Denver-based artist, Jared Hankins, was newly married with a promising art career. At 31, he was beginning to realize success, cultivating a following with his abstract and fine artwork. The events of a single morning changed the trajectory of his life and talent for making a living through artistic self-expression. “I woke up after having had a couple of really busy days with work,” he recounts. Feeling lousy, he chalked it up to a night out with some friends the previous evening. “While making breakfast, the spoon fell out of my hand and I passed out on our couch,” he says.
Waking again a short time later, Hankins explains his vision as “flashing, like one still-frame photo after another.” His right side “slumped,” and Hankins says he realized something was terribly wrong. His wife rushed him by car to the emergency room where he was immediately seen by physicians.
The diagnoses was a stroke, and Hankins was admitted to the neuro intensive care unit for testing and observation. It was there, that in addition to facial paralysis and inability to use his right arm and hand properly, he experienced a grand mal seizure. Despite avoiding surgery, Hankins spent eight days in the hospital. Once released, he suffered another seizure at home and was readmitted to the ICU a second time.
Finally, back at home with seizure medication and blood thinners, Hankins was forced to adjust to his new reality. Young and fit, Hankins poured himself into physical therapy and resumed his active lifestyle. He used his affected right hand as much as possible, relearning the basics relatively quickly.
The fine motor skills that Hankins counted upon to paint were his main concern. He had received a commission for an abstract piece before his stroke, and he immersed himself in the work. The collector loved the piece, fueling his confidence and determination. “The psychological aspect of recovery was slower,” says Hankins. “The realities of the stroke occupied my thoughts constantly.”
Almost 20 years later, Hankin’s career is thriving. A current exhibition at the Denver Space Gallery highlights new work featuring color landscapes. “While my mortality lives closer to the surface than it did before, I am grateful to live my life and do what I’m passionate about.”
“The worry about having another stroke or seizure was truly humbling.”