Memories Are Made of This is an exploration of positivity and hope, even though the premise explores Dementia.

CANBERRA CONTEMPORARY ARTSPACE ~ MANUKA 5TH SEPT - 15TH SEPTEMBER 2019

During the first stages of Dementia, it is difficult to tell just by looking at someone if they have the disease. Over the last 2 years I have created a series of portraits of couples living with Dementia who attend the Alchemy Chorus; one has the disease and one does not. I have also included portraits of the volunteers, but by not informing the viewer as to which people in the exhibition have the disease I aim to illustrate that though the person who has Dementia may behave differently, they are still the same person.

Acceptance, tolerance and inclusiveness is important in any community and even more so when someone’s cognitive ability is reduced. As part of the project I have collected many written life stories of many of the couples. 

Memories Are Made of This is a song title which aptly describes the love and community of singing together. Music is powerfully potent for people living with Dementia. For families living with this insidious disease, it is so important to make time to do community activities for as long as possible. Singing in a choir is an enjoyable social outing for anyone and also those with Dementia. It is also a time for spouses/carers to debrief!

100% print sales are being donated for Dementia research, through  Dementia Australia

I was going to print the whole exhibition over the July school holidays but the very lovely Marc Payet, the General Manager International Sales of ILFORD came to the rescue and he and the team at Ilford printed the exhibition. This then allows me to donate ALL funds raised to Dementia research. I am truly grateful and honoured to have been recognised. THANK-YOU Marc and Ilford!! The prints were made on ILFORD GALERIE GOLD FIBRE PEARLa beautiful heavy weight paper and the prints look fabulous!!!