finding a voice through artwork

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Finding a voice through artwork

Rochdale Observer Ruhubia Akbor October 24, 2009

Dennis Blackhurst with one of his paintings.

A man who lost the ability to speak after a stroke has nowfound his voice through art.

Two years ago Dennis Blackhurst, 59, suffered a major stroke

– he was left with severe physical and communication

difficulties. He is now on the road to recovery. He uses a

wheelchair and suffers from aphasia – this makes finding the

right words really difficult.

Through his new-found love of painting, Dennis is once again

able to communicate to the wider world. This is even more

amazing – Dennis was right-handed and now he paints with his

left hand because of his stroke.

He said: "When I was little, I used to do a bit of painting.



"I watched a programme by an artist Bob Ross - he made it

look so easy. I don’t know why I love it but they make me

happy.

"It was hard with my left hand at first but I just kept at it. "I’m

not going to stop for nothing and I need to keep busy."

Over the past year, Dennis has painted pictures which range

from landscape to abstract faces. He says they are not for sale

- but currently he has two paintings on show at the Gallery

Oldham.

He also has high hopes to build a boat – he wants to sail

around the world looking for inspiration.

His proud wife, Barbara, is fascinated by his new skill. She

said: "The painting just came out of the blue. It relaxes him

more than anything.

"Once he gets started, he can spend hours making it perfect.

He ignroes what’s going on around him. I think they’re

wonderful.

"He doesn’t want me to hang them up. He likes having themat hand to show people. She added: "It’s been really difficult

but he is determined to carry on.

"The stroke was completely out the blue. When I saw him I

thought the worst. When he told me what was wrong, I knew

it was a stroke. He lost his speech within hours. Doctors



thought he would never be able to talk or walk again. He’s

improving every day."

Dennis had to give up his job as a welder. He startedattending a communication support service. He is now working

to rebuild his life. He has more time to pursue new interests -

swimming, playing bowls and cookery classes.

Dennis has even managed to use his DIY skills to build a little

brick wall – he sits there to keep Barbara company while

gardening. She said: "He was determined to do this thing. I

didn’t stand in the way. He worked so hard to build it.

"He surprised me one day when I came home from work – he

made tea for me with the help of his carer."

Julie, from the Stroke Association, said: "The courage and

creativity that Dennis has shown after his stroke is

commendable. He and Barbara clearly show that there really

can be life after stroke."

finding a voice through artwork

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