The Dementia Darnings...

This week is Dementia Awareness Week.

It's a subject that many people find difficult to talk about. They may feel scared and confused, maybe even just hoping that the problem will go away so they don’t have to deal with it. This week has been about getting people to open up.

Throughout the week there has been lots of fundraising events and awareness raising, all with the aim of pointing you in the direction of people to talk to if you are worried about yourself or a member of your family

We all bury our heads in the sand from time to time. But if you’re seriously concerned, and the problem continues, it’s important to talk to someone about it. The sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the sooner you can get on with your life and feel in control again. 

The wonderful artist Jenni Dutton has had first hand experience of dementia,

She has been working on a series of large sewn portraits called 'The Dementia Darnings' of her mother who has Dementia since 2011. They were made initially in response to well loved photos from the family album, but developed as a vehicle for Jenni to respond as her mother’s health gradually deteriorated. Issues around the inevitable loss of memory are explored through the techniques and materials used. She has made 17 portraits to date. The first time I saw pictures of them, I burst into tears. 

They can be seen in Bridport Arts Centre over Dementia Awareness Week and at Museum Rijswijk inThe Hague, Holland from May through to September.

She is now extremely frail, but there are still surprising glimpses of her amazing spirit. I shall continue to show the love that surrounds her through the work that I am making and hope that it will serve as a testament to her life.

Queen Marie