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Local artist Tommy Fitchet, who was born in Dundee, studied art in Glasgow and now works between Glasgow and Arran, picked up his paintbrush and is taking part in Sue Ryder Care’s Art Liberating Lives event, where artists were asked to produce their piece of art along the theme of liberation. The event, now in its third year, was opened to members of the public and school children for the first time this year.
Tommy’s art is predominantly abstract inspired by nature, by the Scottish landscape and by the changing light of the seasons. The piece he chose to paint for Art Liberating Lives is entitled ‘Saorsa’ which is Gaelic for ‘freedom’.
Tommy said: ‘My work is based on the essence of a feeling of a particular moment that I have encountered on Arran, to do with the countryside and landscape of Arran, whether it be the shorelines or the rugged landscape. When the sun suddenly comes out and shines brightly upon the sea or the landscape just for that brief moment, you get a wonderful feeling that stays with you, and that is what I try to capture in my paintings.’
Tommy added: ‘Since childhood I have found art, and especially abstract art, the most natural way to reflect my surroundings and express my emotions. This gives me some understanding of how art therapy can help people in Sue Ryder Care’s neurological care centres and hospices can gain a huge benefit through art as it will help them to express a lot of the different emotions that they are feeling when they are having to live with conditions such as Huntington’s Disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke.’
Carol Anne McMahon, Area Fundraising Manager (West of Scotland) for Sue Ryder Care said: ‘We truly appreciate all the time and effort Tommy has put into this amazing painting – it is a beautiful piece that would look good on the wall of anyone’s home or office. I would also like to congratulate Tommy on his piece going forward to the final exhibition in London where it will be displayed at the Mall Galleries from Wednesday 12 to Friday 21 December, along with other submissions which will be snapped up by art lovers through a silent auction.’
Carol Anne continued: ‘Tommy’s support will help us to help more people who need our care throughout Scotland and will allow us to make a real difference to their lives.’
Art therapy sessions are run across Sue Ryder Care’s hospices and care centres often with triumphant results. An exclusive section of the exhibition will be reserved to showcase the work of residents, as well as people who attend day and respite services. The pieces will express ‘what Sue Ryder Care means to them’ be it love, friendship or freedom.
