A woman is rebuilding her life after a life-threatening stroke through art, with her acrylic painting creations now being exhibited.
Marnie Johnston had a stroke on Christmas Eve 2019, which left her paralysed on her left side and with significant verbal impairment.
She was also forced to give up the job she loved as a family liaison officer in a primary school in South West London.
However, since then, the 38-year-old has found huge benefit in turning to art, with painting being a longstanding love of hers, and prior to her stroke she painted regularly, inspired by the work of her father who was a professional artist.
Initially following her stroke, Marnie’s painting comprised simple blue squiggles on a canvas – something which symbolised a changing tide on her journey to recovery.
Since that time, Marnie has developed her artwork to create a collection of seascapes and animal portraits that are exhibited on the walls of her permanent residency at Kingston Rehabilitation Centre.
Her achievements with her artwork has surpassed all expectations, including those of her care and rehab team.
“Since having my stroke, I have lost the ability to fully express myself through words. Art has not only allowed me to find my voice again, it has helped me reconnect with the person I was before,” says Marnie.
“Art was a massive part of my childhood and after my father passed away, I was determined to carry on his legacy.
“However, when I had my stroke, I honestly thought I would never paint again. Thanks to the persistence of my amazing care team who encouraged me, I am now painting every day.
“When you are going through an arduous rehabilitation process like I am, having a hobby and a focus is so important.
“Art has given me joy each day through what has been the hardest time of my life. I am constantly learning new techniques and the impact it’s had on my movement is just amazing.
“Art is so special to me as there really is no rulebook. It doesn’t matter what you create or how good it is, as long as you enjoy the process and it represents how you’re feeling.
“I have had many down days during this journey where I have felt consumed by my situation, yet art always offers me a release.”
To support her ongoing recovery, Marnie receives full-time specialist care from CHD Rehabilitation, part of CHD Living, with speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology and physiotherapy, including hydrotherapy, all forming part of her rehab.
Physiotherapist Marta Pape said: “When Marnie first came to us, it quickly became clear what a significant impact the stroke had on her motor function.
“If you’d have told me back then that Marnie would now be producing the incredible artwork she is, I would have never believed you.”
Yuhan Murros, assistant psychologist, said: “When Marnie first came through the doors at Kingston, you instantly knew what a creative and caring individual she was.
“Her stroke clearly had a massive impact on her life and given the effect it had on her speech, we were determined to find another way for her to truly express herself.
“We knew she has always had a love for art, so we decided to nurture this by encouraging her to engage with it regularly.
“It was at this moment, that the real Marnie shone through and to see how much she has progressed in her rehabilitation with the help of art is just incredible.
“Her paintings are truly beautiful and when you understand the story behind them, they are that much more powerful.”
Marnie will be hosting an exhibition of her artwork at Not My Beautiful House in Kingston on 20th – 21st August
