DRUM offers art therapy after a stroke (From Watford Observer)

DRUM offers art therapy after a stroke

11:56am Friday 7th January 2011 in Exhibitions By Melanie Dakin

REBUILDING your life after a stroke is a fitting metaphor for seeing in the New Year. You have to leave your regrets behind and begin again with a fresh start.

Malcolm Alden had a stroke 17 years ago at the age of 49 that left him unable to use his right arm. Previously right-handed, he taught himself to draw and write with his left hand, and is now an accomplished artist. Several of his paintings go on show at The Radlett Centre this month.

The Rickmansworth businessman had to adjust to his changed circumstances.

“A major stroke is disastrous,” Malcolm tells me.

“When all around you are busy working, running and shopping – it is despair.”

He learnt to paint when he attended sessions at Disability Recreation Unity Movement (DRUM).

I come to DRUM as much as I can – for the kindly, helpful spirit, whether I am painting or not

Malcolm Alden

“My wife saw an advert about DRUM, which was then a new place for disabled people offering various things to do. They push you to have-a-go with activities like painting.”

Two years ago, I interviewed Malcolm for his first exhibition at Café Cha Cha Cha in Watford.

Half of the money Malcolm makes from the sale of his works goes back to the charity.

“I come to DRUM as much as I can – for the kindly, helpful spirit, whether I am painting or not. Also, there are quite a lot of artists coming into DRUM. The teachers are more like shepherds, steering colour and shape to my stuff.”

Malcolm has successfully remastered some skills, while others need patient practise. “Speaking is the most important one,” says Malcolm. “I have to think of every word and form a sentence. Every day (really, every day) I speak out loud the Comment in The Times and if I get it wrong, I have to start from the first paragraph again.

Although he enjoyed art in his youth, Malcolm had never painted in earnest until he became a member of DRUM.

“I was bottom in my art class until I was 14. I was always looking, with my parents it was look at this, look at that, look at the other. I still have that wide-eyed wonder and surprise.”

Malcolm’s works vary from sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes to more sombre and reflective pieces. His startling self-portrait is very affecting. Malcolm has painted himself wearing a running vest despite the fact that he cannot run any more.

“Walking, I normally fall down every couple of weeks. I broke my wrist for the third time in November and just got the cast off before Christmas.

“If I could paint better and quicker, I would create thousands of pictures because I look at and see new colours and different ideas every day.”

Malcolm’s exhibition is at The Radlett Centre until Saturday, January 29. Details: 01923 859291. For information about DRUM telephone 01923 442114