NARRATIVE IDEA

When I was thinking about ideas to create my narrative I had several ideas but they were all based around this idea of a dinning table , a couple and meal for two.

I was initially going to create a narrative on what appears to be a couple having a meal with two plate but in reality there is just one part of the couple eating and the other member of couple is no where to be seen. The narrative was looking at loneliness but after thinking abut this idea I thought I could take it further. I thought the loneliness narrative wasn't as strong but I like the setting of the dining table and the couple eating.Hence I wanted to change the narrative to dementia as i have family members who suffer from dementia I know about how they change especially doing simple tasks like eating.

Dementia research

By 2015 there will be 850,000 people with dementia in the UK.
There are 40,000 younger people with dementia in the UK.
There are 25,000 people with dementia from black and minority ethnic groups in the UK.
There will be 1 million people with dementia in the UK by 2025.
Two thirds of people with dementia are women.
One in six people aged 80 and over have dementia.
60,000 deaths a year are directly attributable to dementia.

Alzheimer's Society Dementia Brain Video

Claire Marshall

claire marshall is makeup aritst turned blogger, her tumblr blog Left-side features this post about claire and her relationship with her dementia suffering mother

I WISH I COULD SPEAK TO MY MOM TODAY…

I know I don’t speak about this topic often, maybe I should. Maybe if I spoke about it more, those of us who are going through the same thing could share our experiences and I would feel less alone in these feelings. Honestly I don’t bring it up because it can be such a downer and if I allow myself to speak about it, or even think about it…I think that I will cry and that in itself will slow me down.

Let me first say that my Mom is alive. Maybe the title threw you off but let me explain. For those of you who may not know this about me, my Mom has always been my rock and the reason why I’ve come this far in my life. I owe her everything. She was always strong, independent, didn’t take shit from anyone and raised me to be the same way (which I’m forever thankful for). Next year I’ll be turning 30 and I’ve started to realize how much I am in fact, my mother’s daughter.

My Mom also happened to be diagnosed with dementia 2 years ago.

As her memories fade it becomes harder and harder to stay in touch. I know she encouraged me to pursue my dreams and move to Los Angeles despite the diagnosis, but I can’t help but feel a shadow of guilt every once in awhile. When I first moved I would try and fly back to Virginia every other month or so but it’s gotten harder to maintain those frequent visits. I don’t think I’ve physically seen my mom in 6 months because work has started to get in the way but she understood and said, “I don’t want to hold you back.”

Last February was the first time she didn’t remember my birthday and tomorrow (Thanksgiving) will be the first that I can’t make to be with her. I wish I could speak to her and have her understand what my current achievements are. I wish I could speak to her and tell her how she is truly my driving force. She is the reason why I don’t believe that failure is an option and I wish that I could tell her in a way that she would understand.

This is the time of year that people take the time to be thankful and surrounded by family. The harsh reality is that not everyone is able to enjoy such a luxury. My hope is that by reading this it will remind you to enjoy the time you have with your loved ones and keep those memories close to your hearts. You are so lucky to have them.

Living with dementia: A harmonica for Ronnie by Mark Seymour

As a child Mark Seymour always had a camera in is hands and would be constantly take photos of his mum and dad. It wasn't usual that want to be a photographer and would take pictures of his mum and dad in their daily life. When Mark's dad Ronnie was diagnosed with dementia took upon his self to document his dad life in this difficult and painful time. Even though it was a hard documentation to do he felt compelled to do, bringing meaning not just to them as a family but so he could take something positive from this situation and use it to help raise the awareness of others of what dementia does to a person and their family.

Marks pictures of his Dad and the story there within produces a powerful connection with people touching their hearts, with so many people knowing a friend or family member with a similar story to tell. I want to raise awareness of dementia for the patient but also the impact on their families and loved ones.”

My Reflection on this work

my initials thoughts on body of the work is that is quite emotional piece to look at as you can see how is dad has deteriorated due to this illness. The images even though not all are images of his dad they all relate and tell a story. I like the fact that the last image is of his dad in a happier time I believe Mark wanted remember his father as a happy go lucky soul not what he turned into due to this disease. the images being in black and white has more of an effect I think as there is no distracting colours to take away from the focus from the context of the image. These images do collectively tell the story of Mark's dad battle with Dementia.

Awareness campaigns

I am thinking about my narrative as an awareness campaign so i need to see what campaigns are out there at the moment looking at the style and the look of the campaigns .