Artist finds a new perspective
A GEELONG artist with multiple sclerosis will have her works displayed at a Melbourne exhibition this week.
Justine Martin was only 40 when diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year.
Although Ms Martin said she was ‘‘shell-shocked’’, it was not a complete surprise.
Her mother had the disease and died 15 years ago.
‘‘I already knew what it was, because of living with my mum for so long and I was her primary carer,’’ Ms Martin said.
The disease, which attacks the central nervous system, has affected Ms Martin’s cognitive function but not her sense of humour.
‘‘I’ve turned into a man and can only do one thing at a time,’’ she joked.
Ms Martin had to give up her high-pressure sales job but discovered a love of art through MS Australia’s Confident Living Program.
Her artwork will be exhibited in Blackburn this week, along with work by others in the program.
She said art was something she always wanted to do, but never found the time to try.
‘‘Life was too busy and I never had time to smell the roses, but I was forced to smell the roses,’’ she said.
The MS Art Exhibition is at The Nerve Centre, 54 Railway Rd, Blackburn, from tomorrow to Friday 9am-5pm and Sunday, October 21, 1-5pm. Details: 9845 2700.