Cross Section Of The Brain (Drawn on 27 August 2008)

ARTIST WITH A GIFT FOR HEALING

An architect who turned to painting after being told to use her brain more to help control epilepsy is now helping others rebuild their lives after illness and injury. Xia Lu, 47, from Liverpool, never imagined she would become an artist. Her drawing and sketches were a hobby, a spin-off from architectural work in her homeland of China.

She only started to take painting seriously when doctors in Liverpool told her that as part of her self-treatment for epilepsy, she needed to use her brain more. Unless she did this, there was a danger that she might lose her power of speech or end up in a wheelchair, they warned her.

Watercolour painting has now given Xia Lu a new desire to live her life to the fullest and this energy shines through her paintings which have been exhibited at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Blackburne House and in Calderstones Park. Now Xia Lu has opened work shops using her special watercolour techniques at the Neuro Support Centre in Norton Street, Liverpool. Every Monday afternoon, she teaches clients at the centre, as well as their family members and carers, the gentle art of watercolour painting.

The idea is that the painting classes will give people who have suffered brain injuries or trauma after accidents, a new sense of self confidence. Many members of her class have already produced their own watercolours and the centre is planning an art exhibition to display their work.

Xia Lu, who became epileptic as a teenager said, "I am happy to share my experiences as a painter with other people. I will welcome anybody along to my classes. I also teach Tai Chi and Qi Gong and they also help me control my epilepsy. The doctors wanted to see if using my brain as an artist will help improve my epilepsy so that attacks are reduced".

Brian Simpson, work and life co-ordinator at the neuro centre said, " The classes have been set up for clients of the neurological centre and their families and carers. They are proving very popular. It is part of a programme to rebuild their confidence and purpose. A lot of people who suffer from neurological conditions need to be given a purpose in life. Xia Lu's classes help give them purposes and gets them out of their homes".



source : Liverpool Daily Post