This was my first project in my studies. I began to explore using my arts practice to process my experiences and loss linked to Dementia. In particular, the use of Welsh folklore to support this.

Over the last decade Dementia has had a significant impact on my life, with my grandmother being diagnosed with Dementia due to Alzheimer’s. As her condition worsened I found it increasingly difficult to adjust to not only the changes in my grandma but also the role reversal of our relationship and struggled to adapt to her deterioration. However, over time I began to appreciate the importance of being in the moment with her. I realised I now needed to take the lead to guide and support her to engage in activities together.

Since my grandma’s passing I have been trying to come to terms with this experience and how I might view loss differently. In Welsh and Celtic folklore the hare is a sacred, shapeshifter with ties to the moon. Considering this and the phases of the moon I thought it would be fitting due to the shifting and changing of dementia. I wanted to consider this through my arts practice and re-frame my experiences.

During this project I created a series of oil pastel pieces to reflect on my experiences of mourning my grandma’s previous self and after her passing. In addition I created a carousel pop-up book called ‘Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain’/’Do the Small Things’. A short five panel story about two hare’s going on an adventure. Representing the times I would spend with my grandma, adapting and embracing the present moment. ‍ ‍

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You can read more about this this project on my Substack blog at emilymiles02.substack.com‍ ‍