“A negative past or a trauma can sometimes be forgotten for a couple of minutes when we see the beauty in a leaf, and feel the surprising strength of that leaf’s veins,” writes professional artist Claudia Sacher on the effects of art therapy.

Claudia, who moved to the UK from Germany in 2004, has used art as a form of therapy since being a child, when she was forced to cope with the shocking revelation that her grandfather had been a member of the Nazi party.

“It took years to accept the truth.” she said, “My grandfather, who was my first art teacher, my inspiration and my soulmate, was also the same man who collected cutlery during the war to turn into ammunition.”

“Even though he always remained certain that he was unaware of the plans being hatched, I still do not believe him.”

Art became a form of escapism for Claudia, and an emotional outlet which she still relies upon today.

References to her grandfather still appear in much of her art, and she believes this is because she is still processing the trauma.

One of the confessional poems from her work Autumn Project refers to the influence her grandfather still has on her work.

It reads: “I do still love him very much, and find myself copying his drawing style, the way he taught me to draw.

“When I watch my hands, I think could my hands be his? Would I donate my cutlery as well? Here it is. I place it beside a cigarillo case, beside his photo album. Beside my love for him.”

From her own experience of art therapy, Claudia has seen how art has the power to turn something negative into something positive.

This was one of the reasons she became involved in the project ‘Art for the Brain’, a weekly workshop where people living with neurological conditions, mental health issues and/or disabilities gather together to create art.

It was founded in 2017 by artist Jane Dawson, who was interested in how art, and a safe space to practise art, could benefit those with neurological and mental health conditions.

The project is a non-profit organisation, run by a group of volunteers.

These include artist Karen Rann, who is drawn to workshops were she can help others have a sense of ownership and pride over their work.

Northumbria University student Alex Brown is also a volunteer, and his experience with Art for the Brain has left him committed to organising more art workshops for people who live with neurological conditions.

Claudia first joined Art for the Brain as a student, along with her close friend JP, whose dementia was progressing at a faster rate, but is now one of the volunteers who helps with the classes.

“Many of the dementia workshops and events were designed for older people,” Claudia said, “so it can feel quite isolating as someone younger living with dementia.

“What appealed to me about Art for the Brain was that I had space to create art, and also socialise with people of all ages.”

During her time in the workshop, Claudia has created and collaborated on dozens of art pieces, many of which reflect life with the illness, often featuring themes of the brain and memory.

Some of her most treasured pieces are works of art that she collaborated with JP on.

“I would always draw the outlines, which were usually of human figures, and he would then add the colour.” Claudia said.

“Almost everything he produced was bright, with lots of pinks, yellows and reds. I think it reflected how happy he was when he was painting.”

Despite JP’s enthusiasm for producing art, working with him did have its challenges.

“His attention span can be short,” Claudia said, “and he has a lot of energy, which often makes him take a run around the grounds outside, because he says he needs to release it. After every two laps, we then continue our work together.”

The students’ art pieces are displayed around the workrooms, and each tell a different story about the artist behind them.

One such painting is Binkie which on the surface appears to be nothing more than a drawing of a dog, but in fact tells the story of one student’s pain after she had to rehome her beloved pet upon moving into a nursing home.

“She was heartbroken after losing her dog,” Claudia said, “and felt responsible for his rehoming.

“We decided to paint a picture of Binkie, so that she would have something to remember him by, but we also worked on a piece where she wrote down all the good things about herself, such as ‘useful’ and ‘important’, so she could begin to build her confidence back up.”

Other works around the room work as a reminder that art can be accessible to all, such as an untitled painting created by a wheelchair user, who used his tyres to cover the canvas in different tracks and patterns, of all different colours.

Another piece on display, known as The Trees, was created by a student living with Parkinson’s, who has specially-designed brushes which allow him a better grip and more sturdy brush work.

Claudia was so proud of her students’ work that in September, she hosted an art exhibition called Cow, in the old milking shed turned work space, which gave audiences an insight into the power of art therapy.

“The classes are not about creating a masterpiece,” Claudia said, “it’s about taking time for yourself, and getting lost in the colours and the brush strokes.”

The workshop is not only open to people with an illness, but also their carers, who Claudia believes need time to relax from their duties.

It also provides a great opportunity to socialise, and Claudia has seen many friendships blossom over the past year.

“People with neurological conditions or disabilities can fall off the grid in society,” Claudia said, “It can be especially difficult to communicate if you don’t have the ability to speak.

“But art is a universal language, and is open to everyone, no matter their ability.”

Despite the project’s positive reception, it will be leaving Tynedale at the end of 2018 and moving to Scotland with Jane Dawson.

Claudia, however, still plans on bringing art therapy to the county, and wants to start introducing the classes into care homes and hospitals.

Art for the Brain takes place every Monday at Fine Studios, Fine House Farm, Kiln Pit Hill.