Edwyn Collins is that cool Scottish guy who was the singer in Orange Juice. They were one of the best and most original British pop bands ever. He also did that song “A Girl Like You” that has been used in a million commercials and movies, especially in montages of women trying on clothes at fancy stores.In 2005, Edwyn suffered two major brain hemorrhages that left him unable to walk, talk, or use his right hand. He was not even able to read anymore. His brain had lost the ability to work out letters and words.
Annons
Over the next three years, with the help of therapists and the encouragement of his wife, Grace Maxwell, Edwyn started drawing animals, primarily birds, with his left hand, as a way of teaching his body and mind how to work again.Last month in London, Edwyn exhibited his bird drawings, from his shaky first attempts to the recent works, which are remarkably more accomplished. Walking around the gallery and seeing his recovery charted in pencil drawings of birds was really moving, and it prompted me to buy the first and last of the series because I am a big softy with tears perpetually streaming down my face.After the exhibition I talked to Edwyn and Grace about the drawings. His illness has turned his voice into a peculiar British/Scottish staccato, which regularly breaks into laughter. Go on YouTube and watch the recent BBC Scotland documentary to witness it for yourself. If you can get through the whole thing without blubbering at least once then you are a stone.
Vice: Hi Edwyn. Can you tell us about these bird drawings?Edwyn Collins:When did you first start drawing again?Grace Maxwell:How did you get him to draw?Grace:Edwyn:Grace:Edwyn:Grace:Edwyn:
What was it like to come back home and start your life all over again? You could barely walk or talk, right?Grace:Edwyn:Grace:Edwyn:Grace:Edwyn:
