June 11 - 17, 2025
Jim reinvents himself through art ◆ EYE-CATCHING ART: Jim Dalton with his eye-catching painting that has been sold to a buyer in Queensland. PHOTOS: Jordan Duursma
THE power of art to move human emotions has been evident since the first people expressed themselves on cave walls. Art can educate, inspire, anger torment; it can incite revolutions or move people to joy or tears. It can also help heal. Jim Dalton’s life took a new 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
By SHANE DOUTHIE
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 coordinator 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 con-
fessed 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 nondominant 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. ■ Continued page 6
VET CORNER
UP THE SLOPES
YOUR HEALTH
TOOL TALK
with OVENS AND KIEWA VET
with JEFF
with EMMA
with MICHAEL