Recording the Line

Using film as a medium allows us to record the encounters of the drafters/inhabitants with the spaces in the Alzheimer's Centre; illustrating how their brains continually draw or recreate an understanding of the building. This understanding is not static; rather, it is constantly moving, evolving. Perception is an activity rather than a fixed state. 

This drawing, by Michiko Sumi, was critical in developing a style of drawing for the Losing Myself animation. We had experimented with drafting techniques, but had failed to settle on one which we felt suited the piece before this. Michiko's constantly moving pencil creates a line of thought which never leaves the page. The way in which the bedroom unfolds at her hand reveals a train of thought; an effort to understand. You can read Michiko's account of creating this drawing here.

We were interested in how this approach to drawing could be applied to a number of individuals sharing a space; each bringing their own experiences to their interactions with each other. We called these social drawings. You can read Simon Tonks' description of creating these drawings here. 

At times, a drawing encompassed multiple spaces at once; as an inhabitant percieved not only the space they are in, but imagined the spaces around them. 

The creation of 'social drawings', such as the dancing drawing, was, in itself, a sociable process. It required that we imagine, explain, and explore the life of the Alzheimer's Centre together; to try to recreate it in the Drawing Room we had made. James Daykin has written about his experience of the Drawing Room here.