“It was a long time making, so the baby is well over due,” the Lake Illawarra artist said.

The Stroke After Stroke exhibition will showcase 32 joint works by Mr Zaklikowski and the late Dana, in a bid to demonstrate there are exceptional things people can do after suffering a stroke.

Dana became immobile due to a stroke in 2015 and a subsequent “heart episode” though her loving husband (a former engineer) designed a device so she could continue to paint. 

Together they formed works under the pen-name of Deer. Sadly Dana passed away in November 2018.

“She’s working hard and overtime from above – whenever things get stuck, she finds her way around and pushed things through,” Mr Zaklikowski said of his wife’s help with preparation.

The official opening on Saturday will include guest speakers who will discuss the relationship between art and stroke – including: Dr Manisha Narasimhan, Dr Clair Langford, Dr Gary Schiller and stroke stroke survivor Maryanne Bowden.

“I learn during process even babies can suffer a stroke so no-one is immune,” Mr Zaklikowski said.

The official opening is from 1pm Saturday February 2. The exhibition runs at the gallery until February 16.

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