AMNCH Patient wins runner-up of World Confederation of Physical Therapy Art and Health Competition
Jo Killalee had never painted before she attended art sessions at AMNCH in 2007. Jo attended the Rheumatology Department and was invited to take part in an art group for patients from the department. The purpose of the project was to give patients the chance to try art for the first time, to take up a new interest and for the Hospital to explore the benefits of art for patients with arthritis.
From September 2007 to March 2008, under the guidance of Artist in Residence Gillian Field, the patients studied the works of Old Masters who too suffered from arthritis, such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Raoul Dufy and Paul Klee. X-rays of the patients' arthritic joints were also used as inspiration for the final designs. The result was an exhibition of colourful large scale paintings on canvas by patients with arthritis will be held in the Tallaght Community Arts Centre for the entire month of May as part of the Bealtaine Festival in 2008.
The art programme was a joint initiative between the Rheumatology Department (under the leadership of Professor David Kane) and the National Centre for Arts and Health at the Hospital.
Jo’s painting, entitled The Claw, was inspired and based on an x-ray of her arthritic hand. This artwork has just been selected as runner-up in the Art and Health Competition of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. The work will be exhibited at the World Congress in Amsterdam from 20th to 23rd June 2011 and then on their website.
Jo is absolutely delighted to have achieved so much with her art and has gone on to attend further art classes since attending the first group.
"The outlet to creativity has positively enhanced general well being and a sense of worth in patients who believed that their damaged joints were not fit for purpose," said Dr David Kane, Consultant Rheumatologist. One patient commented, "When I realised that I could make art with my hands, I thought 'what next?'"
For more information or to talk to the artist please contact Hilary Moss, Director of Arts and Health, AMNCH on 01 414 2076.
