Rehabilitation through art: ‘Living With Spinal Cord Injury’

We were delighted to welcome BBC profiled artist, polymath, short-film maker and Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research Ambassador, Davey Jose to Stewarts Soundbites.

Davey sustained a spinal cord injury when he was knocked over by a car at a little under three years old. In this very special episode, Davey discusses his experience of undertaking his formative educational years at a special school in the 1980s, his transition into mainstream education, his journey through higher education (studying Computer Science and Mathematics at Trinity College, University of Cambridge) and his keen interest in drawing and painting and how this impacted upon his life and rehabilitation.

Davey’s fascinating journey lead to his debut Living with Spinal Cord Injury exhibition in 2019, and coverage in a BBC documentary a year later. His 18 oil canvasses, based upon his own experience of spinal cord injury, were used as part of a virtual reality experience called, ‘The Cure’. The oil paintings are inspired by x-rays of spinal injuries and reinterpret iconic artworks to normalise disability.

Davey is an extraordinarily interesting and passionate speaker, who kindly agreed to join us to reflect upon his experience of the therapeutic power of art and creativity during a rehabilitation programme following catastrophic injury.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm