Can art
help us heal?

Working with Stroke patients has been the most rewarding part of my career as an artist. When I left art college back in 1999 I had no idea that this type of work existed, and perhaps back then it didn't. 

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Through a long journey of volunteering with a local art groups alongside developing my own art practice I began volunteering with Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust in 2018 moving on to facilitating many art sessions for them and other organisations, you can read more about those projects below.

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Now that I have experienced the difference that art sessions can make to patients on a rehabilitation ward, and through the community programmes that I have led for THAT and recently for Vision PK I have seen that the creative arts are more than just a passtime. Research has already shown how effective engaging with art activities can be, it is becoming accepted as a route to improving Wellbeing and reducing social isolation. We are at an exciting time of potential in acknowledging Art as a Health Behaviour thanks to thanks to Researchers such as Professor Daisy Fancourt whose book Art Cure shouts from the rooftops about the multiple benefits of creativity.

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But I believe that more could be done to establish if there are physical, cognitive and ultimately rehabilitation benefits to taking part in art activities. So this has become the focus of my current MFA studies at DJCAD in Dundee.

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My own thinking through making has led me to draw and respond with materials that feel "right" when I am considering the fragility and strength of our mind and brain and I have been exploring working with various materials including paperclay. These experiments are ongoing and at our degree show in August 2026 we shall see how these forms have developed.

The Stroke Art programme is run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust T.H.A.T. They develop and deliver Creative Engagement Projects in healthcare settings and in the community across NHS Tayside.

 

I have been fortunate to be invited as lead artist for the 6th year to Perth Royal infirmary where we bring art sessions into the Stroke Rehabilitation Ward as part of the patients recovery process. Working with clay or printing or painting & drawing provides an enjoyable creative diversion for the patients and learning new skills can build confidence. The 12 week programmes end with a celebration and show of work.

Another programme developed by T.H.A.T but this time in the community working with people living with mixed long term health conditions.

 

We introduced painting and drawing to a wonderful group of participants who embraced various drawing & painting techniques over 6 weeks. The sessions took place at WASPS Perth Creative Exchange.