Archive for the English Category

During my time as an inpatient in hospital, blood tests formed an important part of the daily routine. I decided to develop this experience into a painting. The photos below show the process of building up the painting from my initial tonal drawing. Sketching out the drawing

A web of corridors – some interconnecting – Toilets and staircases dotted around Up a level, in between a level Receptions and departments Tucked behind each corner In- and outpatients crossing Paths where the colour schemes and signs Direct the confused To and from appointments, tests and

Lunch: peak time, hard to find a seat Groups of doctors, families and individuals like me Two young babies: each with their doting families A young couple: jacket and beans with a cup of tea All ages and backgrounds Bright green chairs, wood-effect tables A paramedic meets

Like a blue trumpet on wheels Wheeled to all interned Triumphantly its bleeping sounds Resounding from afar First the arm band round the left Then the peg over my right finger De de de do do Tick tick tock tock A fanfare flourish for my fate Systolic,

Linen, drugs, breakfast Beds, chairs, medical record files Everything here runs on wheels Moved from room to room Drip stands, tea urns, newspaper stands Each have their allotted time To call at each bed Old-timers listen out in expectation Ready for their Ready Brek Braced for their

A series of connected teams Expertises linked by consultations Notes, phone calls, data bands Across this vast building And the latest digital technology i-Pods scan my wrist band code And my results spring to life Swipe-able on screen My last week’s performance Available to analyse, scrutinise Am

Hospitals are powered by extraordinary individuals The Phlebotomist who knows just how to talk you through A sharp-scratch, fist-clenched blood test The nurse on night shift who re-checks your blood pressure Four times, just in case you’re in trouble The A&E Team who cope in one crowded,

Let’s rebuild our country Make our own Agreement Calling all poets, pioneers and painters Extend our hand to all, with a smile Travellers and the well-travelled, settle by A cup of tea and a frown at the skies Focus our eye on invention Making the best and

Catheter, cannula, drip stand Tie me to the bed Paper, pen and drawing Free my thoughts instead My sketches are just scribbles Carefree swoops on newsprint Brexit, Trump and Climate Change Lost beneath my squiggles Sometimes less is more Particularly with art A solitude here in hospital

Reconnect …Urban Metropolis Provincials Neighbours that need each other – time to reach out Our belief in the basics Our shared contribution to society Beyond headlines and deadlock Diverse we are Listen and reply with patience Reframe, reform, reshape Through conversations in person Reboot our shared purpose