In bed I cut words

Artists move our world wherever they may find themselves. Dominic Campbell. Arts and Cultural Engagement Lead at Irish Hospice Foundation

consists of a small selection of collages which Corina Duyn created on her bed in the nursing home between April 2022 and April 2023. These were spontaneous, intuitive responses to the artist’s situation of life in care while life is severely curtailed by ME and through the collaborations with some beautiful minds along the way. The book was designed by David Murphy from Red Heaven Design.

First printed as limited edition of 200 hardback books in October 2024.
The second print consisted of 500 books in paperback in April 2025. Funded by Creative Waterford. “The team at Waterford City and County Council’s Creative Waterford programme are honoured to support Corina’s wonderful work which gives us insight into the necessity of creative expression and her feelings about moving into a care setting.”

Only very few book copies remain available. Please contact Elizabeth at the Irish Hospice Foundation Cultural Engagement Program for any enquiries.
There are plans make the book available to view online in the next few months. Please check back here for updates.

‘In bed I cut words’ won the CAP Award for independent publishers under anthologies.

…These words and images ask for our time and our attention – they identify a woman who lives with an all-consuming, overwhelming illness but who explores her condition and her world with a truly fine articulate mind.
Judges: North Star Collective of Authors

See blog post: ‘Authenticity is at the heart of this collection’ or Creative Waterford: ‘Corina Duyn wins prestigious award for story and transcript of judges words.

Collaboration

The book was created during a six month close collaboration with graphic designer David Murphy of Red Heaven Design Lismore: “…Despite the physical limitations placed on her by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), the artist Corina Duyn has consistently adapted her creativity so she has a voice and an outlet for her experiences as an artist in care. We collaborated with her on this limited edition book to present her work, her voice and give voice to those in care who have none.” – David Murphy

Contributors

Corina Duyn. Artist in care

Caroline Schofield. Visual Artist.

Pascale De Coninck. Textile Artist, Mindfulness Teacher.

Dominic Campbell. Co-Founder Creative Aging International, Arts and Cultural Engagement Lead at Irish Hospice Foundation.

Karrie Marshall. Author, speaker, director for compassionate care programs and socially engaged arts.

Moira Dillon. Advocate, Patient Rep and Cofounder with ME Advocates Ireland (MEAI).

Allie Lonergan. Carer.

Katie Ash. Fellow Artist living with Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Sample pages

Endorsements

‘In Bed I Cut Words” will teach you all you need to know to know about the journey through long term severe illness and disability. Why? Because it doesn’t try to teach you anything. Rather, through picture, within picture, layer upon layer, it draws you in and challenges you to see, to feel, to ponder, to realise, to focus upon what is true. Beauty. If you have eyes to see. If you let it. Greg Crowhurst
It has been our absolute privilege to support Corina’s work over many years. The strength and clarity of her artistic voice is inspiring on its own – but when considered in the context of her many challenges, it’s clear that Corina is a true artist: she quite simply must make art in order to survive. – Claire Meaney, Director of Réalta.
I am not surprised the book is getting so much positive feedback… It’s an important work that you have done … how rare and how precious to find work that touches people like this. (Tess Leak)
From an Artist in care Corina Duyn – proving that creativity is both a profession and a way of living. There is no retirement. There is no stopping. It is a way of being. (Sue Buckmaster)
Corina addresses evergreen themes here: the idea of home, illness, ageing / loss of independence. Importantly, it highlights the value of a creative practice for both in-the-moment enjoyment and self-expression. Corina draws us into a pattern and rhythm as we moving through from one image to the next, searching out the words in each collage – unpacking her moving observations of the life she lives. (North Star Collective of Authors)
… you always have been and remain to be a tremendous inspiration to me at a very deep level. Your courageous creativity in the face of adversity is so powerful. It is true power. The words move me deeply, and if I can become even a fraction of the artist you are, then I will have achieved so much. (Emma Windsor)
Absolutely wonderful publication – we so need to hear voices of residents within care, not only hear but also listen! Your book is wise, honest, courageous and beautiful.” Nenagh Watson
We are very grateful to you and David from Red Heaven Design for including Severe ME, giving a voice to those who don’t have the strength to evidence their illness. (ME Advocates Ireland)
I wanted to sincerely thank you for your book, it is a beautiful treasure and truly inspiring. (St. Stan Kennedy)
…it is so beautiful that I have no words to describe it. You inspire me as an artist, person and everything that means to be alive. (Myriam Pincheira (Chile)

I brought the dream of flying

This book, this creative work, is a sequel, or very much part of the ‘I brought the dream of flying’ exhibition. Image below from the collages at the exhibition.

‘Home’ collages at exhibition — ‘Home’ collages at ‘I brought the dream of flying’ exhibition at GOMA