Five years ago, I underwent traumatic brain surgery which has been mostly successful. It left me with impaired vision (nystagmus in both eyes), neurological pain, and balance and sensory-motor problems. As part of my recovery and rehabilitation (whilst learning to read, write, and walk again) I discovered the joys of watercolour painting. From there I’ve moved on to acrylic painting, and both of these have been an important part of my therapy. I call it ‘painting through the pain’. Discovering my artistic side was a significant step forward for me; I realised the limitations I deal with every day due to my condition are not the prison I thought they were. In fact, art allowed me to discover and adapt to a different freedom; one that enabled me to transcend the physical and emotional walls that confined me.
A year ago, I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) as a result of post-surgical brain trauma. This is an incurable neurological condition from the same family as MS, Parkinson’s, and Epilepsy. However, I remain optimistic that research in this area will discover ways of easing the daily struggles faced by people with this disorder.
Bluethumb is a wonderful platform for me to express myself and my newly found artistic freedom. Thanks to Bluethumb, I have paintings hanging all over Australia and in several private collections in London, elsewhere in the UK, and France. I have exhibited my paintings publicly now (The Emmanuel College Art Exhibition, Facets: The Fairholme College Art Exhibition and The Collective Studios Exhibition on Kawana Island to name a few), and the knowledge that people are enjoying my paintings is a conduit to my happiness which has dramatically improved my confidence and positive mindset.
Painting has become a lifeline for me – I’ve always loved flowers, colour, and nature, and this love strongly influences my art. Through my painting I hope I can give others hope in their own struggles. Strangely, the more pain and difficulty I am in, the more peaceful and colourful my paintings are. I’ve learned not to underestimate the power of the brain or the will to overcome obstacles so that I can continue to move towards to happier and more purposeful days.