The art currently on display in one of the main corridors at York Hospital is a testament to the power of creativity in the healthcare sector. The vibrant paintings, created by local artist Di Gomery, aim to boost the spirits of those passing through the hospital.
Inspiration from the Artist’s Sketchbook
The artwork was inspired by Di’s sketchbook, which features a series of works created daily between December 2024 and February 2025 to celebrate the life of a dear friend who had passed away. This personal and emotional experience is palpable in the artwork, showcasing Di’s unique style and talent.
- Through her art, Di aimed to create a sense of growth and renewal
- She used vibrant colour to represent the energy and positivity of the subject matter
- The mark-making of oil paint is celebrated in the artwork, with Di’s gestures and brushstrokes conveying a sense of movement and fluidity
The hospital staff are very busy, moving from one station to the next, and Di decided to employ the use of vibrant colour and bold brushstrokes to create a sense of energy and movement in her artwork. By using oil paint, Di hoped to capture the unique qualities of the medium, which allows for a sense of gestural mark-making. “Hospital staff are very busy moving from one station to the next and therefore I decided to employ the use of vibrant colour, create a sense of growth and renewal through the subject matter, and celebrate the gestures and mark-making that oil paint makes possible.”
Di’s vision was to create a “wall of flowing, joyful energy” that would metaphorically walk alongside the viewer for a short while. Her paintings are a testament to the power of art in enhancing the patient experience.
A Collaborative Effort
The artwork was created with the support of the hospital trust’s arts team and York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, who share a mission to improve the experience of patients, visitors, and staff through music and art workshops, inspiring exhibitions, and artwork within wards and departments.
| Collaborators | Roles |
|---|---|
| Di Gomery | Artist |
| York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity | Supporter |
| Hospital trust’s arts team | Supporters |
Di added: “It’s been a delight working with the arts team, supported by York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, whose mission it is to improve the experience of their hospitals for patients, visitors and staff through a programme of music and art workshops, inspiring exhibitions and artwork within wards and departments.”
The pieces on display are some of the largest paintings by a local artist ever to be displayed in the hospital. This achievement is a testament to Di’s talent and creativity, as well as the collaborative effort that went into creating the artwork.
A Positive Impact
The artwork is not only visually stunning, but also has the potential to positively impact the lives of those who interact with it. By providing a sense of comfort, joy, and energy, the paintings can help to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a more positive and uplifting atmosphere in the hospital. “I really hope these paintings are a wall of flowing, joyful energy that metaphorically walk alongside the viewer for a short while.”
The artwork is a reminder that art has the power to transcend boundaries, connect people, and provide a sense of hope and inspiration. As we navigate the complexities of life, it is essential to find ways to bring beauty and joy into our surroundings, and this artwork is a shining example of that.
“Hospital staff are very busy moving from one station to the next and therefore I decided to employ the use of vibrant colour, create a sense of growth and renewal through the subject matter, and celebrate the gestures and mark-making that oil paint makes possible.”
The art currently on display in York Hospital is a testament to the power of creativity in the healthcare sector. By bringing art into the hospital, Di Gomery has created a positive impact on the lives of those who interact with it, and has demonstrated the importance of collaboration and community engagement in improving patient experiences.