Rekindled passion for art helped Geraldton man Jim Evans combat depression

“Here comes Vincent Van Gogh,” a woman at an art class in Dongara yelled as their tutor entered the room. “No it’s not ... it’s Jimcent Van Gogh,” Jim Evans jokingly said. The Jimcent stuck. But it was probably a bit rich to keep the surname of the Dutch post-impressionist painter. So it’s simply, Jimcent the Artist. However, if it hadn’t been for his wife, Leonie, it would probably simply be Jim Evans. And he wouldn’t be splashing colours on canvas. When recurring vertigo forced him to be “pensioned off” from his role as a prison guard, Mr Evans was feeling sorry for himself in his Rangeway home. The vertigo worsened, depression crept in. “Why don’t you paint?” Leonie Evans suggested. Mr Evans had won a commercial art scholarship back “in the day”, but that was it — until Leonie Evans bought a box of paints. Now there’s no stopping hubby. “I taught myself painting in the shed,” Mr Evans said. “I’m pretty community-minded and have volunteered with art classes at the QEII centre for years, but it’s nice to get paid for paintings. “It (painting) keeps me sane — and it’s great therapy for depression.” Asked his favourite subject matter, he shot back with “animals”. “Any animals, but I love painting birds and dogs,” he said.