Mosaics and printed artworks created by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ staff over a series of professionally-led workshops have been assembled into an exhibition in Northern General Hospital.
Guided by Sheffield-based mosaic artist Coralie Turpin and illustrator/printmaker Jamie Mills, members of staff attended virtual workshops to help craft their pieces for the display which is only accessible online to the public, due to restrictions.
Running sessions via Microsoft Teams, Ms Turpin said: “I found it very interesting working with the staff from all departments of the hospital and the different ideas they had reflecting on their time during the pandemic and focusing on something they love.
“I think this project was very good for people during the pandemic. Some had been off shielding, some had been tackling huge admin increases, some at the coal face of the ITU. This was a welcome distraction and mindfulness activity, learning a new skill and meeting new people in a safe space.”
Funded by Sheffield Hospitals Charity and Arts Council England, the staff art club forms part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ In & out of Hospital programme, aiming to support staff health and well-being.
Born from a partnership between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ Arts in Health team, Yorkshire Artspace and Museums Sheffield, the staff art club enabled 31 staff members to get involved in the two six-week courses which focused on mosaics and print-making respectively.
Registered nurse Amber Webb, who works at the Spinal Injuries Unit in Northern General hospital, designed a mosaic poppy flower for her piece.
“My favourite part of the process was beginning to get in touch with my creative side. I’ve never done anything like this before, I found it helped distract me from stress and I found the process of planning and designing relaxing.
“The online workshops worked really well, everyone managed with the technology well and it worked to deliver the sessions. The only downside was we haven’t been able to meet other members of the club which is a shame.”
Involved in the print-making classes, Consultant Eye surgeon at Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Northern General Eye Centre Zanna Currie created a lino-print of a swallow flying over a roof at night.
“I really enjoyed it and it was something to look forward to every Thursday. It was nice to meet people (virtually) from other parts of the Trust and the teacher and trained artist was very encouraging and a lovely teacher. My favourite part of the process was the time to relax, be creative, try something new and forgetting the ‘day job!'”
