Self-taught Erina artist says painting helped her heal

Bolton Clarke client Janice has always been creative but it wasn’t until later in life that she began perfecting her craft.

The Erina local, who has never had professional lessons, was determined to learn as much as she could to not only help herself through tough times but to support others going through similar experiences.

“As a little girl, I was alone a lot because it was a difficult time financially for my parents in the ‘40s so they both had to work,” Janice said.  

“They kept me busy by giving me colouring-in books and pencils to draw with and that was me growing up.

“Then in 2002, I went through a very difficult time and found that I could express myself better by writing and then illustrating what I wrote.”

Adult Learners Week, 1 – 8 September, is a UNESCO initiative celebrating continual adult learning and encouraging equality and accessibility to learning resources.

“When I started writing it came out in a poetic form and I was only doing that for myself, but my husband, Tony, and my doctor encouraged me to put my work into an art show,” Janice said.

“I thought it was ridiculous and didn’t think it was anything to be put on show because it was just a personal thing.

“But I got my husband to take me to an art shop and I bought these two enourmous canvases even though I didn’t even know what paint I was buying back then.

“That piece won awards and got a lot of attention and it made me realise that sometimes we can think that we don’t have any self-worth but then you see that other people gain something from what they have seen you do.”

Supported by the Bolton Clarke Home and Community Support team since suffering injuries in 2014, Janice continues creating her artwork with the aim of inspiring others.

“We all go through a lot in our life and as older people we are holding in a lot but we have learnt a lot and sometimes there is no one who wants to listen to what older people have learned.

“I have said to somebody before that I didn’t get this old by being silly and I think that goes for all older people – they have all had a walk that can be respected.”

Janice’s work is now recognised locally for tackling conversations such as the importance of family bonds and grief.

“It has taken me to some exciting places – I’ve spoken at universities, art galleries and went into a lot of competitions and won 42 awards in two years.

“It’s been a really rewarding walk and I feel much better when I write and paint.”