Memory Bank

For my artwork I chose to do quilling, because I did not feel proficient in the oil pastels or paints and other mediums. Quilling involves rolling very thin strips of paper and gluing them. You then use the tiny rolls of paper to make bigger objects. About five years ago I had seen a picture of quilling in a museum and admired how very difficult it seemed. Shortly after, I found a quilling book on sale and I bought it and tucked it away for four years. When this art project came up, I asked if I could do quilling. I chose to make a chess set of quilling with Liina our art therapist. I brought the book to show Liina and we were both admiring the chess set. Liina then challenged me to make my own chess set, a very involved piece of quilling. In playing chess you need to use strategy, logistics and to be focused. Living with dementia you need to use the same skills. I hope other people see my chess set as proof that a person living with dementia is capable of many things including ongoing focus and completing challenging tasks along with managing every day life. With the art project I opened a lot of new doors for myself. It was both fun and a challenge. I overcame obstacles such as learning to use the computer and the Internet for research. I tracked down and compiled supplies and I explored new ways of manufacturing materials. I really enjoyed the process and am willing to make more chess sets or other artwork/functional pieces for fundraising for a charity or non-profit society.