From strokes to monographs Part 2

I often wonder how much more I may have been able to achieve had the pandemic not thwarted 18 months of rehabilitation amongst professionals, but it is what it was and in a strange way, that pushed me harder to be (with notable exceptions) self-reliant on my recovery. Part of that process, regardless of the physical barriers, was to understand the emotional journey and discipline required. Many of those stories and battles will remain in my head; however, through my glass, I found a way to express my story. The first public work I created post-stroke is imaginatively titled 'Stroke', it resides somewhere in the NHS staff room at the Irwin Stroke Rehabilitation Centre, Bexhill. The photo is all I have remaining; the poor quality of the image is perhaps a true indicator of where I was at that time.

'Stroke'

Kiln-formed glass, approx 22cm square. 'Stroke' captures my emotions and perceptions of recovery through the intensity of colour representing hope and the reality of time presented by the colour bandwidth. The design incorporates off-cuts of glass from works made pre-stroke as well as fresh glass cut post-stroke.

The bands of colour and their vertical width and colour intensity record my emotions.....From the dark confusion and turmoil of the event one perceives that that recovery will be swift and clear pale orange perceives that whilst weak it will be ok, brighter orange is soon quenched when realising that moving one finger a few mm is a victory but darker days follow as one recognises the mechanism of injury is unlike any physical recovery and there is much to understand. Several breakthroughs bring steps of white where optimism exceeds achievement, but trust and belief in loved ones, family, friends, and professionals eventually break through to a bright and confident orange now and in the future.

Five years have now passed, and even now things have changed. My ability to wiggle my left toes returned just a month or two ago, meaning that I can now walk with the skill and confidence of a 12-year-old but still cannot run! My left thumb opens and closes with the fluidity of a rusty bike chain, but it works, and that's what matters; I still take regular physiotherapy and need to keep the gym work, but I have regained the 3cm in height as I regain my strength.

I wish only that all souls in the same position could be as fortunate in their recovery.

So that's the back story.

With no pun intended, I am now tiptoeing into the future with a vision and voice for my work becoming clear. I may be guilty of oversharing, but maybe you can understand why when I say "the strong influence of hidden complexity and natural intent influences my work."

Next time - Part 3 From 'Stroke' to 'The' monograph