In Bed I Cut Words by artist Corina Duyn launched as part of Arts in Nursing Homes Day
Artist Corina Duyn celebrated the launch of the paperback version of her latest publication In Bed I Cut Words as part of Arts In Nursing Homes Day, on May 16th 2025. Corina has been living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) for 26 years, and In Bed I Cut Words is her latest artistic response to having to surrender her independent life and move to full-time care at the relatively young age of 59 in 2021. This beautiful and arresting publication showcases Corina’s collages along with poems, prose and thoughts from fellow artists, poets and health professionals.
CHO5 Regional Lead, Janet Tobin-Martin was delighted to attend in support of this fantastic acheivement. She said:
"On Friday, 16 May, I had the absolute privilege as Regional Lead for CHO 5 Caru Programme to attend the beautiful and moving launch of the paperback edition of ‘In Bed I Cut Words’ by the incredible artist and writer Corina Duyn at Signacare Ferrybank. It was an honor to meet Corina in person and to be present alongside Shannen Carey, Caru Lead at Signacare, for such a special occasion. Corina’s book is a powerful and deeply personal reflection on her 26-year journey with ME, and her transition to full-time care at the age of 59. Through her evocative collages, poetry, prose, and contributions from artists, poets, and healthcare professionals, Corina shares a message of resilience, creativity, and grace. Supported by Waterford Healing Arts, Waterford City & County Council, Irish Hospice Foundation, and in collaboration with artist Caroline Schofield, this project beautifully embodies the spirit of compassion, creativity, and community care. A heartfelt congratulations to Corina and everyone involved."
Artist, writer and puppet designer/maker Corina Duyn has been making puppets since her first rag doll, at the age of 10. She became ill with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) aged 36. The increasing limitations imposed by her illness took an increasing toll on her daily and creative lives and, having finally accepted that she could no longer live independently, Corina moved to Signacare Nursing Home in Waterford (CHO5). Realising that she needed to take action to somehow maintain her creative spirit – “there is always a way” – Corina issued a plea to her friends and contacts to help her to continue her art practice. This resulted in Waterford Healing Arts introducing artist Caroline Schofield to Corina, and so began a remarkable collaboration which culminated in the ground-breaking exhibition I brought the dream of flying at GOMA Gallery of Modern Art in Waterford, in 2023, supported by Waterford Healing Arts and Creative Waterford. The exhibition later moved to Creative Brain Week at the Naughton Institute, Trinity College Dublin.
As Corina’s ME continued to restrict her physical ability, collage became an essential means for her to continue making art and expressing herself creatively. A collection of collages on the theme of Home, which began as part of the I brought the dream of flying exhibition, continued to grow, resulting the self-published hardback edition of In Bed I Cut Words. Such was the demand for this stunning publication, the decision was made to publish a paperback version, made possible through the generous support of Waterford City and County Council and Irish Hospice Foundation.
In Bed I Cut Words is a visual and literary treat, but one which also poses important questions, challenging the concept of ‘Home’, and illustrating the impact of home being a place where someone must live when they cannot live where they wish.
You can take a closer look at some of the beautiful stills from the book below.
Supported by Waterford City and County Council and Irish Hospice Foundation.
Read more on the Waterford City Council website.
Further information is available from www.corinaduyn.com