Castle Craig is a residential hospital specialising in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. The hospital sits nestled in 50 acres of beautiful parkland in the Scottish Borders, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
A wide range of therapies and activities are available with an emphasis on forward-thinking and holistic approaches. It is within this healing environment that in 2008, artist Ingrid Christie was invited to initiate an art group at the hospital.
We are extremely fortunate to have a completely dedicated art studio at the hospital, so if paint ends up on the floor or dripping down the walls, this is considered part of the art-making process. Each patient is made aware that nothing produced within the art group will be judged to be 'right' or 'wrong'.
The outcomes have been remarkable, not only in terms of the fruits of creative expression but also in relation to the capacity for personal growth within the context of art-making. There is at once a recognition of the ability to speak without words and to express feelings with colour (or lack of colour), in bold forms or intricate, delicate marks.
A richness and diversity of mark-making, using paints watery or thick, painting directly with the hands, with brushes or drips or strips of paper, using wild gestures or neat, highly considered gestures are demonstrated from week one. A diverse repertoire is incredibly important. The individual has to be just that and to feel validated in finding 'their' way.
Each finished piece of creative work expresses and reveals much of the maker, and patients often find they regard both themselves and their fellow art group attendees with a new understanding. This is a transformative process that reveals as if by magic a whole new world of expressive possibility.
Prior judgements about others are prompted to a complete overhaul once the other's creative self is revealed. The old adage of not judging a book by its cover could almost become a motto for what happens weekly at the art group.
A wide range of art books are available in the studio, from the 16th century right up to current day books and current arts magazines. During their stay, many patients begin to take an interest in art and other artists, applying their newly found insight to what they see and experience. Many go on to visit art galleries and continue to create their own work after rehab, sending in new images on a regular basis.
After discussion and a wish to share their work with others, we decided to set up this online site, so that patients, relatives, friends and the wider world could access the interiors of people who are often judged so critically and who are trying to recover from their addictions.
We send heartfelt goodwill to all who view these images and hope that they will help you to recognise that something deeper resides in everyone you encounter in your journey through life.
If you know anyone who is struggling with addiction, please refer to the Castle Craig website.
Ingrid Christie, April 2011
