Battling with the pain

By Tania Martin
WAYNE Hall is living proof that anything is possible.
The 49-year-old Upwey artist has survived a hit-and-run accident and overcome a battle with cancer to hold his first solo exhibition in more than 18 years.
Mr Hall hopes his inspirational story will lead others to overcome adversity.
The promising artist was run down in 1991, just four weeks after graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).
At the time he was planning to continue studying for a post graduate diploma and start a new career as an art lecture.
But on that fateful day 18 years ago, the then 31-year-old was struck down by a woman who had run a red light.
“I was crossing Swan Street near Richmond train station when she ran through a red light and hit me,” Mr Hall said.
“The doctors didn’t expect me to survive because it was such a bad accident but, thankfully, they saved my life.”
Mr Hall was told he would never draw again.
He sustained severe head injuries, which led to brain damage and was paralysed down his left side.
“I had forgotten who my parents and most people were,” Mr Hall said.
He still has problems with speech and his short term memory but doesn’t let that slow him down.
Mr Hall was in hospital for more than six months and spent a further 12 months in rehabilitation.
As part of his healing process, the doctors suggested Mr Hall undertake some art classes as a form of therapy.
He started doing sculptures which had been a passion since he was just 15.
Following the accident, Mr Hall found it very tough to understand why this had happened to him.
“I was very angry all the time – at the women who ran me down,” he said.
“They gave me a walking frame and that went through a window and a walking stick that went that way as well… I was in a real bad way.”
Mr Hall was very angry and despondent about his condition and struggled to overcome his disabilities.
“But over the years I have become far less negative… I realise now it’s pointless,” he said.
Mr Hall believes his art was his savour.
He started small at first, sketching birthday cards for family and friends but over the years has been able to get back into painting professionally.
If life wasn’t already hard enough, Mr Hall was also dealt a blow in 2004 after being diagnosed with cancer of the larynx.
His parents were also both diagnosed with cancer and died the same year.
“It was really hard – mum was like my best friend,” he said.
Mr Hall is now looking to the future with his first solo exhibition since 1988 opening on Saturday.
The show will feature work from before and after the accident.
The exhibition, Then and Now, will officially open on Saturday 12 September and will run until 26 September at the Charles Smith Gallery, 68 Smith Street, Fitzroy.