Seascape (artwork) and Story

An artwork by "Psychiatric patient 7"which shows horizontal bands of colour, with blue sky and clouds at the top. "Getting sense of space and distance" (Rita Simon). Accompanied by 14a. A folded sheet of text, a shared story with Rita Simon, written partly in felt pen by the girl, and partly in black biro by Rita Simon, beginning "Once upon a time there was a parcel with a mermaid in the sea with a dog and duck" and ending "to go for a long walk from 4 o'clock". The descriptions of the artworks are taken from notes written by Wellcome staff during conversations with Rita Simon between 1995 and 1997.

The title has been taken from notes made during conversations between Rita Simon and Wellcome staff between 1995 and 1997.

The date has been taken from information provided on the artwork as 20 March 1975.

Rita Simon's style classification: Massive Transition.

1975

1 artwork Bodycolour on blue paper. 52 x 31.9 cm

A girl, about 13 years old, referred to Rita Simon by Social Services. At the age of 4 she had had an epileptic fit, was put on anti-epileptic drugs, but forgot to take them and didn't have any more fits. She was diagnosed as "Phobic" and had to be forced to attend school. In secondary school she was placed in a class for children with learning difficulties. She brought her own paper and felt pens, did fragmentary drawings, then began to paint in a remarkable way. She became assertive and competitive and was very aggressive towards Rita Simon.

This information is taken from conversations between Rita Simon and Wellcome staff between 1995 and 1997.