Braces in spaces
Braces in spaces
Part of an ongoing project as my son no longer needs to wear a back brace following his operation, so both Tom and his braces are free. Ongoing project about constraint and freedom.
Momentum
Momentum - wire, photography, film
A wire structure which represents the spinning of a hand made spinning toy that we make for my son, who uses the toy for a number of reasons, including a form of basic communication. The toy is always within his reach and sits normally on his lap and he uses this to alleviate his sensory need to spin. This also provides him with movement when he physically cannot move.
The circular forms in the structure represent the repetitive spins of the toy and the wire around the structure contains a morse code message. The structure was photographed and filmed (see Films) on Porthmeor beach in St Ives, which is where I go for respite and to create.
It currently sits in my studio covered in dried seaweed waiting for its’ next outing and in the meantime, providing me with memories of the sea.
Support group
Support group
support; (verb) bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.
A group of black and white photographs of carer relatives wearing Tom’s back brace. This project I originally thought was about solidarity and empathy, but the photos contradicted that. When Tom wears the brace his vulnerable body becomes stronger. When his carer relatives wear the brace, their strength appears to slip and they themselves appear vulnerable. Both movements (from vulnerable to strong and from strong to vulnerable) are made via the brace. The brace supports Tom only and not his supporters - that support and strength comes from within the group, which is why these photos must be viewed as a group; a support group.
Tom’s book of communication
Tom’s book of communication - wire, photography
I am trying to communicate with my son Tom, who uses a powered wheelchair often driving into walls at home, leaving marks which express motion and emotion. This driving is a method of communication showing anger, joy, craving, frustration, etc… Each mark is photographed, measured and wired to size. Collectively suspended in a corner of a room, they depict a script of repeated lines, shapes and patterns and form Tom’s book of communication.
The Spinning Controller
The Spinning Controller - sling, stitch, medals, wire
This work is a celebration of my son’s achievements. They are not the conventional achievements that you might find in a book of milestones, but they are special, were exceptionally difficult and each deserves a medal.