______The Mobile Painting Device_________________ Artist, Jeff Nachtigall

Recently, ArtBridges/ToileDesArts came  across an amazing project run by Jeff Nachtigall, an artist based in Saskatoon. “Jeff Nachtigall designed the Mobile Painting Device (MPD). The MPD transforms the wheel chair into a giant paint brush, giving people living with neurological deficits opportunity to express themselves on a very large scale.” (from (IN)ACCESSIBLE CITY, the Mobile Painting Device page) Here’s the story:

“In 2006, I began a residency with the Saskatoon Health Region. I implemented an innovative studio program that offers participants the opportunity to express themselves visually. I developed an “open studio” model that challenges the clinical approach to art in health care and emphasizes the importance of the role of the artist as “guide”. I am a pathfinder… facilitating a process that awakens latent creativity. Instead of bringing the individual to the arts I help bring out the artist in the individual.

I believe that we are all artists. Art is our first language. Before we can read or write or speak we are drawing; making marks to express ourselves. Some say that it was our ability to communicate visually that gave ushe evolutionary edge. Art can empower those that have lost the ability to communicate. Those that find themselves on the margins of society can reclaim their voice. In my twenty years as an artist I have seen art transform lives.  Art is a vehicle for change.

In 2007 I designed the Mobile Painting Device (MPD). The MPD transforms the wheel chair into a giant paint brush, giving people living with neurological deficits opportunity to express themselves on a very large scale. With delicate and precise movements of the wheel chair’s “joystick” the artist applies calligraphic lines of paint. Layer upon layer the painting is built. Time passes and the work evolves. Emotion is expressed and decisions are made until the artist is satisfied. This is a deliberate process. The accident is denied as the artist is in full control. This is not a “virtual” substitute or computer generated facsimile. This plays out in real time on a real canvas with real results.”

“In September 2010 AKA Gallery will unveil the largest painting ever exhibited in Saskatchewan, Canada. Conceived and curated by Jeff Nachtigall (IN)ACCESSIBLE CITY features the collaborative efforts of Paul Major and Kelly Roszell in a a dynamic colour infused canvas that spans 50 feet.  Together they challenge the stereotypes and stigma surrounding those living with special needs and represent an often overlooked and marginalized group who are truly ready, willing and able.” – quotes provided by Jeff Nachtigall

More Information and Additional Links:

• (IN)ACCESSIBLE CITY is touring Canada, bringing the MPD experience to artists across the country. Would like to see (IN)ACCESSIBLE CITY in a city near you? The Mobile Painting Device is ready to travel. Contact Jeff if you would like to see the MPD in your community!
• More information on the Mobile Painting Device and a youtube video of the MPD in use
• “UNITY” is a project Jeff worked on with inpatients from the Dubé Centre for Mental Health and Addictions (more info)

• The National Film Board of Canada produced a documentary “A Year at Sherbrooke” that features the studio and the artists from the insiders exhibition  at the Mendel Art Gallery in Saskatoon.
• Background story about the Art Program at Sherbrooke Community Centre  from Saskatoon Health Region.

-submitted by Jeff Nachtigall
To contact Jeff Nachtigall, please send him an email.