Eastbourne Care Home Resident Stuns With His Artistic Creations

A resident at Sovereign Lodge care home in Eastbourne has been stunning fellow residents and staff with his talent for art with the production of more than 60 paintings.

Artist John Martin, aged 81, moved to Sovereign Lodge in July this year and has recently rekindled his passion for art, having taken a break from the hobby due to the impacts of Parkinson’s Disease.

Now, having found solace and relaxation in painting once again, he has created more than 60 canvas paintings since moving to the home, with the support of activities coordinator, Tracy Wenham.  Many of them are images drawn from memories, others based on books and nature.

John is sharing his creations, which are being displayed around the home and he even involves fellow residents in his painting, encouraging those with dementia to join him.

John explains, “Some of the ladies here have dementia and I try and involve them in my painting, giving them parts to complete.  I enjoy helping them and it’s lovely seeing the smiles on their faces.

“I’m pleased to have returned to painting, it gives me pleasure in achieving things and people say lots of nice things about the finished results.

“I want to put my Parkinson’s to the back of my head, and painting helps me do that.”