A chance meeting has turned into a new passion for a talented artist whose work is being exhibited at the children’s hospice where he volunteers.
Brian Martin discovered a love of painting four years ago after striking up a conversation with an art teacher while walking his dogs.
Now, a selection of his work is being displayed at The Treehouse – East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) base in Ipswich – where the 68-year-old volunteers as part of the charity’s Helping Hands team.
The mini exhibition will remain in place for staff, families and fellow volunteers to enjoy until after the summer holidays.
Brian says seeing his work on display is something he could never have imagined when he first picked up a brush.
“I didn’t have an artistic bone in my body when I was at school and was only ever interested in sport,” said the dad of two.
“It wasn’t something I’d ever thought about until a chance meeting with an art teacher while walking my dogs about four years ago.
“She was down by the river with three or four of her students, and after we got talking, I asked if she could teach anyone to paint.
“She invited me to a taster session, which I duly went along to, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the way things have gone since then, given where I started from, but never in my wildest dreams did I think my work would be exhibited anywhere.
“I feel very humbled and hope people enjoy looking at it on their travels around the hospice.”
Brian says a sense of wellbeing is one of the reasons he has become so passionate about painting.
He now joins his teacher and other students for four hours every Tuesday.
He particularly enjoys working in oils, painting still life objects and landscapes.
“Everyone’s friendly and there’s never any pressure,” he said.
“It’s quietly therapeutic, and it’s a chance to switch off from everything else, focus on being creative and just try to do the best you can.
“It’s good from a wellbeing perspective and brings me a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction.
“I’ve also been grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from Sandra Smith – EACH Art Therapist at The Treehouse.”
Alongside his art, Brian has also found a new sense of purpose through volunteering at The Treehouse.
He started in June 2024 and is part of the Helping Hands group – a team of volunteers who give their time to help wherever needed, freeing up valuable time for staff. Brian also supports various EACH events.
“My volunteering is still going well, and I always look forward to it,” he said.
“The thought that doing such a small thing, and giving a little of my time, can help make a difference is incredibly rewarding.
“The Treehouse is a great place to spend time, and I’d recommend it to anyone.
“Hopefully my little contribution helps in some way.
“It could be anything, from filing and laminating to putting things away, setting things up, moving things – literally anything that frees up time to help the staff.
“The Treehouse is such a positive, inspiring place, and to see families in an environment where they clearly feel safe and comfortable is genuinely inspiring.
“There are lots of great causes out there but anything that helps children has my full support.”
Brian, who lives in Holbrook, spent 35 years as an agronomist – working with and advising farmers throughout Suffolk and Essex.
Prior to that he spent six years as a “cowboy” in Venezuela, managing ten ranches across South America.
He has no connection to EACH – aside from being a long-term admirer of its work.
When his wife, Anita, sadly died in 2022, he sent all money raised from donations at her funeral to EACH.
“I retired in 2022 and decided now was the time to start giving something back,” he said.
“I wanted to keep active and busy. I’ve always known about EACH, admired and respected its work and been aware of things like its Happy Christmas Ipswich fundraiser.
“Then I looked on the website and found out about Helping Hands.
“It’s an amazing charity that does so much – not just for the children but their whole family.”
To find out more about volunteering for EACH, click here or email VolunteerServices@each.org.uk
