Meridian Maycroft Arts Centre

Our small but intimate Room 1 Art Centre continues to be the room where I see fellow residents at present, but I have experienced the impact of Room 2 in the old building now that the essential redecorating has been done; I can only repeat what I have said before, that visitors to the room will be amazed at the challenging space and grandeur of the windows and high ceiling, so unlike any other space on the Maycroft site. The monumental task of transporting books, paintings, ideas and bits and pieces from my home studio at Knavery Den to this room cannot take place before the end of June. Each week I continue to see Lynn regularly, before and after each of my sessions when I see three of my fellow residents, to discuss how successful we have been. This is essential if we are to provide for each individual’s needs. The sessions are unusual, quite unlike school, as mine are based usually upon a photograph or object, after an introduction by me welcoming them and outlining my intentions to help them to use their eyes more, by allowing their feelings to help. ‘Concentrate and try to make a mark to express what you see. Only you can do this, mistakes are impossible IF you do this.’ I limit my talking and frequently seek opinions, which may lead to discussions and differing points of view, with no right or wrong answers, as all views are correct with a reason. Enlargements of my photographs, found objects and contrived shapes using crumpled paper, have been used and some have been successful. When signs of boredom have arisen a change of topic is swiftly made for the person concerned. Many pleasing results have involved seeing faces and creatures, often looking at an ordinary object and using imagination. Each other’s efforts are compared but never judged harshly. Likes and dislikes are considered with reasons if possible. A period of reflection always occurs towards the end of each session and we consider what we have done and where we have shown to be using our eyes.