TOUCH BASE, 2023
Jesmonite AC730 & Steel
400 × 80 x 140 cm
Permanent sculptural commission, Route 7 National Cycle Network, Dumfries
Commissioned by Sustrans for ‘Disability History Month’, I focused my research on Hugh Blair (1708–1765), who is said to be the first documented autistic person in Scotland. All accounts of him were written from the medical model of disability, which fail to include the experiences of autistic people, and pathologise differences as deficits.
By casting & installing objects onto the sculpture chosen by autistic people living in Scotland today, the project aimed to reframe Blair in a positive light from a contemporary, first-hand perspective. The form and material of the sculpture took direct influence from Blair's special interest in dry stone walls, whilst the visual & tactile elements acted as alternative means of communication for people who may not use verbal or written language.
