Reflection on Ken’s reaction to animation

On Weds 26th May I visited Ken (with my father as a witness) to show Ken the recent animation of his speech and to ask for written consent to show the work publically. It was a strange experience. Firstly, Ken appeared to be generally confused (having already met my father) he wasn’t sure who he was, secondly as we started to show the animation, Ken couldn’t remember actually recording the work with me (until half way through).

I spent some time explaining to Ken that I had shown an old ordnance survey map of Burton so that ken’s location would remain anonymous. Ken wasn’t at all bothered by the content, was distracted by the TV and wanted to chat to my father about past times. He recognised the Bambi figures and wanted to know who’s doors I had photographed, and asked me who’s door is number 5,4,3?

As the tutors predicted, Ken was baffled by the animation, not particularly curious but was impressed by the production saying I must have a ‘lot of brains in there’!
He wanted to know how it had been created but glazed over quickly as I tried
to explain.

When asked repeatedly if there were any problems or parts of the animation Ken would like me to take out or alter, he said no it was fine as it was and signed the consent form. My father witnessed and also signed the forms.

It has been over a year since I had recorded the audio and photographic data with Ken, so I was interested to see if any changes had occurred in his surroundings.
I observed that a few alterations had taken place (some for the better) for instance a calendar with photography was on the wall (where the bin schedule had previously been) also a ‘Girls Aloud’ clock adorned the mantle piece (a change for the worse but light relief for Ken!) The walls were freshly painted and Ken seemed to be in good spirits although he was repeating himself quite a lot. I left the property with the intention of keeping a physical distance but to maintain respectable contact with Ken. I will send him a card on his Birthday (interestingly, he mentioned the date a lot in the evening and seemed to be slightly sparring with my father over their respective ages) I suspect he will only receive a few cards (19th September).

I always find meeting with Ken bitter sweet, he reminds me of family members (heavy smokers) I have lost and makes me grateful for the life and health I have now. One thing I did notice was how Ken’s breathing had deteriorated and was rattling and not clear (just like my late Grandfather).