Mari-Ruth Oda’s residency at the Walton Centre took place between 24 February – 31 March 2016. The residency sessions took place on two afternoons per week for approximately 4 hours each, in the Chavasse Ward and the Complex Rehabilitation Unit, Outpatient Clinic and Pain Management Clinic based in the Sid Watkins Building.
Mari-Ruth taught patients and staff how to make polymer clay tiles which were then decorated. 51 individuals took part in the sessions. Some just once, others attending more than one session. Individuals ranged from patients, hospital staff, family members and other visitors.
The sculpting, manipulating and decorating of the clay as a process engaged and distracted the participants. It also assisted with hand/eye coordination, and once the participants were involved in the process it often led to relaxed conversations and interconnections between participants and artist.
“Takes one out of one’s self.”
– Participant
“My appointment was 30 minutes late; this has stopped me getting stressed. Will take it home to paint.”
– Participant
“It’s quite therapeutic this, I’ve really enjoyed it.”
– Participant
“During the workshops I was inspired by how creativity moved in people and produced beautiful things, sometimes despite the participants’ conditions or their unknowing of their creativity.”
– Mari-Ruth Oda
Mari-Ruth created a hand-built ceramic tile installation, mounted on wood, for the Walton Centre inspired by the tile making workshops during her 6-week residency.
‘Connections’ by Mari-Ruth Oda (2016)
“Throughout the residency, the resilience of human spirit and the care people have for one another was an underlying theme that I have witnessed at the Walton Centre.“
– Mari-Ruth Oda