A VISITING NSW artist is recovering from emergency brain surgery after being rushed to hospital the day after his Kidogo Arthouse exhibition closed last month.
Painter Mark Waller had just wrapped up his Time and Space exhibition and was slated to embark on a tour of the South West for a series of sell-out workshops when disaster struck.
“The days beforehand I remember being very overwhelmed and confused – there were many signs in retrospect,” he said.
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READ NOW“I kept losing my keys, phone and wallet and it seemed I could lose things in seconds.
“There were other signs, I became incredibly confident and completely sure of myself.
“I really noticed something was wrong when my left shoe came off and I did not feel or notice it.
“I put it down to tiredness and stress and decided I needed a sleep.
“When I woke up I could not dress myself – I literally could not put on my jeans and kept sliding and falling over.
“While it was crazy and scary it was sort of funny and I found myself laughing at myself, but I also knew I that needed a doctor at that point.”
Mr Waller was rushed to hospital where doctors discovered and subsequently removed a brain tumour.
He is still waiting for the results of tests to determine whether the tumour was malignant or benign and will not be able to fly home for at least another two weeks.
“Strangely enough I feel incredible,” he said.
“I do have some concerns of course regarding pathology and testing but I can honestly say I feel wonderful.
“I have lost some cognitive function but have been assured that with appropriate training my brain will recover very quickly.”
In an display of both generosity and solidarity, Summers Gallery owner David Woodley is displaying all of the unsold paintings from Mr Waller’s Time and Space exhibition.
He is also selling a select number of photographic prints of Mr Waller’s works, which will be reproduced on canvas.
All proceeds from the sales will be put towards Mr Waller’s medical costs and rehabilitation.
“I am moved to tears by Dave’s contribution to me,” Mr Waller said.
“He is the epitome of the Australian spirit and I believe he is an inspiration and an incredible human being.”
For a catalogue of images, sizes and prices please contact David Woodley at summers.gallery@optusnet.com.au or on 9316 0060.
Anyone that would like to contribute directly to Mr Waller’s recovery can visit his crowd-funding page.