Over the last year, visual artist Sharon dipity has been undertaking an Arts for Health research project entitled Mark-making and Movement.
Here, Sharon speaks to Skibbereen Community Hospital’s Activities Coordinator, Shirley McCarthy, about the work so far.
Can you explain the focus of your arts and health research project?
Sharon: The focus of my research is drawing and mark-making with hospital residents on the Arts for Health programme. I want to bring different types of movement into the drawing activity to create a broader range of movement and the marks made from this.
In 2024 I made a collection of drawing tools with which to make larger drawings through movement and to encourage larger movement and expansive drawing. I worked with Helga Deasey, dance artist, to explore using these tools and other movements with the residents, and they created large collaborative ink drawings with these tools. In February this year, I collaborated with David Shanahan, musician, to create song and music from the drawings we made in the movement session and other mark-making sessions.
What have been the key moments of your research project so far?
Sharon: Working with dance artist Helga Deasey enhanced and expanded the project. With this research collaboration the artists set out to explore different expressive qualities and their relation to space, time and weight through movement and mark-making with the support of selected pieces of music. Helga took the exploration of the drawing tools I had made further, using movement to explore them before we began to paint with them.
How can learning from this research be brought into the healthcare setting?
Sharon: The participants are very open to exploring new ways of working in a safe environment with people they know and trust. The continuity of the sessions and artists create this. They embraced diverse and different ways of working over several weeks. Having the time to explore and to build on the project and to work with a trained movement professional, in this case, dance artist Helga Deasey, enabled more ambitious work. When Helga joined the session, there was tangible excitement about the movement aspect and working with a dancer. Working with Helga, enabled us to feel confident in the participants exploring their own range of movement in a safe and creative way.
How do you think this research can benefit your residents?
Shirley: This project brings energy, creativity and connection to our residents. The mix of movement, music and mark-making encourages self-expression and gently supports physical activity. Residents feel safe to try new things with trusted artists and the sessions create a real sense of joy and involvement. It’s been a meaningful and uplifting addition to our programme.
What are the next steps for your research project?
Sharon: To bring in a musical element. We have applied for funding for a collaborative project between myself, Helga Deasey and Justin Grounds to continue this research: A playful and creative exploration of imagery and imagination through music, movement and mark-making.
What is one of the positives in connecting with Arts for Health artists?
Shirley: One of the key positives is the fresh energy and creativity that Arts for Heath artists bring into the space. They offer residents opportunities to express themselves in new and often unexpected ways, which can be incredibly uplifting. The artists are sensitive to the needs of the residents and work in a way that is inclusive and empowering. Their presence not only enhances the emotional wellbeing of the residents but also contributes to a vibrant and stimulating environment.
Would you like to add anything more?
Shirley: Yes, what stands out to me is the sense of connection and confidence the residents build through these sessions. The continuity and care shown by all the artists help create a safe space where residents feel seen, heard and valued. It’s not just about making art, it’s about having joy, curiosity and a sense of achievement. These experiences often spark conversations, memories and laughter that continue long after the sessions end. It’s a truly meaningful part of their weeks it’s not just Arts for Health, it’s Arts for Life.
A huge thank you to Shirley and Sharon for sharing their thoughts with us!
Images by Sharon dipity.