Lovely and very warming - it's topped a fabulous service - thank you for making me smile.
• A soul painted, broken journeys - searching for hope - there is re-birth and joy. Hope for the broken and suffering.
• Quite sad - but uplifting.
• The birth of hope and the peace it brings, emerging out of darkness, sorrow and pain.
• It's sad but I like the pregnant woman. I can really related to that. It's uplifting.
• I needed the rose petals explaining as Pam's own symbol but I could make connections with my own experiences, life journey, lessons from mindfulness.
• I enjoyed most of it but remain confused.
• Much food for thought. I could relate to some of the symbols and very much appreciated the opportunity to speak with Pam about this work. Chronic sorrow - grieving without finality; yet left hopeful. Thank you!
• XXXXX Ward very understanding of the sorrow of this time and a good time for reflection and love for the father, the son and the holy spirit Amen to you all. Thank you.

On Tuesday, the 15th, some patients and their escorts returned to the chapel to produce their own drawings and pictures in response to the artwork and the conversations from the previous day. Once permission is secured to include those artworks, they will be posted here.

Exhibition at St Barnabas Church, Oxford 

18 Feb until 11 April

Before leaving for Northampton, the installation has been up at St Barnabas Church in Jericho, Oxford from 18 Feb until 11 April.

St Barnabas Church, Jericho, Oxford

Today, the 9th April, I met with the Social and Cultural Group from the Oxford Jewish Congregation. The synagogue, also in Jericho, is located around the corner from St Barnabas Church.

Oxford Synagogue, Jericho, Oxford

The group invited me to to join them for lunch. Thank you Hella and Marjorie and others for making me feel very welcomed.

After lunch the group met again at the church, in front of my artwork. The group was responsive, with insights into the frustration of attempting to make tangible an elusive feeling. I hope to visit with a few of the group members to delve further into their thoughts, to more fully understand how I can 'use' this art work with others.

Some comments from the visitor book:

• Very thought provoking. - Pat

• Thought and emotion provoking. - Orit

This artwork is now on display at St Barnabas Church, Jericho, Oxford OX2 6BN

10 February - 9 April 2014

To gain entry, please phone Paul on 01865 513601

First Public Exhibition

Inter-Action, Milton Keynes, October 2013

Visitor comments from exhibition at Inter-Action in Milton Keynes:

• I like the ideas translated into very different materials and images. It took time to read the installation personally re what it evoked. A really worthwhile visit. The words in the handout helps to take the thought further. Kay Lynn 11.10.13

• We eventually got here! I think your work is inspirational and I'd love to provide an opportunity to exhibit in the chapel. Please do contact me. Neil and family 12-10-13

• So glad we came. Joshua has been 'explaining' all about your work to a group doing a workshop here. Your triptych is so personal - I'm pleased we found and read your notes. Thank you for suggesting we visit the exhibition, a very worthwhile visit. Heather

Preparation for April exhibition

 

As I prepare to install this work in April at the St Andrews Healthcare in Northampton, I have set up this blog in advance to record preparations for the exhibition. I plan to record impressions, interpretations and possible inspirations as two groups within the population are taken to view and interact with it. You are welcome to comment on the progress of this project.

From the St Andrew's Healthcare website:  St Andrew's Healthcare is a charity with an outstanding reputation for quality of care built up over 175 years. As a unique national teaching hospital across four sites in the UK, our specialist services include mental health, learning disability, autism and brain injury.  St Andrew's has tripled in size since the late 1990's, with £200m invested in new facilities. With over 1000 in-patient places, the charity has the UK's leading national secure facilities for adolescents and young adults, women, men and elders, in addition to community services.  Our national and regional services in Northampton, Essex, Birmingham and Nottinghamshire make St Andrew's by far the largest provider of NHS care in the charity sector.