West Lothian artist partners with multiple sclerosis charity after living with condition for 10 years
A full-time artist says partnering with a leading multiple sclerosis (MS) charity is helping her make the most of her own journey with the neurological condition.
Linda Hoskins, owner of Linda Hoskins Art in West Lothian, has selected MS Society Scotland as her next Charity of the Year. The 12-month partnership launches on Monday, August 25, and will see Linda donating 10% from the sale of every painting to the organisation as well as helping to raise awareness of MS, which she's lived with for more than a decade.
The married mother of two, who lives in East Calder, said: 'I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) when I was pregnant with my first son, which was just over 12 years ago, although my symptoms started a long time before that.
'The people closest to me have known about my MS for a while, but I've always chosen to detach from the condition in day-to-day life the best I can. My MS and my art are two things I've never woven together.
'Recently, leading up to the launch of my partnership with MS Society Scotland, I've done a few posts about my MS on my social media accounts; this has allowed more people into my world a bit.
'I'm learning to be a bit more vulnerable with it. I've had messages, in response to my posts, from people with links to MS and various other illnesses. I've been really humbled to see that when you make yourself vulnerable it can really help other people.'
Linda, who's now 39, went to art school soon after getting married and studied printmaking. When her boys were younger, art moved in and out of Linda's life, both professionally and as a 'side hobby', while she also worked various jobs at different charities.
But five years ago, she took the plunge and became a freelance artist, working for herself. She changed from printmaking to painting, producing work inspired by her Scottish surroundings.
She continued: 'I create loosely abstract landscape and seascape work. Because I use a layering process, I work on lots of paintings at once, generally about seven at a time.
'Each painting can take anything from four to eight weeks, depending on size. Really large commissions can take even longer.
'It's a conscious choice to not paint a specific scene or location. The viewer is the final piece of the work. Their interpretation of it allows the mind to be carried somewhere that is meaningful.
'Perhaps a beach in Harris to some, to others somewhere like North Berwick, or St Andrews. I love to hear what people see when they look at the paintings.'
The talented artist also sells a range of products such as cards, prints, and notebooks. And she offers bespoke items for the home such as kitchen splashbacks with her designs on them.
In 2020, Linda began supporting charities through her art, donating a percentage of her painting sales to them and helping to raise awareness of each organisation and its mission.
The first charity she worked with, Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS), created the Linda Hoskins Award to recognise other artists who've followed in her footsteps by raising awareness and inspiring hope.
Linda said: 'I've always wanted my art to be bigger than me. I live an active Christian faith and I really believe in living with purpose.
'I've had links to the other charities I've supported in certain ways, but it's never been fully personal. It was quite a big decision for me, to partner with MS Society Scotland.
'But because things with my health have moved on, I've had no other choice but to accept that and make the most of the next part of the journey.
'I've learned that all things can work together for good. I'm using this opportunity to step into being a little more vulnerable and to raise awareness where I can. I know there's an opportunity to help others, and to help further the incredible research the MS Society does.'
MS is a condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This impacts how people move, think and feel. While Linda's MS doesn't influence her art, her symptoms can impact her work.
'My MS has always affected my left side the most, and it's left me with weakness in my left leg,' she said.
'But my most recent relapse started to affect both sides of my body and also my hands, so that was a bit of a worry in terms of being able to produce my paintings.
'It affects my memory hugely and I have daily fatigue. Things that other people seem to find naturally easy, I've always wondered why I don't.
'Since going freelance I've only had one major relapse, but it happened while I was preparing for an exhibition. The impact of that was hard; there wasn't the luxury to stand as easily as before.
'The most basic tasks became wearisome. Being self-employed allows the positive of choosing rest when it's needed, but you're also acutely aware that every task relies on you being the one to do it. That still has to happen, even on the most difficult days.
'It doesn't often feel like a job because I'm doing what I love. I find it quite a therapeutic lifestyle. I feel really humbled that my work inspires people, both to support the charities I've partnered with and to test out creativity for themselves.'
Linda's paintings are available to buy at: https://www.lindahoskins.co.uk/ She'll donate 10% from the sale of all paintings, including commissions, to MS Society Scotland from Monday, August 25 to Monday, August 24, next year.
And for the first five days of the partnership, Linda is offering 20% off everything bought via her online shop. Enter code MS20 at the checkout to benefit from this offer.
Jo Anderson, Director for Scotland at the MS Society, said: 'A huge thank you to Linda for choosing MS Society Scotland as her Charity of the Year.
'MS is often misunderstood, and many people tell us of the stigma they face about their condition. Sharing experiences is a brave act and so heartening when you see how it helps others.
'With more than 17,000 people in Scotland living with MS, the valuable support from people like Linda cannot be underestimated, and really does help make a positive difference for the MS community.
'Funds raised by Linda will help provide local support, life-changing research, and campaigns for improved rights for people with MS and their carers.'
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