Bill Law's Detailed Drawings

HE BEGAN DRAWING AT THE AGE OF 72

Photo by Sarah Law

I’ve always regretted that my grandmother, Lola Dalton Carpenter put own the brush in her later years as her health declined. She couldn’t see as well, and her hand was not as steady, but I wish she had flowed into the beautiful impressionism she might have pursued. When I saw the story of Bill Law, I was challenged by his courage and determination! Here is his story as told by his daughter, Sarah Law:

BILL LAW’S DRAWINGS SHINE IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES

Bill Law, is a 76-year-old self-taught artist from the North East of England.

Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012 after retiring from a successful career in Construction, Parkinsons is a condition that has presented its challenges but also sparked an unexpected new chapter in his life.

In 2021, at the age of 72, he picked up a pen and began sketching, with the help of books and youtube videos. What started as a simple hobby has become a powerful outlet for expression, focus, and even relief from some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s including completely stopping his tremor in his non dominant hand.

His medium of choice for drawing is pen and ink, and his subjects are the iconic and beloved views of the North East of England including the famous Tyne Bridge. Bill’s art has inspired many and his story is a testament to finding purpose and creativity no matter life’s challenges.

He supports his Parkinson’s diagnosis with a consistent exercise regime, meditation, mindfulness alongside his new found love for drawing, showing the importance of the mind, body connection and the healing ability of art and creative outlets.

See More of Bill’s Work Here

[click to view]

Tyne Bridge, Ink Drawing by William Law

The Three Bridges, Ink Drawing by William Law

Durham Cathedral, Ink Drawing by William Law

Hexham Abbey, Ink Drawing by William Law

Hexham Abbey from the Air, Ink Drawing by William Law

'Art Became Final Piece of My Parkinson's Jigsaw'

[click to view video]

Bill Law was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease shortly after his retirement in 2013.

Frustratingly for Mr Law, this meant he could not pursue his plans of hiking mountain trails in his twilight years.

The 76-year-old struggles with stiffness, slow movement and a tremor, so keeps up regular exercise as a way to help manage his symptoms.

Four years ago he discovered a passion for pen and ink drawing which he said has, over time, reduced the tremor in his left hand.

“Taking up art was the final piece of the jigsaw for me,” he said.

Claire Bale, associate director of research at Parkinson's UK, said: “It's really important for research to keep looking into how creative activities can help improve the lives of people with Parkinson's, including how they might help with symptoms.”

Video produced by Alex Challies.

Appalachian Trail, Hay Scented Ferns. — Photo by Bob Kirchman

Art for the Stereopticon

Br Harry Smith

Harry Smith, Untitled stereopticon card, c.1949–50. Gelatin silver prints mounted on cardboard, 3 1/2 x 7 in. (8.9 x 17.8 cm). Estate of Jordan Belson

Harry Smith, was a painter, filmmaker, folklorist, musicologist, and collector as well as a radical nonconformist whose work defies categorization. Although his creative output includes paintings, films, poetry, music, and sound recordings, it also consists of extensive collections of overlooked yet revealing objects, such as string figures and found paper airplanes. His best-known work, a compilation of recordings from the 1920s and 1930s titled the Anthology of American Folk Music, achieved cult-like status among many musicians and listeners since it was first published in 1952. — Efi Michalarou