Kerren Horner with his first woodwork, a violin that took six months to complete.
Camera IconKerren Horner with his first woodwork, a violin that took six months to complete. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Parkinson’s disease doesn’t hold Kerren Horner back

Keren BellosWeekend Kwinana Courier

DISABILITY should never hold you back from doing what you love.

This is the message from Baldivis resident Kerren Horner, who has Parkinson’s disease yet still pursues his passion for art.

The 66-year-old discovered art had therapeutic benefits for his symptoms, particularly the tremor, after moving with his wife Lee to Stockland’s Affinity Retirement Village.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“I had always been interested in art but one day I decided to start sketching,” he said.

“That has since turned into oil painting, abstract pour art and now woodworking.

“I’ve just finished my first violin, which took me about six months to complete.”

Sketching and painting have proved the most beneficial.

Image
Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“I find that I can paint for hours and not experience the tremor once,” he said.

“It’s like it disappears while I’m working on my art.”

Mr Horner creates two to three paintings each month, drawing inspiration from everyday landscapes and his childhood stomping ground Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Some of his art is on display at the village, where he is a member of the sketching and lawn bowls clubs.

“For me, it’s nice because you can do as much or as little as you want here,” he said.

“There are so many options for activities and clubs. We also like to socialise with friends at the community shed. Making that move was one of the best decisions of our lives.”

Mrs Horner said she especially enjoyed having tea with neighbours, the security of being in a gated community and having to do less maintenance.

More local news:

Man charged after Secret Harbour shopping centre fight

Rockingham native plant giveaway