Resident uses art to help with her ‘shakes’
What started as an attempt to manage her shakes, has now become Janet's most exciting hobby.
Janet Botma, a resident at Ebenezer Psychiatric Home, uses mosaics to help with her ‘terrible shakes’, which have now become her favourite pastime.
“I love just creating different pictures and making certain articles. I mainly love doing crosses and bags and I love making different pictures. I really enjoy that type of thing. I love it so much! Every day I can’t wait to get to the workshop so I can do my mosaic,” she said.
The manager of the workshop, Melissa Hamilton, said Janet has made such incredible strides. They initially thought the mosaics might help manage the shakes, but now she can practically do it in her sleep and her shakes have gotten so much better.
“She just ran with it, she has an eye for it and she understands if it’s a bird, she would make little feathers for it and so on. She’s gotten so creative and is very talented. I just have to draw it for her and then she does the mosaicking,” added Melissa.
She stated it also helps with her mood, as she has something to look forward to, and her day is a little less boring.
Janet explained she came to the home as her sister wanted her to be closer to Johannesburg. She has been a resident of Ebenezer for 17 years now, which is also where she met her husband Matt. They have been married for 16 years and she has a son, from her previous marriage, who lives in Cape Town.
She said her one wish is to go to different places and teach the art of mosaic work to others. She feels confident enough now to pass on her knowledge.
Any person interested in getting in contact with Janet can contact Gaenor Oosthuizen on 079 910 5922.
