Partners in Art provides opportunities for people to access the art world on an equal footing, with a volunteer partner who shares their passion. The focus is on art, not people’s disability or support needs, and for those involved it can be an important life-changing opportunity. Started in 2002, Partners in Art has supported over 300 people to explore their art interest. For many this has led to feeling more confident, less isolated and provided the opportunity to develop an established creative practice.

Why did you choose this particular object to create work about?

Alvina: My gym equipment is really important in my life, it keeps me mobile and it has built up my confidence. Exercise helps me to get stronger and maintain my independence. The Prescription for Health Scheme, put in place by my GP has helped me make lots of friends and it enables me to think straight. It adds to my life and could help other people too.

Pat: When I heard that the brief related to significant objects, Matt’s first shoe sprang immediately to mind. Matt, our youngest son, had just decided to seek permanent residency in Australia and we were planning a trip to see him, so he was very much on my mind at the time.

There seemed such a strong connection between an item of Matt’sclothing that symbolised an important moment of his childhood and his later decision to explore other countries and settle in Australia as an adult. The themes of time, distance, connection, independence and separation were all intertwined.  I have been really touched by how many people have spoken to me about how Matt’s shoe has moved them and made them reflect about their own family. I really didn’t think that this very personal project for me would resonate with others and that has been an unexpected gift.

Was it an easy decision or were there lots of things you considered making work about?

Alvina: I talked about different choices with my Partner in Art, I considered my cuddly elephant that I’ve had since I left home. But my gym equipment felt like a more constructive subject that might encourage other people to go to the gym and keep mobile. I wanted to send a message.

Pat: I did think about other objects, things that I’ve saved from my own childhood or items belonging to my family and friends that evoke strong memories from the past. However, my final choice felt very instinctive and related directly to how I could come to terms and support Matt’s decision to emigrate. The process of making the shoe gave me an opportunity to work through my emotions creatively and I found that it helped and supported me on a very personal level through this time.

Can you tell us a bit more about why the object is significant to you?

Alvina: It helps with my MS to improve my balance, so that I can be strong enough to stand and keep out of my wheelchair and get on with my life.

My picture has a water bottle which is necessary to keep hydrated during and after exercise. The purple thing is a stretch band. Blue bobbly thing is a balance cushion I stand on for balance and stability. Green and blue are hand weights. The green and pink cushion are leg and arm weights and the red towel is from Westgate where I train most of all. The significance of these things is that they unlock my body daily, so I can feel free in myself and everything I would like to do in my life throughout my day, week, month, year. I’m disabled and I feel much better after exercise, it certainly keeps me supple and flexible and more able to do, I call it living life (my life).

Pat: A first shoe marks the point when a child begins to choose their own path or journey. This shoe was bought in the summer of 1997, whilst on a family holiday in France. We couldn’t wait to buy new shoes until we got home, because once Matt had got the idea of how to set off on his own, there was just no stopping him – and he’s still going now.

Alvina Richards, Prescription for Health

How did you create the artwork? What materials and processes did you use?

Alvina: My husband arranged the objects and I liked how he’d placed them, he’s got a good eye. Yes I can draw this, bang on I thought. I painted the equipment like a still life arrangement. I used acrylic paints after drawing the objects in pencil. I used about two layers of paint and filled the whole canvas with an image.

Pat: The sandal is a mixed media piece, modelled from canvas. I transferred the image of the map of Australia using acrylic gel medium, aiming for a weathered effect. Some recycled materials were used: cardboard, buttons, etc to suggest age, wear and tear and the many journeys travelled through life. I selected specific sections of the map to chart the places where Matt has lived and worked in Australia.

How does it feel to be part of the exhibition? What did you think when you heard your work was selected?

Alvina: I feel honoured that my painting made it to the wall. I feel proud and I thought everybody’s work was beautiful. I was overwhelmed when I got the message from Emily and I texted my Partner in Art too because she was in Australia. I couldn’t believe the news but it was absolutely true. I’ve come a long way.

Pat: It was a wonderful surprise and a great honour for my significant object and story to join so many other moving submissions and accounts. I was lucky enough to see other entries being prepared and to share in how unique and significant each piece of work and corresponding story is. Appropriately enough, I was in Australia visiting Matt when I received Lucy’s message and learnt that Alvina’s painting was also selected. That was like the icing on the cake, it was even more special that both of our pieces could share their stories with a wider audience.

Pat Palmer, Matty’s First Shoe -Then and Now

What’s your favourite piece of work in the show?

Alvina: I love Maria’s Ear Harp, because I’m partially deaf and it brought more troubles home to me. I don’t put up with noise so art is great for me and I shut off, like when I am in the gym I zone out and leave my worries at the door. I thought all of the other entries are brilliant in their own way.

Pat: Alvina’s painting is a real testament to the effort that she puts in every single day to maintain her independence in spite of the difficulties she has to overcome.  I have observed this myself during our partnership and I’m so pleased that she has been able to share her message of strength and determination with others through the exhibition.

I was also incredibly moved by Nicola’s ‘Beloved’s Breastplate’, having journeyed with my sister through her illness and treatment. It’s message of strength, resilience and hope, but also of vulnerability, is extremely powerful.

What are you planning next for your artwork?

Alvina: I’m drawing pictures, colouring them in vibrant ink, getting them photocopied and assembling them in repeated forms. This is a new process for me that Dominique introduced me to. It’s turned out really cool. I would be interested in trying to print the pictures on fabric, so that’s what I’ll do with my Partner in Art after the summer.

I help too, I’m an ambassador and we have so much to offer, it’s about realising what is needed in my life and gym and art work are very needed in mine. No time for M.S.

Pat: Over the last year and a half as Partners in Art, Alvina and I have explored many different themes together in the studio sessions and on visits to The Towner Gallery, Petworth House, Dell Quay, The Weald and Down Museum and Nutbourne Winery.  We now seem to be moving into a new phase, where we can discuss each other’s work whilst exploring some separate interests. I’m keen to develop more mixed media, 3D and ceramic projects outside of the studio sessions, but continue to share stimulus and discuss ideas within the Partnership with Alvina.

Can you share the experience of being Partners in Art during the process?

Alvina: We talked about choices after the briefing and decided what we would do. We both did our artwork at home where we had more time. I think Partners in Art is great and I send my Partner in Art pictures and texts all the time, and she reminds me what is going on next. It’s the best.

Pat: We talked a lot about ideas, materials and approaches in the beginning phases of all projects and have tackled many collaborative projects. For this exhibition, we attended the brief meeting together and talked through our thought processes, whittling them down to what felt the most inspiring for us. Then we both got on with the submissions at home where we had more thinking time at our disposal. We both really enjoy just having a chat about themes, approaches and materials and then getting on with things.  Along the way, we have discovered lots about new materials and techniques from each other and use the impetus of this initial discussion to pursue our own creative journey side by side in the studio, always with a cup of tea close to hand.