Art as therapy goes on show

Dec 10 2009 by Adrian Short, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

AN ARTIST who threw himself into painting as a way of coping with schizophrenia is staging an exhibition of his work.

Gordon Fraser, of Milton Road, Widnes, says painting is perfect therapy for dealing with his condition.

Gordon achieved an A grade in A-level art in 1969 from Wade Deacon High School and went on to Liverpool Art College.

He has worked in factories and as a civil servant and is also a musician.

His painting style and subject matter vary widely but he loves Cézanne and sometimes brings the themes of humanity and Eastern philosophy – but with a Western slant – into his work.

His style ranges from modernist abstraction to realism and naivism.

He has raised considerable sums of cash for good causes over the years through the sale of his artwork.

He said: “I love painting and I find art is extremely therapeutic.

“Schizophrenia is a taboo subject that disturbs people who know nothing about it.

“But mine’s under control and nothing to concern people about. I’ve no doubt that painting helps.”

The exhibition runs at Widnes library, Victoria Square, until December 21.