In previous blogs I have talked
about the issue of ‘artist’s block’ and possible sources of inspiration, but sometimes
inspiration comes not from visiting an art gallery but from an unexpected
place.
I am a volunteer at the Aphasia
Institute in Toronto. ‘Aphasia’ is an acquired disorder caused by damage to
the brain from either a stroke, brain tumour or brain injury. This condition
affects more than 100,000 Canadians today. Aphasia can deprive the affected person
of the ability to speak, read, write or understand the speech of others.
Language skills are affected, not competence, but all too often those with
aphasia are discounted as incompetent because people lack the necessary skills
to help them be understood.
The
Aphasia Institute is a community-based centre of excellence that helps people express
themselves to the world around them. It also assists people with aphasia and
their families to find new ways to re-join life’s conversation and thereby
reduce isolation.
There
are a variety of ongoing programs -
all designed to encourage community involvement and social exchange. I am currently a volunteer facilitator for a
conversation group. However, as an artist, I am very inspired by the group of
members that participate in the art program. Most have never painted
before, some have had to learn to use their non-dominant hand as a result of
stroke, and all have aphasia in varying degrees.
Making art is
such a wonderful way to communicate when the right words may escape you! I admire the energy and fearlessness of these
budding artists as they are finding new pathways to enjoy life. As you can see
from the paintings, their talent is also to be admired. When I see these
painters at work, I am ashamed to even think of ‘artist’s block’.
Thank you to the
painters below for sharing their work with all of us. For more information about
the Aphasia Institute go to www.aphasia.ca
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| Bill Scott |
 |
| Tita Tubil |
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| Lorraine Kelso |
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| Bruce White |
 |
June Ann Ho-A-Kam
|
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Se- Truong
|
