Special Projects
Life is Art
This album was created when I worked as songwriter in residence, during a year long arts-based intergenerational project inside a Canadian Long-Term Care Senior's Residence.
The project focused on building bridges of connection, encouraging true self-expression, and challenging stereotypes about age.
I composed five original songs inspired by stories of seniors, family members and staff within the care home community. I performed them for the residents and worked on co-creating with the community an album that is a collection of impressions. The hope for the album was that it would give one a sense of the depth and creativity residing in and around the care home, in the hearts and minds of those living, working, caring within the walls.
Residents included their own creations and inspiration in the album. One song represents a staff member perspective, one a family member's perspective. Songs were recorded on site and in-studio with a variety of professional musicians and amateur musicians collaborating. The album was recorded with help from award winning recording technician Joby Baker.
I continue to include the songs in my sets as I tour and the music has rippled out into the community from within the walls of this one modest care home in Canada.
May it continue to inspire.
The “Life is Art” project was a truly unique and wonderful experience. Singing with residents in long term care was always a real privilege and meeting and working with Kristy Brugman on this project was one of the most rewarding of my life. Writing songs and telling the stories for these residents featured on the CD, video and in the book, will always remain a highlight for me.
Please follow the link to learn more about the project, listen to the songs and tracks recorded here, and watch the video.