2009 Winner - Alex R

Alex R is a London based glass artist who trained at Central St Martins. In the year of her graduation Alex won the Stevens Competition for Architectural Glass Design in 2005 and was subsequently invited to create a glass installation for University College Hospital. Her work was selected for the prestigious Glass Biennale , whilst commissioned work has been shortlisted for the Art and Work Awards and has won two categories in the Pearson’s Prize.

Alex’s residency was based in the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London working with the patients and staff and learning more about the effects of Multiple Sclerosis, stroke and spinal injury on the brain.

Alex used a range of different materials and activities to engage the patients and staff. Some of the sessions were individual projects such as the making of the Memory Bowls where patients decorated their own glass bowl which were then fired and returned to them as a reminder of their stay on the Unit.

Alex R working with patients to create glass Memory Bowls.

Memory Bowls made by patients on the unit.

This was then followed by other projects which were more collaborative pieces with the aim of creating a sense of community and involving a greater number of patients and staff. The first of these was a huge clock for the unit where each patient decorated a number with sparkly glass pieces in their own individual style.

The residency ended with the 'The Rehab Tree' which was made out of clay by the patients who inscribed words into the bark of the tree to express their feelings about their experience in hospital. This was then painted and pieces of glass were incorporated into the final work.

Working with patients on The Rehab Tree.

Alex said at the end of the 12 week period:

“This residency has been very much about balancing my need as an artist to engage those around me in the creative process, with the needs of the patients who often just wanted someone to talk to. I measure the success of the residency by how much the line between the two eventually blurred, with the making process becoming a way for patients to express their feelings about their time in hospital.”

Alex will be producing a light box to be hung in the unit inspired by neuroimagery. Some patients have contributed towards this, identifying colours, beliefs,feelings and people that have been significant to their journey through rehabilitation.

Anne Fleming, Senior social work on the unit has said of Alex:

“She has brought some heart to the unit. Through the use of seemingly simple ideas, Alex has enabled participants to produce stunning pieces of group and individual work. Her affirmation has helped to encourage everyone involved and enhance their self-esteem.”

Detail from The Rehab Tree.