thesearethehands@artmeetstony.com

These Are The Hands

People have already begun asking why ‘These are the hands’? The idea for the project is to explore creating as large a portrait of the people who make up the NHS as possible. It seemed natural and obvious to use hands as a vehicle as hands are a fundamental way we use to work, communciate and care for each other. What I didn’t know in proposing this originally was that Michael Rosen had written a poem specifically about care and the NHS in 2008. This was first published exclusively in the Guardian. I decided to use the title as a title for the Project itself. Michael is allowing me to use the poem for the work. Here it is in full. These are the handsThat touch us firstFeel your headFind the pulseAnd make your bed.These are the handsThat tap your backTest the skinHold your armWheel the binChange the bulbFix the dripPour the jugReplace your hip.These are the handsThat fill the bathMop the floorFlick the switchSoothe the soreBurn the swabsGive us a jabThrow out sharpsDesign the lab.And these are the handsThat stop the leaksEmpty the panWipe the pipesCarry the canClamp the veinsMake the castLog the doseAnd touch us last. © Michael...