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Sculpting
a a Voice for Genetic Disorders is an artist
initiated project to raise awareness of living with
a genetic condition through the visual arts.
Julia Thomas is an artist
with a research background in bioscience. After having
gone back to college to further her studies in Art &
Design, she now wants to combine the skills and knowledge
of both her scientific and artistic backgrounds. In
particular, her mission is to work with health related
issues and health/science organisations to inspire artwork
that will help to raise awareness for those affected.
"I was 19, in my first year at University studying
genetics and desperately trying to find out as much
as I could about my cousins diagnosis of Prader Willi
Syndrome instead of writing an essay about the future
of gene therapy. That was 20 years ago now but the need
for information, awareness, support and research is
ongoing".
The project will collect stories and
opinions from people with genetic disorders, family
members, friends and freely available material such
as from The
Telling Stories Website
All this information will form the
basis of an artistic response to issues of living with
a genetic condition such as care, support, public awareness
and current research. The aim is to develop and exhibit
a series of art installations/sculptures inspired by
those affected and hold an exhibition early next year.
You can get involved either by talking
to Julia and/or answering a survey on what issues are
important to you about the condition affecting you or
your family member/friend. If there is enough interest,
it would be great to hold some art workshops so that
people can get more directly involved and get creative!
The
survey is available online with this link which
will open a new window
The Wales
Gene Park organises a number of public engagement
events and conferences related to genetics and these
events will be used to publicise the project.
To get involved or for more information
about the project, please contact Julia Thomas (Email
julia.m.thomas@talktalk.net or Tel
07711 269101)
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