I spoke to my consultant. Apparently this tiredness could be part of the withdrawal from Ropinirole, which can make you “a bit hyperactive”. I think that’s what she said (I think I was, at times). But she also said that it will pass, and that I will reach an equilibrium.
And I’m going to try a modified release Sinemet, which should help to even out what they call the “on” and “off” states.
I refuse to stay down here for long. I’m looking for the UP escalator. Anybody know where it is?
This is a cross-post from my art blog. It’s relevant here because the painting that got me shortlisted was orignally inspired by the Mervyn Peake Awards (Parkinson’s UK) theme, “Inspire”. I’m also posting it here because you can help me – there is a Reader’s Choice vote online and I’m told that it is hotly contested and I should ask all of my friends and acquaintances to vote for me.
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The UK magazine Artists and Illustrators runs an annual artist of the year competition. I entered it and was delighted to hear that the judges had shortlisted my Shelves of Inspiration. There are 50 artists on the shortlist, and all of the pieces will be on display 23 – 28 Janaury 2017 at the Mall Galleries, London.
Part of the competition is a Reader’s Choice vote. If you want to vote, you can see the whole shortlist here:
The Mervyn Peake Awards 2016 were presented on Wednesday 6 July at the OXO Gallery, London. That’s on the South Bank (of the Thames), a short walk from Waterloo station. There was an awards ceremony and exhibition launch event in the afternoon and a VIP preview in the evening.
The exhibition is billed as a celebration of the creativity of people with Parkinson’s, and it is the first year that a full exhibition, open to the public, has been held in such a prestigious location. I have two pieces in the show: Ridge, a landscape that was shortlisted for the art award and Shelves of Inspiration, a composite still life and imaginary piece that won the multimedia themed award, “Inspire”.
As a winner of one of the awards, I had been invited to both events, along with my guest, Sophie (aka PollieMath). It was truly wonderful to have Sophie’s company; we have much in common and had a lot to talk about… and a lot of things to draw.
I must admit that I found the whole being-a-winner-experience rather odd. I’m not used to the attention, although I did appreciate all of the positive comments about the winning painting. Inspiration is a very individual thing, and this painting was a very personal piece, and one that I spent a lot of time on – both planning and painting it.
I duly received my award from the fabulous Anders M. Leines, Norwegian photographer responsible for the thought-provoking exhibition “This is Parkinson’s”. Anders asked me if I had anything to say. “No”, I replied (which at least amused the audience), and offered me a hug. That was nice.
The full video version of Ander’s exhibition is on display at the Mervyn Peake Awards exhibition, which is still running – on until 10 July – so, if you’re in London this weekend, do try to visit it.
And if you do visit the exhibition, I’d love to hear what you think.
Shelves of Inspiration, acrylic on wooden panel, 40 x 40 cm
This is my winning entry to this year’s multimedia themed category. The theme is “Inspire”. My idea was that I find inspiration in many things – everywhere – and in many ways, and so I created a set of shelves to display them on.
Somwhat belatedly, here are some pictures from our walk in the Park in April. I carelessly allowed my camera batteries to go flat, although the camera in my smart phone was able to take reasonable images in the brilliant sunlight that we all enjoyed that day. The ink in my assorted fountain pens didn’t run out, though, and I made a fair few walking-sketches…
Jenni from Parkinson’s UK, the organiser of the walk, talking to the assembled walkers at the beginning of the walk
The official photographer. The incongruity of drawing photographers at work appeals to me…
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