Corina Duyn, Artist in care, has documented her life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) since 1998.  

Corina Duyn’s creative story dates back to her early years, making her first doll aged 10 and her first puppet aged 15. Her professional doll and puppet making came after a move to Ireland in 1989. Her Fantasy Folk work is in private and corporate collections. 

Being involved in the creative arts has been an invaluable support to Corina to bring understanding in her journey through the illness. One of her first drawings during illness was that of a puppet – questioning ‘who is holding the strings’. She has often remarked: ‘Puppetry forced me to look deep into the reality of my illness. Poetry defined the experience.’ 

Following on from her puppetry based exhibition ‘I brought the dream of flying’ exhibition at Waterford’s Gallery of Modern Art in 2023 and award-winning book ‘In bed I cut words’ (2024, Corina has realised her dream of digitising and making accessible her collection of poetry, literature and art.  

This digital archive complements the artist’s Little Wings archive at Réalta Centre for Arts+ Health, and includes the 20-year anniversary edition of ‘Hatched’ and ‘In bed I cut words’ .  

“Waterford’s Creative Ireland Programme generosity made it possible for Corina’s extensive work to fly into a wider sky, just like the birds who inspired much of her journey.” 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.