The Empowering Portraits sessions recently took place at Midpark Hospital in Dumfries.
Patients and staff had a unique opportunity to engage in artistic expression and exploration. Under the guidance of Dumfries-based artist Kirsty Turpie, took part in a variety of creative activities focused around the theme of portraits, self-reflection, and wellbeing.
After two hugely successful blocks of creative workshops at Midpark we commissioned artist Kirsty Turpie to run a third set of creative sessions.
The Sessions took place in the foyer of Midpark, open to all patients and staff which made for a great social and creative atmosphere and a break from the normal day to day relationships staff and patients have in the hospital.
The six Sessions based around self and self portraits, explored lots of different mediums and techniques which were combined into a final finished piece.
Another celebration of everyone’s enthusiasm and creative endeavours.
Frank Hayes – Creative Health Programme Co-ordinator
“This February and March I developed and facilitated a block of 6 creative wellbeing workshops for patients and staff at Midpark Mental Health hospital, Dumfries for the Outpost Arts Art in Healthcare programme. The workshops were supported by Art in Healthcare coordinator Frank Hayes and saw around 12 patients and staff from different wards come together in the main atrium space each week to have the opportunity to feel the many benefits that creative activities can have on wellbeing. The block called Empowering Portraits aimed to give each participant their own visual language in which to express themselves and work towards the goal of creating an alternative self-portrait. The sessions also aimed to increase creative skills, boost confidence, promote a sense of wellbeing and achievement, give patients a chance to collaborate with others and hear about other creative opportunities in the area.
In the first four sessions participants explored drawing, collage, printmaking and had a go at incorporating empowering words and quotes into their work. They enjoyed trying new things and having the freedom to find a way of working that suited them. Each of the participants learnt a new creative skill which definitely helped them to build on their confidence and self-esteem. Being in the group setting was also really positive. Patients and staff shared materials, ideas and encouragement, creating a lovely supportive atmosphere. One patient commented that the creative activities allowed him to process his negative thoughts, something that he hadn’t realised art could be beneficial for before the workshops.Kirsty Turpie – Lead Artist
In the last two sessions participants were encouraged to use their new skills to produce an alternative self-portrait that expressed something about their personality, likes or dislikes. Many patients chose to cut up their previous weeks work to use as collage elements on their final piece. They found this process liberating and seeing each of the different techniques in the one place consolidated their learning, thought processes and creative journey. The final ‘Empowering Portraits’ look fantastic, they are truly unique to the individual, express their personality and creative wellbeing journey.”
“The sessions showed me that you could be artistically creative without having inherent drawing/painting skill. They allowed me to express myself.
It was therapeutic to make my own piece – it made me feel proud and part of the group and I felt a sense of purpose.
The groups were a fantastic outlet and made the difficult experience of being in hospital more bearable.”
Patient Feedback
“A nice supportive and reflective and energetic space, lots of interesting conversations happening and connections. Sums up the benefits of creative health.”
“Very well attended and engaging – a really valuable resource for both staff and patients that exceeded the objectives. I believe this should be a permanent fixture in Midpark activity offerings.”
Staff Feedback