Theresa Malcom shares her brain injury story and some of the inspiring artwork she created in the Submit to Love Studio at Headway East London.
“Before my accident I was just about to start a job as a healthcare assistant at a children’s hospital. Before that I was mother to my two children. One of them had cerebral palsy. We were broke but living a good life.
“My injury started in 2004. I went to the Citizens Advice Bureau because my oldest son wanted to move out. I was talking to the woman who told me I wouldn’t be able to get any help with this and when I went to leave, I collapsed.
“Later I woke in the hospital, and found I’d had a head operation. I can’t remember anything during my time at hospital. I think I had a stroke but there were other things wrong with me.
“I draw pictures and paint. I started on paper and card but have now moved onto canvas. I have done needlework and pottery. We can just do everything in the studio. I just finished a painted portrait of my son and his new wife as a wedding present.
“A lot of the time I forget what I have made but when I see it again, I remember. I am glad that it helps me, I enjoy it. It makes me feel like I am doing something.
“I never did art before my brain injury. The closest I got to a hobby was knitting jumpers for my kids. Ask me how to knit now and I couldn’t tell you!”
Find out more about the Submit to Love studios and browse some of the amazing members’ artwork at submittolovestudios.org
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