Overcomer
Artist Linda Hines stands among her art in her Coeur d'Alene apartment holding her piece "Fragmentation." HANNAH NEFF/Press
This photo shows the first art done by Linda Hines in November 2014 in the early stages of her battle with Functional Neurological Disorder. HANNAH NEFF/Press
"Alignment 2" along with "The Dancer" will be featured in "Art Overcomes," a new art exhibit that celebrates the healing power of art and the strength of the people in the community opening today at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls. HANNAH NEFF/Press
“Art Overcomes,” a new exhibit celebrating the healing power of art and the strength of the people in the community, opens with a reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. today at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls.
Director Darla Dreyer said she can’t speak highly enough about the power of art, and since taking on her position has had the opportunity to see how uplifting the fine arts are, both for the creator and the viewer.
“I'm looking forward to this show and hearing and sharing the stories of others who have benefited and been lifted up by the arts,” Dreyer said. “I ‘danced’ through a breast cancer diagnosis this past year, and spending time with the arts has helped me manage that journey tremendously.”
Artist Linda Hines said for her, art is a way to communicate, and at one point was her only form of communication.
Hines battled with Functional Neurological Disorder beginning May 9, 2014. FND is described by FND Hope as “a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals.”
Hines said her symptoms were loss of communication, movement and memory.
“I had to choose between movement or thinking,” Hines said. “I knew that if I was going to have therapy one day I wasn't going to be moving, because it would just shut everything down, and I knew if I went to the gym to be active one day, that you couldn't ask me a question because I could not take in a question, cognitively process (it) and communicate out. It was just impossible.”
She started painting in November of 2014 as a way to express herself and hasn’t stopped.
“I couldn't communicate and so that was my communication,” Hines said.
Each painting is unique, and most of them are still in process. Some have words written over them, showing a struggle and path of thoughts.
Hines said it wasn’t until Jan. 2 that she got her life back.
“I knew that there was something in (my brain) that would connect to my lips to make them move again,” Hines said. “And I found it.”
Hines credits her faith and PhD in education with helping her get through seven years with FND.
“I’m a warrior,” Hines said.
Two of her pieces, “Alignment 2” and “The Dancer,” will be featured in the show that will run through the end of December.
Dreyer said the show is dedicated to Jimmy Magnuson, an artist who partially inspired this show and who tragically passed away recently.
