Objects & Movement, collaborative workshops with hospice patients

The aim of this session  (2/3 at the hospice) was to explore movement in relation to an object, as a way of bringing different awareness to an everyday object, beyond its function.

We used an exercise "Conversations with An Object" p117 from Body Space Image: Notes Towards Improvisation and Performance by Miranda Tufnell and Chris Crickmay as inspiration for a group warm up exercise. This involved improvising a movement or action as we passed a cup between us without using words. We investigated function, material, surface reflection, the object in motion and body shape in relation to the object. These improvisations grew to consider the physical transition or handing over as the object passed between one person to the next. This was really inventive and continued for about 15 minutes.

We had a video by Ivo Dimchev based around Franz West's objects as a possible example to show, but felt we didn't need this after such a good warm up process.

The session progressed to working in pairs and improvising movements in relation to a glass vase and a round fish bowl, chosen at the last session by the two people we were working with. The emphasis was on gesture or shape rather than 'doing' something with the object.

Through a process of doing we came to realise that the scale of our improvised movements where determined by the size of the objects we were working with, as we were seated at a table with only so much that we could reach. Also, a continuation of a group exercise, rather than breaking off into pairs, might have offered a bit more freedom to fully explore the range of what was possible.

Adaptives, Franz West

Arts activities recommended for hospice staff | London Arts in Health Forum

Arts activities recommended for hospice staff | London Arts in Health Forum

Art as a tool in clinician education | London Arts in Health Forum

Art as a tool in clinician education | London Arts in Health Forum

introduction, Arts & Medicine Module, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

We designed and delivered an "Arts & Medicine", Experimental Practice, Choice Module in Feb - Mar 2014. This involved working with 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students from Contemporary Performance Practice, Acting, Musical Performance and Ballet, alongside patients attending day services at a hospice in Glasgow. We shared some of the methods we developed while working in various healthcare settings, and guided students to devise their own creative exchanges with patients at the hospice.

We used performance-based exercises, techniques adapted from Anne Bogart and Tina Landau's Viewpoints technique, group reflection and feedback, and general discussion to explore the issues, ethics and practice of working as an artist in this field.

Creative Bonds, artist-in-residence in Neonatal Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow

 













In 2008 we were joint artist-in-residence with Art in Hospital for six months in the Neonatal Unit of the Southern General Hospital. This was the beginning of our collaborative partnership.

Often premature babies are very sick and will spend up to 3 months on the unit, with parents suffering high levels of stress and anxiety. Dr Madeline White's original aim of the project was for artists to work creatively with parents of premature babies to encourage parental bonding during this anxious and stressful time.

We adopted a variety of approaches, including supporting parents to draw their baby, to photograph their baby and the space around the incubator, and we designed a series of technique cards and left out art material for parents to access when we weren't around. After a while we found that it was more effective for us to take on the role of photographing their baby on their behalf and gifting these to the parents. 

  












We also considered how the material environment of the unit influenced people to change their behaviour in relation to expected norms and very clearly defined roles. In response we developed a critical and creative frame of reference by considering the unit itself as a “metaphorical stage" or performance. 

6 months were spent gathering material using photography and transcribed interviews with parents, nurses and doctors based on a series of questions addressing: role, character, dialogue and scenography.