Shaky Hands
This is an art exhibition showcasing the creative brilliance of those affected by Parkinson’s Disease. It aims to promote the benefits of art and hopefully will inspire and develop creativity across the Parkinson’s community.
Art and being creative has many health benefits. It acts as a therapy that reduces stress and anxiety and it allows us to focus on something positive and escape temporarily. It activates our brain’s reward centre and enhances the lives of people with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is what happens when our brain cells that make dopamine start to die. It is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and there’s no cure. Yet.
The aim of the exhibition is to raise awareness that living with Parkinson’s is much more than having ‘Shaky Hands’, and to raise vital funds for Parkinson’s research. You can show your support in many ways, either through purchasing art, buying merchandise or making a donation.
Meet the Artists;
Nicolette Amos
Nicolette is a self-taught artist inspired by her father who was a wonderful watercolour artist. She started drawing about 14 years ago using coloured pencils and watercolours and mainly focusing on wildlife.
In December 2018, she was formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and since then has become more creative. Her work now is based on strong composition and vibrant colours and can be a little quirky. She likes to experiment by trying different styles and techniques, but jellyfish are her favourite subject.
Jacqui Woodhead
Jacqui was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, having already noticed a deterioration in dexterity. As soon as she started medication, all of her creativity came flooding back.
Her work is inspired by the Chiltern Hills, flowers and trees, and she loves bright colours. She prefers to paint from memory and imagination. She also enjoys attempting random subjects, most recently, dancers.
Rosemary J
Rosemary has always found enjoyment in painting from early days in school, taking art at ‘A’ Level through to teacher training college, doing art and craft as her chosen subject. She now paints for pleasure in her local Parkinson’s Art Group where she has been encouraged to try a number of mediums including acrylic, pastel, pen and wash. Painting in watercolour is her favourite medium, and painting flowers her favourite subject.
Mike Cussens
Mike has always loved art and at 15 he started his career in the Art Department of a national magazine in London. From here on he trained to be a magazine designer and spent the rest of his career working as a commercial artist.
Art is now his pastime. He enjoys working in acrylics, pencil, and ink and wash. His favourite subjects are landscapes and wildlife. He now runs the Art Club for the Worthing district of Parkinson’s UK, helping and advising others on techniques and tips, and generally making art fun!
Pauline Fuller
Pauline is a self taught artist, and has always been interested in art from an early age, particularly enjoying art classes at school.
In 2009 she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and now enjoys attending the Parkinson’s Group art classes. Her favourite mediums are acrylics, coloured pencils and chalk pastels. She enjoys painting animals and still life and just paints for pleasure giving many items of her artwork to her family.
Julie Belcher
Julie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013. On retirement she rediscovered the joy of painting and crafts and how therapeutic they can be and actually ease her Parkinson’s symptoms.
She particularly enjoys working with driftwood and other bits and pieces salvaged from the shoreline. She also works with other mediums such as acrylics and fine line pen drawings, but her favourite is craftwork, working with natural and recycled materials.
Ian Canavan
Ian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in July 2019. Until then he couldn’t draw a bath, as they say in Scotland. (Many say he still can’t!) He likes watercolour landscapes and pencil drawings. Since his forced retirement from teaching, he has had both time and inclination to pursue these passions.
The late Philp Dando
Phil was a very well liked person with a very wicked sense of humour. He was much loved by all of his friends at the Worthing and Washington Parkinson’s Art Group.
He had always liked art, and a large majority of his artwork was based on the many places he had visited on his travels. He was very gifted and would create his paintings from memory of his favourite places in the world.
Although it is a sad loss, he will always be remembered through his artwork.
Pete Tachauer
Peter is a talented photographer who mainly focuses on Street Photography of everyday people in everyday places, capturing people just going about their business, and also finding some interesting characters as well!
He also likes photographing beautiful scenes in the town and country, and has a good eye for stunning artistic shots.
Open Tuesday – Saturday // 10.00 – 17.00