John Ayling’s residency at Broadgreen Hospital took place between 13 April – 25 May 2016 in the the Trauma and Stroke Rehabilitation wards.
John worked with patients to create a ‘mandala’, initially using seeds, grains and lentils to quickly and temporarily help staff and patients understand his ambitions. This was followed by wooden templates to collage torn paper images of plants, flowers, leaves and trees.
The mandala design itself resembled a flower; the idea was to progressively add colour to the cut-out jigsaw pieces of the design in a way that encouraged focus on the natural world outside. Using seed catalogues donated by the Wildflower Centre, participants tore up photographs, sorting them in order to generate a colour palette.
John worked with 49 patients and 27 staff: making 76 individuals in all. Patients found the activity relaxing, therapeutic, enjoyable. Staff said the project had been really beneficial for patients on several levels: it had been enjoyable and diverting, and good for developing motor skills and concentration.
The workshops also provided a good focal point for participants to socialise. The natural imagery used to generate the colour palette led to various conversations about gardening at home and about public gardens and parks, which led to more general conversations about where people lived, grew up, etc.
“It’s an oasis in here.”
– Participant
“You can’t really go wrong can you.”
– Participant
“I can’t stop looking at it.”
– Participant
The artwork for John Ayling’s commission was developed entirely in his sessions on the wards, with participants collaging onto prepared wooden sections. Working in his studio, John subsequently transferred the artwork onto matching handmade ceramic tiles. The artwork is sited permanently in Broadgreen Hospital.
Ceramic tiles with transfer print by John Ayling (2016)
“The use of art by a professional with such a fantastic approach is invaluable to patients and from my opinion had a positive psychological impact on those who attended.“
– Helen Dwerryhouse, Team Leader & Occupational Therapist at Broadgreen Hospital