As you know, Ecas attracts people from all walks of life and often the relationships we build are long-lasting. Recently, we shared the story of Elaine and Ecas, celebrating a connection made almost 30 years ago and still as strong as ever.
We also love welcoming new people to our weekly groups. In summer 2024, Ian joined our Art Group on a Friday. Like Elaine, Ian has an interest in Art, but, unlike Elaine, he hadn’t created art since his childhood.
Joining the group
Joining any new group can be daunting and at Ecas, we are sensitive to this.
Everyone we welcome takes each session at their own pace, working and creating in a way that feels comfortable. There is never any pressure to ‘join in’ or work with the rest of the group.
When Ian joined the group, he kept himself to himself. He preferred to wear his headphones and really focus on his art.
Inspired by memories of his childhood art teacher, Ian was interested in drawing Roman ruins and was keen to explore using pencil.
As you can see, Ian is naturally a gifted artist!
A few months later
After a few months of coming along to the morning Art group, soon followed by the afternoon Craft group every Friday, Ian stopped wearing his headphones. He started to listen to the conversations around him and the music chosen by the group. He also started to ask Erin the group leader questions about art.
Soon these questions became longer chats and, by October, Ian told Erin that he really felt his personal and creative confidence was developing. He confirmed that his speech was improving and that he was enjoying making art in other people’s company. He was also starting to engage in conversations with the rest of the group. In turn the rest of the group started to engage with Ian, some making art for him.
A true artist
Ian’s own creative practice continues to develop, as he becomes much more comfortable trying new things.
From his starting point of just using black pencil to draw ruins and castles, he is now exploring the use of colour, working with pencil and charcoal.
He is also developing his own techniques working on perspective and ways of creating texture.
And, having been introduced to the work of LS Lowry and Shaun Tan, Ian is adding people and figures into his compositions.
Positive impact
For Ecas, our relationship with Ian helps us demonstrate why we are here, the essential value and lasting positive impact of what we do.
Since being with Ecas, Ian talks about how he has noticed a difference to his life in general. He has become more proactive working on his diet and fitness and his motto is ‘Positive Mental Attitude.’
And, as you can see, he’s been there, done that and he’s got the t-shirt!
Thank you, Ian for sharing your experience with us.
Supporting adults with physical disabilities since 1902
Ecas supports adults with physical disabilities in Edinburgh and Lothian. We’ve done so for over 100 years.
The Ecas mission is to promote equality, choice and participation for physically disabled people through our activities, befriending service and grants. We provide opportunities for people to be self-fulfilled and to participate in all aspects of society. We also work to promote disability equality throughout society.
Find out more about Our Impact, the Ecas Team and our Board and Governance.