Re-Cover Project - Week 8

This was our very last session! It was an end for both Bryony and me, but for those who came to join us for the first time, although they were disappointed that the project was not continuing, it was an experience they said they thoroughly enjoyed, and wished that we can return.

The session began with some drumming. One of the men was demonstrating how to play the tabla, while we were setting up the tables to begin our session. This attracted some onlookers and drew them into the activity room.

One man who had an interest in cats returned to create and made several studies after looking at images of cats from magazines.

Even some staff members joined in and added a festive flavour to the artwork.

The drummer wanted to cast his hand straight away, as he used his hands to create music. So, we poured the alginate into a large container, for his hand was pretty big! He decided on the Vulcan hand sign: "Live long and prosper!"  

But what came out was two broken fingers. However, he did not feel disappointed as he duly noted its significance in a book he had read, that meant a lot to him. He immediately wanted to work on it: embellishing it with blue paint.

Our session came to an end before he could finish it. He was pleased with what he had made and already had some ideas on how he can proceed to the next stage. He thanked us for being there that day and said, "It's made my day more bearable."

It's been an incredible journey these last eight weeks, making and sharing our creative skills with these men, and I think - I hope - we have made a significant impact on them, if not for the duration of their stay, then for the two hours at least, each Friday.

Van and Bryony