Brave artist is back painting despite serious eye disease

Josephine Sykes, 84, from Morton-on-Swale, Northallerton, stopped painting six years ago when she discovered she had a form of macular eye disease.

The condition causes loss of the central vision, making carrying out everyday tasks such as shopping, reading, watching TV and even recognising the faces of others very difficult.

But after not picking up a paintbrush for some time, Ms Sykes began to get creative again despite the obvious challenges and thinks she has even seen an improvement in her work.

She said: “Painting for me has just been one of those abilities that I have been able to take advantage of. Being able to draw and paint is something I’m very grateful for, it’s a part of me. I’ve only ever done it as a hobby, but whenever I can I have been to evening classes or groups.

“When I first found out I had macular disease I went into the depths of despair, I thought I would never be able to paint again. Eventually I shook myself up and started again but painting larger pieces.

“At first I would get anxious about whether what I was doing was any good, but now I don’t care I just enjoy doing it. I have a different attitude towards it now. It’s peculiar how my change in perspective has made the results quite pleasing.”

Helen Jackman, chief executive of the Macular Disease Society, said: “Josephine is a real inspiration and example to us all. Since finding out that she has developed macular disease she has shown a positive attitude.”