Artist Jeff Sewell, born and raised in Newport Beach, is one of the first artists commissioned by UCI Health Irvine for the new hospital near San Joaquin Marsh. He served on the committee to acquire art for the three new health buildings on the Irvine campus. His piece “Back Bay Rest” connects him with childhood memories at Back Bay. “I was really attached to Back Bay my whole life,” Sewell says. “My earliest memories are walking there with my father when I was less than 5 years old.” He spoke about being part of the hospital’s art collection.
Have you gotten any feedback from your art there?
It’s funny how many people have been there and seen my work. People notice that stuff. They actually walked by, noticed it, took a photo and sent it to me. They stop to look and then realize, “Oh, I know this guy!”
What was it like working with a hospital?
I’m proud of what they’ve done. They didn’t have to do anything more than have the best hospital on the planet. They chose to complement the best hospital with some unique art that creates an atmosphere so it’s not a difficult visit in challenging times. It’s great to alleviate that with some art. They’ve done something above and beyond what most hospitals would do in thinking about the art.
How can art impact health?
It brings it to a home level. It’s not just a sterile environment. Not generic art in a generic hospital. Our goal was to help people feel at home when they’re in a hospital. Not just patients but families who spend days there. People who need a break – a getaway, clear their head, meditate, soul searching. Pad their difficult time with the grace of nature. Bringing nature indoors with our paintings was part of it.
Do you think depicting local scenes is important?
We wanted to keep a lot of recognizable locations with the art being selected. A lot of them are traditional OC scenes. My paintings are that, certainly. I was excited to do some local scenes. That way the people there could recognize a place and feel most at home.
What’s the takeaway for you as an artist?
UCI is my backyard. To be part of that experience and in a permanent collection in a hospital is an honor.
