When we hear about the Ramon Noguera Foundation, it is often about our care services and integration projects. But the entity would not be what it is without the individual stories that make it possible. Josep Buixedas is an example: he has been working at the Foundation for over thirty years and, although he is a psychologist by training, he has never practiced as such. His passion is art, and through it he has built a space for creation and expression for people in the occupational therapy service. We spoke to him to learn about his career and vision on how art acts as a tool for social transformation.
1. When did you start collaborating with the Foundation?
I joined in 1993, when I was still studying psychology. The truth is, I've been there my whole life!
2. What do you think is the importance of art in the context of occupational therapy?
I believe that art has a therapeutic power for everyone. In the case of occupational therapy, I think that not only is it very stimulating, but it also helps people focus on a specific topic and escape into the moment. Plus, they often bring up some really good ideas during the creative process!
3. What are the main objectives of the projects being carried out?
We organize the activities as a team, and we agree on three main objectives: to improve the motor skills and dexterity of the users, to encourage their personal expression and to stimulate creativity. Each project is a new opportunity to enhance these capabilities.
4. What is the biggest challenge you have and how do you solve it?
I think the biggest challenge is how we create the projects. There are many participants and all the tasks have to be well organized. Luckily, by coordinating the ideas and knowledge that each of us who make up the creative team has, we always get things done. We collaborate well together.
5. What is the project you are most proud of?
For me, they all have something special, but I would choose a painting of the Devesa that we did here in the workshop and that is now hanging in La Rosaleda. I liked it so much that I was a little sad when we moved it, but it is in a very good place! If you haven't seen it, go and have a drink and I'm sure you will like it.
6. Can you share with us any memorable experiences or anecdotes that you have had thanks to these projects?
Well, thinking about the painting, I remember the adventures of moving it. It was a large, delicate piece with relief, so transporting it was quite a challenge. Everyone had their own idea of how to do it, and I was worried that nothing would happen to it... (laughs). But, thanks to the ideas and help of the whole team, it arrived in the right place and now we can enjoy it in La Rosaleda.
7. What recommendations would you give to other entities that want to implement similar artistic projects?
That everything is just a start. Sometimes it's difficult to find funding, but you don't have to do big things all at once. Projects can grow little by little.
8 things about Josep…
· A book: Siddartha, by Hermann Hesse.
· A film: Novecento.
· A place: Girona!
· A hobby: drawing, painting and reading.
· A dream to fulfill: travel more!
· A character to have dinner with: Noam Chomsky.
· A dish: paella.
· A personal motto: Little by little the sink fills up.
With his dedication, Josep has demonstrated that art is much more than artistic expression.
