I have seen first hand how art can make a difference in a hospital setting. In 2016 I ran an art project called “One Wish”. (learn more about One wish) This project was working with the patients and carers from the oncology unit. This project lead my desire to share art with the whole hospital on a more permanent basis.
Katrina Elliott
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The Japanese refer to the crane as the “bird of happiness” Traditionally, it was believed that if one folded 1000 origami cranes, one wish would come true. It has also become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. As a result, it has become popular to fold 1000 cranes (in Japanese, called “Senbazuru”).
As a family member and a friend of someone that is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, I find myself feeling helpless not being able to take the burden of cancer away from the people we love. I feel this project will help bring cancer patient, family and friends on a part of a journey together. Teach them new skills and create a beautiful, spiritual sculpture that they can watch grow every time they visit the Cancer Care unit.
Innovation of the work: a project such as this has not been achieved before in the hospital and due to its uniqueness and diversity of people it could impact I feel it could, once developed, reach out to others on a national scale.
Community Access: Stories from the project will be shared during the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum exhibition. A hands on station at the exhibition will give the community the opportunity to participate in their own journey of Senbazuru.
One Wish Documentary
Links
One wish Exhibition – Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum
http://gragm.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/one-wish
http://gragm.qld.gov.au/news/katrinas-one-wish