By ANEEKA SIMONIS
SHE only picked up a brush two years ago, but it is as if she was born to paint.
Jan Leamon, 75, from Berwick, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease just over five years ago – and unlike many sufferers who develop handshakes, Jan’s hands are as still as ever – allowing her to create fine detailed art works.
Over 20 of Jan’s watercolour pieces are on display at Maryknoll General Store, and though they are selling like hotcakes, she said they add a therapeutic element to her day.
“I paint several times a week. A lot of people with Parkinson’s get the shakes, but I am lucky because I have good control of my hands,” she said, referring to the fine motor skills required to paint in detail.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to those who know Jan that her watercolour paintings largely feature floral creations.
For her whole life, Jan has been surrounded by flowers, leaving school at 14 years of age to become a florist.
From there, sweet floral aromas have followed her throughout her life, later working in a plant nursery then managing her own wholesale orchid nursery in Narre Warren with her husband Andy up until a few years ago.
It was during this time that Jan reached out to local group – Painting with Parkinson’s – re-igniting her passion for flowers, this time in watercolours.
“This is my first time selling … my walls were about to fall in at home,” said Jan, who is proud to have already sold just under a dozen of her paintings since taking up residence in the Maryknoll store.
Andy, whose family has also been touched by the disease, said painting had been a tremendous help to his wife – however, there are still struggles.
“It’s frustrating being on the outside … you feel helpless. All I can do is ask her ‘what can I do’?”
To that Jan added: “And love me.”
Described by her family as brave, Jan continues to push forward – each day brainstorming ideas for her watercolour art works, even branching out to painting birds such as hens and roosters.
Jan and Andy are part of Pakenham Parkinson’s Support Group, a group of around 30 people impacted by the disease in the local area.
Jan’s watercolour art works will be on display at Maryknoll General Store until Sunday 11 October.
She is considering displaying her art pieces in other local art spaces in the area.
