Temporary Exhibitions
Damian Clarke - Stroke Rehabilitation
DAMIAN CLARKE
Damian is a local Artist and Musician. In 2018 and 2019 he suffered two brain abscesses, the second one leading to paralysis of his left hand.
Whilst on the Stroke Ward here at DCH and when being nursed by the AHA Team, he began to explore drawing with his left hand. This was primarily to encourage re-learning of the fine motor skills needed for producing art and music, but he soon became intrigued by the new marks and brushstrokes he was making. He then went on to create some larger paintings, using the new drawing to explore what had gone in his brain.
Using his experience of being on the Stroke Ward at DCH, he applied and was successful in gaining funding from Arts Council England. This was to make 30 workshops possible with 15 Stroke Clubs around the country.
Damian created composite images, using layers like the brain, of as many of the participants as possible. Usually, the Stroke Club members had done no art since their school days. But they also included a recent art graduate, a professional mural painter and a portrait painter. Along with musicians, poets and dancers, they all brought an incredible range of creative experience to the workshops.
During Stroke Week, 2024, Damian will be working with patients on the Stroke Ward.
A new banner will be produced from this work to be hung in the Stroke Ward for the inspiration of future patients.
The banners can be seen in the Central Courtyard along with prints of sections of the banners in the corridor. Any money raised from the sales of prints or banners will go to the Stroke Association.
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We aim to enhance the healing environment for patients, visitors and staff here at Dorset County Hospital, through visual art, performance and music. Please help us to continue and expand our programme by donating. Your donations can be used to commission and purchase new artwork to brighten up the hospital or to fund new participatory projects with professional artists and musicians.
