Eye opening art is changing lives

The DCA is transforming opportunities for artists with disabilities. Head of the print studio Annis Fitzhugh tells us more

The print studio at Dundee Contemporary Arts is internationally renowned for its comprehensive range of equipment, the expertise of its staff and its innovation in exploring new methods and techniques in printmaking. It runs on an open-access model whereby anyone can pay a fee to use its equipment or enrol on one of its courses or workshops, regardless of experience or ability.

The principle of access for all was one of the aims behind the development of the print studio’s acclaimed Eye Can Draw project, which uses the latest in eye-tracking technology to allow artists with disabilities to draw using only their eyes.

The project began when former print studio coordinator Robert Jackson was assisting artist Dawson Murray.

Dawson has multiple sclerosis and is no longer able to use his hands, so Jackson would produce shapes and drawings under his careful instruction.

But when Creative Scotland provided funding for Scotland’s network of print studios to acquire a range of new digital equipment, Robert began to research how new technologies might enable artists with similar disabilities to draw.

With further funding from Creative Scotland and working with Murray and Jackie Smith, another artist with MS, Robert began to prototype a range of devices using open source software, taking on the artists’ feedback and refining the technology.

As Robert explains, “drawing with your eyes is a bit counter-intuitive. The artists worked with the eye-tracking device, part-time, over a period of about a year, practising with this new drawing method and then discovering ways to push it and utilise it within their printmaking practice.”

This process led to exhibitions of new work at DCA from both artists.

Jackie combined her eye-drawn work with some of DCA’s computer numerical control technologies to create large woodblocks and screen prints, while Dawson transformed his drawings using a sugar-lift etching technique that recreated the elements of the watercolours he had formerly created.

Jackie says of the project: “Learning to use the eye tracker has really altered the way that I work.

“It has taught me to draw again which is fantastic, but the drawings are like nothing I have ever done before. They have their own special quality which I am still exploring.”

Dawson’s feelings about the project are similar: “Having been quadriplegic for about four years the thought of being able to ‘draw’ again was very exciting.

“After months of slowly mastering Robert’s programme I was able to draw new forms to introduce into my work. My recent large etching Tumbling could only have come about through Robert’s eye-tracking device.”

Eye-tracking technology and software, like all new technologies, is developing rapidly in the commercial world.

When the project started medical eye-trackers were well out of reach financially and Robert had to improvise ingeniously with an adapted webcam, sometimes editing the software’s code to make it work properly.

Now, however, the print studio team is looking at affordable commercial trackers, which allow easy access to design software and are much more user-friendly.

“During the Eye Can Draw project Jackie and Dawson utilised eye-tracking within their own practice, testing the possibilities of accessibility through technology. The outcome will hopefully be that more artists will be able to use the fantastic facilities at DCA,” says Robert.

The print studio was fortunate that Robert’s experience with Dawson and his aptitude for technological improvisation, coincided to produce this unique research project.