While studying for my degree in Fine Art I became fascinated with the subject of memory, and the deterioration thereof. My brother had just been diagnosed with dementia, which broke my heart as he already had brain damage from a car accident, and Schitzophrenia.

At the time Anthony Gormley was embarking on his 'One and Other' art installation on the fourth plinth in Trafaga Square. I went to London and spent 24 hours in Trafalga Square, drawing and painting.

Afterwards I went back to uni and created a very large, wall size, drawing, too big to photograph, that required me to draw from memory, everything that I could remember that was happening in the square, in that 24 hour period. I worked outwards from one photograph. I allowed my memories of living in Africa, and preschool teaching, to creep into the drawing, symbolising how muddled and confused thinking can become with the onset of dementia. I soon discovered that my memory was limited and fading.  So I drew captured moments from photographs that I had taken. I only allowed myself to look at the photo  momentarily, then rely on the short term visual memory, to complete  the section.

After several months of drawing, when I was satisfied that I had finished, I went about destroying it, slowly, as dementia does. Bit by bit it was obliterated, I threw ink at it, which symbolised how chunks of the memory can be lost into what must seem like a black hole. I pasted tracing paper over parts of it, so that some of the drawing faded slowly. I tore bits away replicating the ripped up feeling and frustration sufferers must feel as they can no longer recall events or faces. Eventually everything was gone. Not a trace of the actual drawing left. Just these few photos taken in bad lighting on an Iphone.  

My studies and interest in art as therapy led me to work  collaboratively with some friends who have dementia. I have devised non threatening, relaxed activities that result in colourful work that not only looks pleasing but is fun to do. I have also had the privilege of working with a lady and gentleman who suffered a stroke, and my daughter-in-law who is visually impaired. I am currently working in a care home as an activities co-ordinator.  I have enjoyed bringing art to the residents who are well into their 80's and 90's. Some enjoy participating, others just watching. All have enjoyed art apreciation stimulation.