Artist with Parkinson's displays digital works after losing ability to paint

The self-taught artist has had a 40-year career

An artist with Parkinson's who was left unable to paint has opened a new exhibition featuring works he has made digitally.

Alex Echo was diagnosed with the condition four years ago after becoming unable to move his arm.

It meant he could no longer paint but a change to digital media has allowed him to continue his work.

His display has opened at Westover Gallery in Ringwood, with some of the proceeds going to Parkinson's UK.

The artist uses his "dead hand" to drag along the screen and create artwork on his tablet

Mr Echo, a self-taught artist who was born in New York but now lives in West Meon, Hampshire, has been based in the UK for 17 years.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019 but discovered a new love for digital art during the Covid pandemic.

Reflecting on that time, he said: "Prior to that I was immortal, I was bulletproof.

"The universe in no uncertain terms told me I had said all I could say with paint, but then gave me a new, unlimited medium and palette."

The artist uses all of the tools, software and apps at his disposal on his tablet.

He said he uses his "dead hand" to drag along the screen and create artwork that can be printed on various materials.

Some of the money made from the exhibition will be donated to Parkinson's UK

The 65-year-old has worked with the likes of fashion designer Paul Smith and musicians Paul Weller and Eric Clapton in his over 40-year career.

He says "the artist [in him] is still alive and well", and his new display is not about Parkinson's but shows he is still able to create art that people can enjoy.

The Westover Gallery is donating £49.50 from each sale from the Sky Writing collection to Parkinson's UK.

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