Last Saturday, my mum and I visited my granddad on the way back from an open day. I never see him or my gran; they live very far away and one lives in hospital while my granddad is sad and in pain most of the time.

I chatted to him a bit, though, and it was nice to see him again even though I felt like I was talking to him through thick glass.

I came across some pictures of my gran when she was in her 20s – she was very pretty. It made me think about all the stuff she’s lost because of her Alzheimer’s.

I wanted to draw her, because it puts a new perspective on the same pictures, especially from someone who barely knew her. I see her more through what Mum’s told me about her.

I’ve done quite a bit of personal work in my sketchbook. I’ve been staying at Jamie’s for the week so I’ve not had the resources to make big finished work – so I’m focusing on drawing skills and developing ideas.

This all made me think about forgetting a lot. It’s quite distressing that strong-minded 20-something year olds can get completely lost in old age.

Artistically, how has this helped? Working with coloured pencils is growing on me. Sketches have a bit more life, and because they’re slightly harder to rub out it forces me to accept my drawings as they are.

How might I take this further? I could do a little work on my Gram and Gramps on my Dad’s side, who have both passed away but I knew very very well. It doesn’t make sense that I’d draw my grandmother I barely know … maybe I could work up to drawing the others. It’d be nice to keep them alive!