We asked artists Nick Evans to describe his work at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
“I been working with patients from across the acute wards in an open session in the multi activity room in the morning and in drop-in sessions rotating around the wards in the afternoons. Our sessions allow patients to come and try making with clay, usually for the first time.”
“I try to run the workshops in the multi activity room as much like a normal ceramic studio as possible. We start by looking at examples of work made by other patients. New patients will have a go themselves at making a bowl, a cup or an ornament. Patients love to make things for their homes that they can use. They also love to make gifts for loved ones.”
“Many patients are only on the acute wards for quite a short amount of time, so completing a ceramic project like a bowl in just a couple of session is a challenge. We have to complete the modelling of a piece one week, then bisque fire it it so it can be decorated and glazed the next week. The OTs and activities co-coordinators help to oversee the firings as the schedule is tight.”
“I think it is really important for patients to complete a piece from start to finish wherever possible as it gives them a huge boost and a sense of achievement. If patients are in for a longer period of time they get to try making a range of pieces and love trying different techniques and approaches to modelling and glazing.”