A Dorset artist who survived a stroke and life-changing surgery is hoping to inspire others through a new exhibition of her artwork launching today in Poundbury.
Lucy Warren, mum of two young children, was born and brought up in West Dorset and went to Thomas Hardye School and Weymouth College.
“I studied art A-level at college and it made me so happy to come home covered in paint. I shelved it after college for many years, believing that academia was the way forward if I wanted to have a career.
“I had several jobs as a journalist for local newspapers and writing a sci-fi horror novel The Poison Balance which took me 10 years.
“I knew something didn’t feel right with myself, until ill health forced me to quit my job in property. Then in the middle of the night a few years ago, I woke up with feeling like I had really heavy legs and an uncomfortable squirming sensation.
“I fell out of bed, banged into the wardrobe and made it as far as the bathroom, before collapsing. Luckily, having made such a noise woke up my husband who found me on the floor and rang an ambulance
“It was in the middle of Storm Debbie, and realising an ambulance would take too long, he rushed me to Dorset County Hospital, leaving the kids with a family friend.
“An MRI discovered not only a stroke, but an incidental finding of a tumour on my pituitary gland. It was non-cancerous, and I couldn’t walk or talk by that point, but I distinctly remember hearing the doctors say ‘time-critical’ several times and they explained they were going to send me by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital.
“When I was there, it was found that I would need surgery to remove the tumour but I was deemed too weak for surgery while I recovered from the stroke, so I was put on the waiting list.
“I spent several weeks back at DCH recovering and readjusting, all the while being on the stroke unit. As I had dependants, I had a staggered return to home, and the occupational therapists were very good in making sure I was on the road to recovery before they’d discharge me.
How Dorset art helped Lucy recover
“While it was frustrating to be stuck there, I took comfort in seeing the art on the walls in Dorset County Hospital, particularly photos of Burton Bradstock and The Cobb at Lyme Regis, as I hated being cooped up inside and no longer able to be the capable mum I was before.
“After I had surgery, it took all the following year to recover and readjust and meant that my body could no longer make the hormones it needed to. I am on a lot of medications and my ongoing stroke fatigue means I can no longer concentrate for long periods like I used to. I struggle for words, which writing as always come naturally, I can no longer do.
“Finding the art for wellbeing classes run in Dorchester, has led to a rediscovery of my love of art, which I had wanted a family member to attend and I decided to tag along too, and I haven’t looked back since.
“I can see the benefits in art. I always look back to when I was hospital and could see how important and therapeutic art can be in being accessible by all.
“It’s ideal as I can pick it up and put it down as and when I need to, and I can be around for the kids when they need me, which is quite often, them being 8 and 11.”
In her spare time, Lucy is a member of Art In Poundbury and curates the walls of Pips Café in Poundbury and is a volunteer for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance which gave her an inter-hospital transfer when she was poorly.
“I’ve had to accept that I will probably never fully recover but I can manage by pacing myself and being there as much as possible for my family. I can see the value in every day and bring joy to myself and others through my art.
“If I can be a source of inspiration to those who are poorly or who think they can’t, you can and you will if you find the strength from within.
“Do what makes you happy and you can do anything.”
Lucy’s exhibition is on at the Duchess Of Cornwall in Queen Mother Square, Poundbury until Sunday August 30, with a meet and greet on Saturday 22 August from 11am to 2pm, where you will be able to buy prints and merchandise and have a chat with Lucy about her creative process.
“Even this year has taken me surprise – I’ve been in several art exhibitions and got my art on the walls in the Pavilion at Poundbury and been part of Dorset Art Weeks, which I hadn’t expected to. I’ve also got a few months at Crossroads Café later this year.
“Plus, the Christmas craft fair in our village that I attend every year and sell my paintings.
“I enjoy painting Dorset landmarks as I love the county and it is so beautiful. Plus I have an deep affinity with it, as it was where I born and brought up. I particularly enjoy painting Durdle Door, St Catherine’s Chapel and Portland Bill, especially sunsets and the Milky Way.”
A percentage of the proceeds from sales at the Art At The Duchess exhibition will go to local charity The Lexi May Foundation.
