Janice Stark of Erina has always been creative but it wasn’t until later in life that she began perfecting her craft.
She has never had professional lessons, but was determined to learn as much as she could to not only help herself through tough times but to support others going through similar experiences.
She is a client of aged care provider Bolton Clarke.
“As a little girl, I was alone a lot because it was a difficult time financially for my parents in the ‘40s so they both had to work,” Stark said.
“They kept me busy by giving me colouring-in books and pencils to draw with and that was me growing up.
“Then in 2002, I went through a very difficult time and found that I could express myself better by writing and then illustrating what I wrote.
“When I started writing it came out in a poetic form and I was only doing that for myself, but my husband Tony and my doctor encouraged me to put my work into an art show.
“I thought it was ridiculous and didn’t think it was anything to be put on show because it was just a personal thing.
“But I got my husband to take me to an art shop and I bought these two enormous canvases even though I didn’t even know what paint I was buying back then.”
That piece won awards for the budding artist and made her realise that her artwork could speak to others.
Supported by the Bolton Clarke Home and Community Support team since suffering injuries in 2014, Stark continues creating her artwork with the aim of inspiring others.
“We all go through a lot in our life and as older people we have learnt a lot.
“I didn’t get this old by being silly and I think that goes for all older people – they have all had a walk that can be respected.”
Stark’s work is now recognised locally for tackling conversations such as the importance of family bonds and grief.
“It has taken me to some exciting places,” she said.
“I’ve spoken at universities and art galleries.
“I’ve entered a lot of competitions and won 42 awards in two years.
“It’s been a really rewarding walk and I feel much better when I write and paint.”
Stark’s story is especially timely, with Adult Learners Week being celebrated from September 1-8.
The UNESCO initiative celebrates continual adult learning and encourages equality and accessibility to learning resources.
Bolton Clarke is Australia’s largest independent, not-for-profit aged care provider and has been caring for Australians since 1885.
Its teams support more than 130,000 people living independently at home and across its 38 retirement living communities and 88 residential aged care homes.
For more information go to www.boltonclarke.com.au