Chen Li’s brain hemorrhage revealed a talent she was unaware she possessed. Chen Li’s life was split in two by a stroke. It happened suddenly and in a way that has the most serious health consequences. Chen’s entire right side of her body “failed” due to a brain hemorrhage. “I had to brush my teeth, comb my hair, and hold a spoon and fork with my left, ignorant hand.” And it was extremely frustrating for Chen—along with the fact that the woman now rarely left the house and could do little.”
Chen, bored in four walls, picked up her grandson’s brushes and paints for the first time in her life and attempted to draw something. Even with her left hand, she proved to be quite capable. Natural landscapes appeared in the image, and trees and flowers sprouted.Chen had never painted before, but she was able to complete a complete picture on the same day. Chen discovered a new meaning in life after she had suddenly lost herself. The strokes were difficult at first because the left hand has never dominated active movements. However, the pace of the work gradually increased.
An experimental program based on the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in New York, in which the woman participated at the end of 2018, made a significant contribution to the improvement of Chen’s condition. Chen was given a robotic arm, which enabled her to perform a much higher number of repetitions while performing therapeutic exercises – and they now took less time.
Chen Li has completed more than 500 paintings to date. During May, the National Month of Stroke Awareness, the artist creates one work per day and posts it to her Facebook group, Stroke Of Hope. Chen’s new hobby also allows her to exercise her brain, which is essential for stroke survivors. A woman is constantly reading books about colors, combinations, and drawing techniques in order to advance in her chosen field.
It’s incredible for Chen-Liana’s daughter to see her mother at work. “I’ve never seen her draw,” recalls the girl. “She was always working hard, and she didn’t have a spare moment for hobbies.” The stroke, ironically, provided Chen with the opportunity to do what she loves and discover a talent she was unaware of.