Jeff Schmidt, an artist and writer, has unveiled a piece of artwork he created for the Cardiology Department at St Peter’s Hospital.
The artwork includes a vinyl designed by Schmidt and a Kintsukuroi-inspired ceramic heart.
Kintsukuroi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.
The ceramic heart was once broken and then repaired with gold.
The ceramic heart was once broken and then repaired with gold
The artwork was commissioned with funding generously donated by ICDC Surrey, a patient support group for those with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and delivered as part of the Trust’s Healing Arts programme.
Schmidt had a series of heart attacks in his forties which inspired his work.
Schmidt had a series of heart attacks in his forties which inspired his work
Following the heart attacks, Schmidt was forced to slow down and take stock of how his lifestyle choices led him to experience this medical trauma.
Dr Peter Wilkinson, Cardiology Consultant at St Peter’s Hospital said: “The Cardiac team would like to thank Jeff Schmidt for creating this artwork. It beautifully captures the work of the whole team in repairing a heart that has been damaged in some way, supporting the patient and their family both physically and emotionally on this journey. With thanks to the support from Duncan Reid and Judi Linney from ICDC for their support.”
Jeff Schmidt said: “This project, Cardiac Kintsukuroi, elevates the often unexpected and turbulent journeys our hearts travel, acknowledging the difficulties while celebrating life. At the centre of this process are the skilled hands of the Cardiology team, restoring broken vessels and highlighting the delicate nature of humanity.”