Monday is World Parkinson’s Day. Although the disease is incurable, the course can be influenced very creatively. This is how Robert Heinz from Leibnitz discovered painting for himself.
Three years ago, Robert Heinz’s life took an unexpected turn. During Nordic walking, his wife noticed a change in her husband’s movements. First it was the arm, then the leg that became “stiff”. The diagnosis was clear and sobering at the same time. The energetic retiree suffers from the incurable “tremor paralysis” Parkinson’s.
“Life changes drastically”
“It’s hard to deal with at first, because life changes drastically,” the Styrian recalls the moment of bitter truth. “You can’t do a lot of things that were possible before.” The typical vibrations, but also the stiffening of the muscles and the associated movement disorders have a huge impact on daily life. With each new morning, one of the 650 muscles in the body is able to let itself go.
Despairing or becoming depressed is not in the nature of the former entrepreneur and biologist. “Under these circumstances, it is much wiser to look ahead and reorganize life. Just don’t give up!” On the advice of his doctor, fine motor exercises such as crocheting or knitting can slow the progression of the disease.
“The last time I drew it was when I was in school”
“I tried, but at my advanced age I couldn’t really get excited about needlework.” Instead of wool and yarn, Robert Heinz used a piece of paper and a drawing pen. “I last drew when I was in school and never again after that.” The domestic cat patiently posed as a model when it first came into contact with the painting. The animal portrait, which is the first work to be proudly displayed on the wall next to the easel, is the result of many small, delicate strokes.
“To my own surprise, the photo turned out quite nice,” laughs Heinz, who only discovered his talent at the age of 72. Friends and acquaintances encouraged him to continue. “Parkinson’s has shown me a previously unknown, creative side of my personality, and I’m even grateful to the disease for that.”
Brave commitment to the disease
The passion for painting now equips entire galleries. The first major exhibition took place in October in the municipality of Leibnitz, the next is planned for the autumn. Going public is also a courageous commitment to the disease, which does not require you to hide. A mistake many patients make, who find it difficult to openly deal with the disease. But it helps, and there are other ways, like Robert Heinz does.
He puts celebrities such as Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Che Guevara or Karl Marx, but also animals in the right light time and again. There are always nail biters: “Usually it works with a steady hand and straight strokes, if not, I’ll just stop,” admits the amateur artist.
Painting is more than just therapy
While painting, he forgets the illness. The 74-year-old also attributes Parkinson’s slow progression to this hobby — related to the medication. “Painting is not just therapy for me, it has become a great enrichment in my life.” With the good feeling, at least for the time being, of having overcome an incurable disease.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
