Hello there everyone, I have an idea and I wanted to run it past you to see if it is worth running with it…
Before I had my TBI I used to draw and paint. I used it afterwards to help me feel better about myself and help me recover (lhodonovan.com). In my dealings on here I’ve noticed other folk doing similar, being creative in whatever way. My idea was to look into maybe having an exhibition for us, either in a gallery or a virtual exhibition online.
I’ve been looking around and asking around about this. Headway thinks it’s a great idea and have asked me to keep them up to date about it. Other artists I know have suggested various platforms to build the exhibition. I’ve also tried to contact a few well-known people who’ve suffered from TBI (James Cracknell, Jason Padgett) to see what they think – we could even ask whether they’d be involved with it themselves!
So, the reason why I’m writing on here is to ask if you’d be interested in taking part in this let me know on here. We would of course need to have enough interest to put a show together, otherwise I’d have to lay the idea to rest. I’d love not to do that though. There are loads of TBI survivors out there who have things to say and just don’t have the belief to have a go! So what do you reckon then?
Written by
saville75
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Oh my god that’s gorgeous! Don’t ever diminish your light and talent, Painting Girl. I would stand and admire that painting on a gallery wall for sure- it takes me on a journey down that lane and makes me want to know what’s down there. Lovely!
Thank you Trees! Just think - I only started painting four years ago, after my MTBI, I think it saved me. And it's really encouraging for me to see that my painting is still improving .
I genuinely love this! I feel as though it almost has a spur of the moment look about it - a stark contrast to mine that I think, has been agonised over for hours. Which it has! X
That's really lovely of you! That means a lot to me. Actually there was quite a bit of agonising! It's small of course, A4 ish. But using pen and wash means I've not got any second chances to change anything once I put pen to paper, which probably helps - and I do like painting like this.
That's exactly what scares me! No second chances...I'm a control freak when it comes to painting - maybe I should give it a try and accept what I produce x
I sketch these out loosely before the first layer of ink lines go in - but yes, me too. I think it's probably quite helpful in a way to put in a 'wrong line' and still have to carry on regardless on these. I think probably there's less chance of reworking watercolour compared to acrylic and oil generally, but if one is going well, it means each extra layer gets more nerve wracking than the last 🤦♀️
I'm not painting or sketching - but I should - if I had a date to get a couple of things done by, I would. Nowhere near as good as all of you, but hey, I am happy to make a contribution to a virtual exhibition. Great idea.
(after writing this, I tried to find my phone, and a sketchbook, and failed on both counts, 😀 Just goes to show that I did get my brain shook up.
I think it's a great idea. They're looking to do something like that with the Anglian Ruskin University in chelmsford, they're just waiting for funding. Any way that gives survivors a chance to express how they feel and what the injury means to them is a good thing.
My friend has talked about a similar thing - that I could apply for funding from certain places who could decide to give funding. I think things would need to be more certain and structured to try that...you're so right about TBI survivors being able to express themselves though X
The thing is TreesMTBI, I was thinking that it doesn't have to be visual art, but creativity in any form. So poetry, written word, even sculpture and other forms...so maybe if it was open to that then you'd like to come on board? Hope so x
Please write a poem or short story .. we can have all sorts of ideas good bad or indifferent .. let’s show off our skills in our new wonky brain world .. let’s make us visible 😁
Oh my goodness Writoronstack. I could see my own experiences in yours as I read that. I truly love it. Thank you so much for writing it. It's given me even more incentive to get this exhibition to happen! X
Hello! I for sure, would love to contribute in some way! Virtual or physical. I have been an art student for some time, and have studied in London and Amsterdam, and will be studying at Glasgow School of Art in September.
I think this could be a really powerful way to connect all of us! I’m with you on this idea.
Well Joseph, I have an Instagram page on my TBI if you're on there @I_had_TBI_2008 and I've just put a post up about it. If you're not on there then I put the same stuff on a blog on my artist website too lhodonovan.com
Could me do a what’s app group or messenger group so we could all join that … so much easier to keep up today with what’s happening and what any of us can do… Sue x
I think it’s a great idea and would like to come to see the exhibition .. some great talent in here and if we could get more well know people’s involved it would also please get TBI more visible . Would also be nice to meet some of the people who are on here 😊as without a doubt this place has kept me going ❤️sue
Me too Sue. In reality I don't tend to write here much about my TBI> It tends to be when I'm at my lowest and when I write here, the response always picks me up. I know I'm talking to people who understand... X
totally agree .. I know I keep say it but it’s this place that has offered the most care and support .. I’m at the end of my tether with the NHS with thier lack of support / rehab as in Cornwall it doesn’t exist … along with the fight to get PIP which is know going to a tribunal as again they have no idea and TBI and I’ve just realised that I can’t get the old me back so I’m now on ESA and this week I had 1 and 1/2 hours on the phone as a medical assessment for ESA .. I’m so angry with the system and have written to my new local MP saying about this as IT HAS TO CHANGE so the more public we can be the better .. I only wish I was able to fight this on my own … but we need to bring this to the forefront so we ( the TBI survivors) get help .. even if this help is care and support not the “well I don’t know anything about Neurological Problems “ the voice that I here at my GPs and any other department I see … rant over !!! Would love to help get us seen as we don’t deserve what we are getting 😁suex
Hello saville75, I'm in. I can draw, paint etc. Mostly in cartoon form. I also use art as a form of therapy and did in all honesty before my accident. It's a great way to relax. I think your idea is great. My response is short because I'm writing it at work. Better get back to the grindstone.
I noticed that after my TBI in the 1980's with my memory being so bad that I started a daily diary and became interested in photography. My mind had shifted from the analytical 'accounts' minded it had been to a more creative and emotional way of thinking about things.
The diary became a record keeper, but it was with my photography- first film then digital, that I was able to stretch my creativity . A journey that has not been without its problems, but one that has proved beneficial to various components of my health.
Your idea of an exhibition, for those affected by a TBI, I think it is a great suggestion and one I'd wholeheartedly support. My photographs range from portraits, landscapes to candid street photography. part of the legacy of my TBI is a mind that jumps all over the place I guess!
With the advent of digital photography, I've often heard 'Everyone's a photographer now', and its not really an Art. This may well be, but for myself, whose mental visions don't translate via any sketches I try and do, photography for me is very much my creative outreach to try and communicate my visions to the world.
Sorry for going on so long, but to conclude I think your idea is great and I include a couple of my photos.
Oh my goodness dovrob, please don't apologise for going on so long, you really don't need to. I love reading about how things swapped and changed after your TBI. In fact it's brilliant to read, as I'm currently having one of those phases where I'm feeling sad about the inevitably changes I've had since my injury. I love your photo, it made me stop and look and think. If you'd be willing to join us on WhatApp it'd be great chat.whatsapp.com/EloBJwKOV...
Thanks and I'll be delighted to join the WhatApp group. With 40+ years of changes I'd be delighted to chat with you about any changes or fears you may have.
would love too join, .5 of surviving neuron struggling to join, have learnt to paint, rewritten a book I wrote in my teens too. See y learn to re-rout the grey stuff apparently!! Keep safe n SMILE!!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Let's stay connected
Advice on support 
Out of minimally conscious but still not fully awake
Need help for Andy Nicholson, TBI warrior BLOCKED by Facebook 
