'I learned to draw with my other hand after stroke'

Bubba2000 is opening his first exhibition since suffering a stroke in Sheffield

An artist who had to learn how to draw again after he suffered a stroke is set to exhibit his work for the first time since he fell ill.

Jonathan Matthewson, known as Bubba2000, lost the ability to draw with his left hand after the stroke in 2018.

The 48-year-old, who has collaborated with street artist Banksy and comic book illustrator Jamie Hewlett, said he was determined to continue his art.

He will showcase his new work at Sheffield's Workstation from Thursday to mark a major stepping stone in his road to recovery.

Mr Matthewson, who lives in Sheffield, said: "I want to create because you never know when your time is up."

He suffered the stroke at the age of 41 following a series of spinal surgeries.

"It was a numbness on the side, that was the first thing that came along," he said.

"I felt incredibly cold. The way I describe it to friends is, it's like being touched by death."

The stroke not only changed his outlook on life, it also affected his speech and his motor skills.

Despite the setback, Mr Matthewson said he never once thought it would be the end of his art career and instead accepted he would need to learn how to draw with his other hand.

"I knew I could do it because of the left hand, but you've just got to channel it through to the right hand," he said.

"What was more frustrating at the time was that I developed a really bad stammer and I'd be trying to get the words out and because I couldn't, I was getting angry and frustrated in my head."

Bubba2000 said his new exhibition will feature several portrait pieces of celebrities

Stylistically, he said, his drawings had not changed all that much, but some aspects were still challenging and took more time to complete.

"I’m just trying to adapt and evolve, know my limitations and, instead of saying I can’t do it, find a way I can," he said.

Mr Matthewson is the man behind the NHS mural in Meersbrook and the Jarvis Cocker portrait in Kelham Island.

He said he has since moved away from street art and graffiti.

Bubba2000 said he chose subjects for his portraits who he found interesting or inspiring

"Unfortunately, I was always going to get the Banksy comparison," he said.

"I learned a lot from Banksy and he opened the doors for a lot of people but I feel you can become a tribute act to yourself if you keep doing the same thing over and over again."

His exhibition in Paternoster Row, titled Home-Coming, is his first show in Sheffield since 2018, following years of exhibiting with Quantus Gallery in London.

On display will be dozens of portraits of celebrities as well as some of his stencil art.

Mr Matthewson said he was hopeful the free exhibition would show people that art could be fun and accessible.

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