Sculptor says art gave her purpose after stroke

A sculptor and portraitist said her art gave her "a purpose" when recovering from cancer and a stroke.

Lisa Lovett, who overcame breast cancer in 2018 and suffered a stroke in 2019, said her art helped her to "relearn how to focus".

She has now opened her own studio at the Chester House Estate near Irchester, Northamptonshire, which offers the opportunity for people to make and design their own pottery.

Helen Howell, the deputy leader of the North Northamptonshire Council, said the studio provides the community with "endless opportunities for creative exploration".

Mrs Lovett, who has previously worked in bereavement counselling and primary education, said she has a keen interest in exploring the relationship between art and mental health.

She said that her interest in art became a way she helped herself recover from her serious health issues.

Mrs Lovett said: "[Art] helped the living roots in my brain find new neural pathways and connections to help me grow.

"As my stroke consultant said, 'you can do anything apart from fly without an airplane'."

Earthly Arts Studio was opened on Friday in partnership with the University of Northampton, Chester House Estate and North Northamptonshire Council.

Helen Howell, the deputy leader of the council, said the studio has brought a "unique and invaluable perspective" to the community, as well as offered "endless opportunities for creative exploration".

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