Artists – Sharon Dipity & Sarah Ruttle

We had little but we had love

Clonakilty Community Hospital

We had little but we had love evolved from inspirational conversations and making with participants at Clonakilty Community Hospital and visual artists Sharon Dipity and Sarah Ruttle. Together the group explored ideas around the murmuration of starlings, their movement and elegant coordination, and its similarities to the waltzes and dances experienced across the dance halls of West Cork. The project came together in a beautiful artwork and poetry booklet.

Sharon and Sarah worked collaboratively on this project. The artists introduced poetry into their sessions at Clonakilty Community Hospital, reading and discussing ‘Wild Geese’ and ‘Starlings in Winter’ by Mary Oliver. The poems ignited conversations around overcoming difficulties and hardships, bird flight and adventure, movement and journeys, love and loss.  The sessions progressed to include poetry writing, thinking about starling’s flight paths, the connections between their movements and dance. The group drew with feathers and ink, inspired by flight patterns and responding to waltz music.

The residents decided to bring their work together in a small book. They worked alongside the artists to design the layout, pick a piece for the cover, and decide any compositional changes. 

Sharon brought the finished books to the final session for the group to read through together. 

 

Timeframe

September to December 2024

 

Testimonies

“It takes me into another world.” – Participant

“I came in this morning and couldn’t smile, but look at me now- smiling! The art is very popular.” – Participant.

“Look at the masters hand.” – One participant complimenting another!

“They enjoy the art, you’re very good with them.” – Healthcare staff member.

This project was funded by Arts for Health Partnership Programme, West Cork.