August 10th 2023.
Sir Billy Connolly is a beloved Scottish comedian who was knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment and charity. In 2013, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, which has significantly affected his ability to perform like he used to. Despite his health challenges, Sir Billy has continued to record programmes and make TV appearances, as well as pursue his passion for art.
This week, the 80-year-old unveiled four drawings through the gallery Castle Fine Art under his Born on a Rainy Day art series. The pieces, titled Pontius Tries Pilates, One Armed Juggler, Nightmare and Drunk Donkey, are being sold for £1,250 each or as a set for £4,500 framed or £3,300 unframed.
Speaking about the artwork, Sir Billy quipped that he always wanted to give Pontius Pilate a ‘keep-fit name’, adding the idea came to him when his wife joined a pilates gym. He further explained, ‘He’s just a guy trying at the gym, trying his best. I don’t understand the whole gymnasium culture, but he’s he does and he’s good.’ As for his One Armed Juggler drawing, Sir Billy said, ‘He’s an example of the fact that most of the figures in my work are doing things that don’t matter. Just doing the things they do, thinking they’ll do you good – I’ve spent my life doing that.’
In a recent interview with The Sun, Sir Billy said ‘Parkinson’s has taken a lot from me. I can’t play the banjo any more. It’s just a noise. I can’t yodel any more — I used to like yodelling. I can’t smoke cigars. As it goes along it’s taken more and more of what I like. And it’s kinda painful. I have to behave in a certain way so my children don’t think I’m a dead loss. I want them to think: “He does well with what he’s got.”’
Sir Billy's passion for art is a beautiful testament to his resilience and creativity. Would you buy one of Billie's artworks? Comment now!
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