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Phillip’s painting success |
 5th February 2010
Discovering a passion for art has given a huge boost to Phillip James from Brighouse. The 51-year-old, who has learning disabilities, has even sold some of his work. Phillip is cared for by Lifeways, one of the country’s top providers of specialist community support for people with complex needs. His support worker Carolyn Housbey said he had become a different person since he took up art classes at a day service seven months ago.
Carolyn said: “He took to it quite slowly but now he’s really keen. He’s so happy when he comes home from his classes and he’s started talking about going to an art gallery. Phillip has learned that if he tries something new he might enjoy it.”
Carolyn says Phillip has also become more independent around the house he shares with two others, where he is given round-the-clock care from Lifeways. He helps with cooking and cleaning, while his new-found confidence has even extended to his wardrobe. “He’s starting to know his colours, and he really likes blue,” said Carolyn. “His clothes used to be very neutral but I’ve seen more blues and greens in there lately as a result of his interest in art.”
But the best thing for Phillip has been selling several of his paintings at Flutterbites café in Manor Heath Park in Halifax, which is run by people with learning difficulties. And his work is so sought-after that requests have even been made for him to produce some more. Carolyn added: “He was over the moon when he sold the paintings - I’ve never seen him so excited. Everyone is really proud of him.”
Phillip’s art teacher Rita Stead, who leads the class at the Calderdale Council-run day service in Hipperholme, echoed Carolyn’s sentiments. She said: “Doing art has been absolutely brilliant for Phillip. At first we couldn’t even get him to sit at the table but now he’s always asking to paint. For me the best thing is seeing how far he has come and the pride he has in his work. It’s been really positive for him.”
Picture taken by the Brighouse Echo.
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