Life After Stroke Awards 2008: Susie Hulks Memorial Award for Art

In memory of Susie Hulks, who received the Life After Stroke Artistic Award in 1996, The Stroke Association presents this award to someone who has had a stroke and has learnt to express themselves creatively in the visual arts.

WINNER: PETER BULL
Peter had a stroke in May 1999 aged 38. Peter's stroke affected his right side, including his mobility, and also left him with severe aphasia. Prior to his stroke Peter worked as printer -- a job involving speed and dexterity as well as the ability to deal accurately with words. He sadly lost all these skills as a result of his stroke and therefore has been unable to return to his job. Peter was also a talented musician and songwriter.

After his stroke Peter returned home to live with his mother as he had very little speech and struggled with cognitive issues and depression. He has found it hard emotionally to come to terms with his stroke and often becomes very low in mood. Although his speech has improved over the years, he still finds it hard to follow conversations and struggles with reading and writing, which make living independently difficult, but Peter is determined to live on his own.

Finding it hard to express himself, Peter tried painting as a means of communication. His pictures clearly show how he felt about himself following his stroke. Peter has said that painting was the only way he could express himself and relieve some of the pain following his stroke. More recently, a lot of his work shows stairs leading nowhere, doorways that don't open and tricks of light, as well as shadowy places, as he starts to carve out a new life.

The judges for this award were impressed with the originality of Peter's work, which expresses his personal experiences. Peter has found a new talent and has been able to use this to help himself through some difficult times, as well as inspiring others.

For more information, visit www.stroke.org.uk/campaigns/life_after_stroke_awards/index.html

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• stroke
• art
• survivor
• health
• medical
• life
• award
• artist
• disability
• nonprofit
• aphasia
• communication
• dysphasia

[charpyrenees]

where do i find more information on this award? I am an artist who had a stroke and I now draw with my left hand, and I would like to share them with other people.

[charpyrenees]

where do i find more details on this award? i am an artist and have had a stroke, now I draw with my left hand, and would like to share my drawings.