In bed I cut words

Artists move our world wherever they may find themselves.

(Dominic Campbell. Co-Founder Creative Aging International, Arts and Cultural Engagement Lead at Irish Hospice Foundation)

consists of a small selection of collages which Corina Duyn created on her bed in the nursing home between April 2022 and April 2023. These were spontaneous, intuitive responses to the artist’s situation of life in care while life is severely curtailed by ME and through the collaborations with some beautiful minds along the way. For a short introduction to the background of her work and life See HOME page

*** SEE BLOG POST about the journey it made ***

*** Soon to be re-published in paperback *** see availability below

Corina Duyn – seeing her book for the first time in her nursing home room.

Collaboration

The book was created during a six month close collaboration with graphic designer David Murphy of Red Heaven Design Lismore:

“Despite the physical limitations placed on her by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), the artist Corina Duyn has consistently adapted her creativity so she has a voice and an outlet for her experiences as an artist in care. We collaborated with her on this limited edition book to present her work, her voice and give voice to those in care who have none”. – David Murphy

Book review

See YOUTUBE for video review by Greg Crowhurts

“Corina Duyn’s book, “ In bed I cut words” will teach you all you need to know to know about the journey through long term severe illness and disability.
Why? Because it doesn’t try to teach you

Rather, through picture, within picture, layer upon layer, it draws you in and challenges you to see, to feel, to ponder, to realise, to focus upon what is true. Beauty. If you have eyes to see. If you let it.

For my wife Linda and I, this is an innovative, exciting book, for with exquisite beauty, it expresses infinitely more than words can ever do. As you look at the images more and more becomes apparent. Corina’s sublime art, her extraordinary vision, her indomitable spirit, have created a hugely insightful work. I hope the video helps raise awareness.” – Greg Crowhurts

Contributors

Corina Duyn. Artist in care

Caroline Schofield. Visual Artist.

Pascale De Coninck. Textile Artist, Mindfulness Teacher.

Dominic Campbell. Co-Founder Creative Aging International, Arts and Cultural Engagement Lead at Irish Hospice Foundation.

Karrie Marshall. Author, speaker, director for compassionate care programs and socially engaged arts.

Moira Dillon. Advocate, Patient Rep and Cofounder with ME Advocates Ireland (MEAI).

Allie Lonergan. Carer.

Katie Ash. Fellow Artist living with Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

All written contributions are personal views expressed by the authors. ©️2024.

Availability and Donations

This limited edition of 200 hardback books are Free with voluntary donations to WATERFORD HEALING ARTS greatly appreciated to help Corina go ‘full circle’. However- all 200 copies have been spoken for – what an honour.

The book will be reprinted in paperback in April 2025. Details to follow. Please contact Corina to put your name, address and quantity of possible books requested for when they are available.

Please keep an eye out on social media or this page for updates

Six copies’ were presented and purchased at the Dublin Art Book Fair 2024 At Temple Bar Gallery + Studios.

Sample pages

Endorsements

Absolutely wonderful publication – we so need to hear voices of residents within care, not only hear but also listen! Your book is wise, honest, courageous and beautiful!… (Nenagh Watson)
I am not surprised the book is getting so much positive feedback… It’s an important work that you have done … how rare and how precious to find work that touches people like this. (Tess Leak)
From an Artist in care Corina Duyn – proving that creativity is both a profession and a way of living. There is no retirement. There is no stopping. It is a way of being. (Sue Buckmaster)
… you always have been and remain to be a tremendous inspiration to me at a very deep level. Your courageous creativity in the face of adversity is so powerful. It is true power. The words move me deeply, and if I can become even a fraction of the artist you are, then I will have achieved so much. (Emma Windsor)
We are very grateful to you and David from Red Heaven Design for including Severe ME, giving a voice to those who don’t have the strength to evidence their illness. (ME Advocates Ireland)
I am blown away by your beautiful book. What a lovely creation. I brought it to my writing class last night to show it off to others, and I would like to bring it to my ‘Writing for Wellbeing’ workshop this Saturday. (Carolann Copland)
… your fabulous book “In bed I cut words” is a really beautiful and powerful creation. (Yvonne Brewer)
It’s absolutely magnificent Corina. Congratulations. (Bernadette Morris)
Huge congratulations to you and your team on such great work and dedication. (Chloe Metcalfe Nursing Homes Ireland)
I am loving your book. Such an imaginative piece of work and so creative… When it is going out on general release? (John Rubin)
I wanted to sincerely thank you for your book, it is a beautiful treasure and truly inspiring. (St. Stan Kennedy)
…it is so beautiful that I have no words to describe it. You inspire me as an artist, person and everything that means to be alive. (Myriam Pincheira (Chile)
I have just finished reading your blog. What amazing, insightful , powerful words you have shared. (PAS Advocates)
…what an amazing accomplishment I would love to show to my colleagues… Sometimes I feel we can forget that it’s not just elderly people in care homes and would be very insightful… (Andrea- dietitian)

I brought the dream of flying

This book, this creative work, is a sequel, or very much part of the ‘I brought the dream of flying’ exhibition. Image below from the collages at the exhibition.

‘Home’ collages at exhibition — ‘Home’ collages at ‘I brought the dream of flying’ exhibition at GOMA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The team at Creative Waterford are honoured to support Corina’s wonderful work which gives us insight into the necessity of creative expression and her feelings about moving into a care setting. (Katherine Collins. Creative Waterford)

Supported by Irish ME Trust

Design: David Murphy – Red Heaven Design

Printing: City Print, Cork.

Artists move our world wherever they may find themselves.