How can we change public attitudes towards a condition that affects 145,000 people in the UK through the means of art and design? A Cardiff Metropolitan University student is offering the public vital information through her design practice to anyone affected by Parkinson’s.
Lily Grace Evans, 21, from Shrewsbury, will present her final artwork at the University’s Cardiff School of Art and Design’s Summer Show after studying Graphic Communication there for the past three years.
Although many have heard of Parkinson’s, there continues to be a lack of understanding surrounding the condition, which affects 1 in every 350 adults. In her final year project, Lily looks to raise awareness of how Parkinson’s can affect someone’s everyday routine and their confidence, exploring the wide variety of symptoms many of us are unaware of.
Lily said: “Having Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming, to both the individual and their family and friends, especially if you don’t have the right information and support. This project aims to reach more people and change public attitudes towards the condition whilst also underlining the services and support available to anyone affected by the condition including friends and family.
“When my grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, my family and I weren’t aware of all of the impacts this would have on her. At the time we thought it’d be just the shakes, but it is so much more than that. I didn’t even know then that some adults are diagnosed as young as 30. It’s a lesser talked about condition, so I wanted to use my final year project to raise awareness whilst providing support and advice for family and friends of a loved one with Parkinson’s.”
In her piece, Lily brings Parkinson’s closer to people’s attention, putting visitors in the place of someone with Parkinson’s Disease. She said: “I knew for this project I wanted to create something that the viewer could interact with or use. The idea of my design is for people to use the vibrating pen to fill in the words. It highlights one of the main issues Parkinson’s patients face – making the audience understand how frustrating something so simple can be to them.
“During my time at CSAD my confidence has grown significantly. The constant support and infectious enthusiasm by everyone at the CSAD have been incredible as there are so many opportunities to develop from.”
Lily’s work will be presented at the CSAD summer show along with other final year students’ art and design pieces. The show runs from Wednesday 29 May until Tuesday 4 June. For more information, visit: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/artanddesign/Pages/CSAD-Summer-Show.aspx
