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Reinventing himself through art: Jim Dalton’s journey of resilience and gratitude
The power of art to move human emotions has been evident since the first people expressed themselves on cave walls.
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Art can educate, inspire, anger, torment; it can incite revolutions or move people to joy or tears.
It can also help heal.
Benalla’s Jim Dalton’s life took a turn at age 59 when he suffered a stroke.
“It changed the way I see the world and myself,” he said.
“Once I loved woodworking, carpentry and building things; those passions brought me joy and a sense of purpose.
“But the stroke made those pursuits frustrating and difficult, leading me to seek new ways to express myself.”
Jim spent two months in hospital recovering.
Like many stroke victims, it had impacted the use of his dominant right hand and also his speech, but Jim was determined to continue his rehabilitation.
It was through his support co-ordinator at Community Accessibility, Cassie McCleod, that he joined the Wangaratta Art School and began art therapy under the guidance of art teacher Sarah.
He is full of praise for Sarah and Wangaratta Art School director Samantha Badrock’s support in his therapy.
“Art has become my meditation and my refuge,” Jim said.
“It’s a spontaneous activity that allows me to be free and to create as I go.
“Since starting to paint, I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate the simple things we often overlook — sunsets, the breeze, the chirping of birds.
“I used to be so busy that I didn’t have time to ‘smell the roses’.
“Now I take the time to truly enjoy nature and the present moment.”
The journey hasn’t been easy, and he confessed finding motivation after the stroke was a challenge, but he knew he had to keep going.
“My motto is, ‘Don’t give up’,” he said.
“Even on bad days, I listen to my body and celebrate every small win.
“I focus on what I can do, rather than what I can’t, and I’m grateful for the support of those around me in helping me do so.
“Art has not only helped me heal mentally and physically, but helped me train my non-dominant hand to be as strong as my dominant hand used to be.
“It’s also taught me mindfulness and the importance of living in the present.
“It’s a fun way to retrain myself — anything new is fun, and I love embracing experiences.”
Jim’s dream is to one day sell his paintings, not for personal gain, but to give back — with hopes of donating proceeds to the Stroke Foundation in gratitude for the support he’s receiving.
“Having spent two months in hospital, I saw firsthand the incredible work they do,” he said.
“So many people are affected by strokes in various ways, and I believe it’s important to give back.
“Living a simple life, slowing down, and appreciating each moment has been a gift.
“Art has shown me that even in adversity, we can find purpose and connection.
“No matter the obstacle, I believe in resilience and the power of small victories.”
Jim’s art is already attracting attention; his series of colourful, almost caricature emus are proving popular with visitors to the art school and online.
He chose the emu as his focus, as he wanted to improve his skill painting the Aussie icon with acrylic paint.
In fact, he has already sold one large work to an interstate buyer and hopes to have other works available for sale in support of The Stroke Foundation in spring.
Wangaratta Art School prides itself as a child-friendly, open-to-all-comers haven for creativity, with a wide cross-section of people attending a variety of sessions, including adults’ art classes, kids’ after school programs and seniors social mornings.
For information about Wangaratta Art School at 50 Norton St, Wangaratta, and all it has to offer, email admin@wangarattaartschool.com or visit the school’s colourful website.
— Article courtesy of Shane Douthie, Wangaratta Chronicle.
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