WILLIAMASTOWN stroke sufferer and artist Ian Morieson beat hundreds of other hopefuls to gain a place in the connected06 art exhibition held at Federation Square.
Only 66 Victorian artists living with a disability or mental illness are being showcased at the annual Arts Project Australia and State Trustees display until 21 May.
Before he had his stroke 10 years ago, picking up a paintbrush was an alien concept for Ian, a father-of-four and former social security manager.
Unable to talk, without movement in his right arm and enduring a slight limp as a result of the stroke, the long-time Sunshine resident undertook this interview via email and with the help of his aide, Fiona Neason, on his 58th birthday last Friday.
Ian said he was “extremely excited” and “very proud” to hear he was included in the exhibition.
“I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face,” he said.
“Other residents from the hostel were asking for my autograph.”
Asked whether he had always been creative, Ian replied, “definitely not”.
“I only started painting after I had the stroke to fill in some time and give me something to do.
“My first efforts were what you could say less than poor but I’ve had lots of practice and have spent a lot of time perfecting.”
Now, hitting his artistic peak, the Wintringham Hostel resident is gaining valuable exposure for his gouche painting Wilderness – a work that shows one of his great loves.
Inspired by a picture in a magazine of Fraser Island, Ian spent three hours a day for a week to complete his prized piece.
“It’s from on top of a cliff which overlooks the water and the sand dunes. It also shows the magnificent wilderness of Fraser Island and its beautiful flora and fauna,” he said.
Ian grew up in Box Hill before raising his family in Sunshine. Until moving to Wintringham a year ago, he was a great outdoor enthusiast and loved bush walking.
Ian undertook two art classes a week before moving to Wintringham, but has “dropped back to one” and paints “regularly in my free time at the hostel”.
“I’m unable to talk, which can sometimes be frustrating when I’m trying to communicate with others and explain myself.”
Despite his barriers, Ian managed to offer some advice for others in similar situations afraid to try something different.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight but if you put in the hard work that you can eventually achieve you goals.”
Connected06 is free and on from 13-21 May, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the Atrium, Federation Square.
