Begin by asking “what can you see?” This will help you to gain insight into each participants’ perspective. Use these insights to build a discussion, then you could expand with the follow-up questions displayed on this page.
Discussion provides an opportunity to view and find inspiration from works of art in the National Collection. A process of discovery, using open-ended questions, allows multiple opinions to be shared. This method will elicit responses beyond yes or no, leading to meaningful discussion where people with dementia are able to demonstrate their ability.
For example: the question, "What colour is the sky?" could be experienced as a test with a 'correct' answer. Try instead: "Tell me about the sky." Asking the question in this way allows participants to make choices and give a variety of responses.
Be patient and open. Allow time for participants to look at the work of art, process the questions and to formulate an answer. Don’t be afraid of silence. Discussion should be fun, social, and intellectually stimulating to build confidence and learn something new.
Discussion tip:
Allow participants to answer the questions in their own way. They may not respond in the way you were expecting. So, adjust your expectations. Listen carefully, allow the participants to lead the conversation, and be open to the discoveries you make together.
And now to begin.
We are going to use stylised shapes, symmetry and colour to create an imaginary portrait.
I have some pencils, a sharpener and a piece of paper. I invite you to work alongside me or watch the video first to get the overall idea.
Remember you can pause the video at any time. I want this to be easy, I have made a simple plan to create a face or imaginary portrait. We will start by creating a structure.
First of all draw three circles, evenly spaced, these will become the eyes and mouth.
In the middle a triangle will become the nose. Inspired by the symmetry of the flapper we will do the same thing on each side of the face.
The sides or cartilage of the nose extend up to create the brow, it won’t matter if you have lots of lines….etc
Now to add colour. Grace Cossington-Smith believed that colour has the power to transform our physical, mental and spiritual state of mind.
Choose colours that you really like.