Ears a colourful idea for a picture

Diana’s exhibition at Gallery Oldham has its preview on Saturday from 1-4pm. The exhibition runs until Saturday, November 7.

A TALENTED artist is to stage a unique exhibition of her work... based on sounds.

Diana Terry from Diggle has suffered from tinnitus since she was a child, but is working on a stunning series of pictures to be reveaked at Gallery Oldham later this year.

Her illustrations normally feature breathtaking views but her latest work, under the heading “On the Edge”, captures the feelings of panic and vertigo she sometimes feels walking the moors.

Diana said: “I enjoy walking because of the space and freedom it gives but sometimes I can feel very anxious in these places. These experiences led me to try to visualise the emotions.

“After taking part in the project ‘Drawn to Music’ at Victoria Baths in Manchester, where sound was interpreted by drawing, I began to keep a visual record of the noises in my ears.

“Tinnitus affects many people — especially those with hearing damage. This is a very intuitive process when I remove my hearing aids and concentrate entirely on the buzzing and ringing that is constantly there.

“I hope other people can identify with the images,” she added. “The larger works, based on landscapes, use heavily-textured surfaces and techniques to exaggerate the distortion and vertigo.”

Nic Wray, spokeswoman for the British Tinnitus Association, praised Diana’s work and said: “Work or leisure pursuits — such as painting or crafts — can all help to provide a worthwhile focus to help a person with tinnitus ‘forget’ the intrusive noises.