Seeing Ruth and Ellie as artists – Living My Life in action

Ruth and Ellie have always had a love for art. It is part of who they are – a way to be creative, express themselves and share something they love with the world.

Ruth and Ellie are housemates and friends, FitzRoy supports them to make choices about their lives and enjoy their interests. Each week, their team supports them to attend Suffolk Artlink’s Brave Art programme, a local project where their art has been exhibited and they have sold some of their pieces.

Their story is a great example of Living My Life in action – FitzRoy’s approach to person-centred support for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. It particularly reflects Who I am, which is about looking beyond someone’s diagnosis or support needs and seeing their interests, talents, personality, history and the things that matter to them.

For Ruth, art has opened up new opportunities to be recognised as an artist. Several of her pieces have been exhibited and sold. Her piece Magic Carpet sold for £100, Green Children sold for £80, and another piece sold for a further £80. For any artist, selling work is a proud moment and for Ruth, it also showed that people were connecting with her art.

Ellie’s artwork Letter was selected as one of only five pieces to be exhibited at The Hold in Ipswich as part of Beyond Labels: Celebrating Disability in Suffolk. Her work was also chosen for the project’s advertising materials, meaning it will be seen by an even wider audience.

Recently, Ellie was also asked if another of her artworks could be included in materials connected to the Beyond Labels exhibition. She will be fully credited, recognising her talent and voice as an artist.

Ruth and Ellie’s achievements show what good support can make possible. The art club provides a creative outlet but it’s also about being part of the local community, having creative opportunities, building confidence and being recognised for who they are.

At FitzRoy, Who I am means seeing people for who they are, not their diagnosis – artists, creators, contributors, friends and neighbours. With the right support, Ruth and Ellie have found a space where they are sharing their art and continue to grow in confidence.

Congratulations to Ruth and Ellie, we are looking forward to seeing what you do next.