AN ARTIST who continued painting after surviving multiple strokes will exhibit his work later this month.
Graham Tovey suffered a series of strokes three and a half years ago, which almost killed him and twice left him with paralysis on the left side of his body – as well as damaging his eyesight.
Mr Tovey, who had to relearn how to walk, was able to reconnect with painting – despite no longer being able to see clearly – through his passion for art as well as practical support from sight-impairment charity EYECAN and his occupational therapist.
‘You need to get into your own world and adjust your painting to your sight loss, but art is hugely rewarding and so much can be achieved,’ he said.
To ensure the edges of his canvas are apparent to him, Mr Tovey positions it on a contrasting background and has also learned to scan images to the left – as his paintings previously reflected the blank areas of his vision.
He now paints from memory and has also been inspired by Robert MacFarlane’s The Wild Places, which is available as an audiobook.
An exhibition of his work – titled ‘Wild Places’ – will feature at the Jersey Library from 5.30pm on Thursday (11 August) until 8 September, from which half of the profits from sales will go to EYECAN.
