Partially sighted artist brings memories to life

Thursday 11 August 2022

Three-and-a-half years ago, artist Graham Tovey experienced a series of devastating strokes which almost killed him, and which twice left him with paralysis on the left side of his body.

The strokes also damaged Graham’s sight, causing visual field loss, so that he now sees a blank space on the left side of his vision.

The significant impact of these life changes left Graham suffering from poor mental health and panic attacks.

Recognising that he had to take his mind off his problems, and with encouragement from his wife, Graham felt a pressing need to reconnect with art which had been a big part of his life before his strokes. 

Whilst living in France, Graham had previously embarked on a six-year photographic project to raise the profile of often overlooked women artists, producing black and white portraits of the artists and their paintings.

When Graham moved to Jersey, he gave up photography to concentrate on painting, selling his evocative land and seascapes through the Harbour Gallery. Graham’s paintings have also been exhibited in London.

Pictured: Graham has sold and exhibited his works both locally and in London.

Graham said: "The prospect of returning to painting felt challenging but going to EYECAN with its friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, plus meeting others with eye problems has encouraged me enormously.

"At first, I could only concentrate for short periods and even now feel tired after painting. However, as I become completely absorbed it helps me escape from worrying about health issues."

Graham now paints from memory, revisiting inside his head the memorable places and the natural world he has always loved so much. His imagination has also been fired by listening to Robert MacFarlane’s The Wild Places, which is available as an audiobook.

Graham is right-handed and still able to wield a paintbrush, however some techniques have helped him when working on his paintings. To ensure the edges of his canvas are apparent to him, Graham positions it on a contrasting background. 

Pictured: Graham positions his canvas on a contrasting background while he's painting to ensure the edges of his canvas are apparent to him.

He has also learned to scan images to the left, which he might otherwise not perceive, as for a while Graham’s paintings reflected the blank areas of his vision.  

Graham no longer sees with clarity, but he is very skilled at using a thick brush, a palette knife and 2-3 strong colours to achieve arresting impressionistic scenes which resonate with his audience.

Graham added: "You need to get into your own world and adjust your painting to your sight loss, but art is hugely rewarding and so much can be achieved.” 

An exhibition of Graham’s paintings will feature at Jersey Library from 5.30pm on Thursday, 11 August to 8 September.

Pictured: Graham's paintings will feature at Jersey Library until 8 September.

Half of profits from sales will go to EYECAN, the charity which supports islanders with sight loss.

You can find out more about their work here.