In my role in long term care, I am often trying to engage my residents in art-making activities. However, physical and cognitive barriers impinge many people’s ability to manipulate art-making tools, even in the simplest form. Though many (not all) of my residents would not attempt to make art if I set them up with a project, I noticed that they enjoyed watching me draw or paint. So, I began doing portraits of the residents themselves, as I thought it might vicariously engage them in the art-making process. Sometimes a group will congregate to watch and chat and sometimes it is a one-on-one session.
The act of drawing is often intimidating, even for professional artists. Yet, having your portrait drawn is also a vulnerable experience. I think this moment of mutual vulnerability is what creates space for the deeper connection that I experience during these sessions. I have amazing conversations with residents in these moments. I have also noticed that some residents who were previously hesitant to participate in my other recreation programs would be much more comfortable to engage after I had done a portrait session with them.
The response to the final portrait is mixed but positive. In spite of some residents being convinced that I have drawn their parent, all have been delighted and display it proudly when I give it to them to keep.
The more time I spend in long term care, the more I realize the value of simply being present with someone. When I draw a person, they have my undivided attention and the knowledge that I am content to sit with them in silence, listen to music together, or listen to anything that they might like to share.
Jennie Vegt is an Edmonton based artist who works mostly with oil paint. Since receiving her Bachelour of Fine Arts from the University of Alberta in 2012, Jennie has worked as Artist in Residence for Edmonton City Hall, and her paintings and murals have been collected for permanent public display in institutions such as City Hall, the U of A, Norquest, and the Edmonton City Tower. Jennie has worked in long term care as a Recreation Therapy Assistant since 2016, where she leads painting workshops and draws portraits of the residents.
www.jennievegt.com
