Lockdown was tremendously lonely and isolating for me and without doubt for many. The inception of Age Exchange's Activity boxes and Zoom meetings, gave focus and enjoyment, filling a much needed void for me and for others experiencing isolation. In addition, it was a pivotal and beneficial medium, bringing me closer to feeling involved and valued through participation.
So I approached it cautiously initially, aiming to explore something I had never done before, such as painting. I didn’t feel I had to complete everything but enjoyed learning about different forms of Art and Artists' works unfamiliar to me. When I had progressed through several boxes and pieces of work, I found that I began to explore using different mediums and really found I felt at peace for several hours, as pictures developed.
When I look back I feel my paintings have progressed and I have surprised myself that I have been capable of producing these paintings. Over the years I have always written about my thoughts and feelings, about my life’s adversities, highs and lows and more recently, I have had the opportunity to revisit and explore this once again through fresh ideas developed in the activity boxes.
Through my participation, I have learnt about different forms of poetry which I may never have encountered. I have developed a deeper understanding and passion for writing, which I believe keeps my brain active, as it is so easy to let the word 'dementia' define you. Read Vesna’s lockdown poetry.
I feel through the support and involvement with Age Exchange I have been given a new lease of life.
