A BASSENDEAN artist has completed his biggest commission yet – all while fighting the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s.

Andrew Grero, 38, has been applying his unique talents on public walls, on canvas and for numerous businesses and venues across the city for the past three decades and is now looking to use creativity as a force for good to raise vital money and support for others fighting the illness.

His latest piece, commissioned by West Coast Suspensions to mark its 100th anniversary, is 23 m wide by 7m tall and took him more than 150 hours to complete, including several hours training on how to safely use an elevated platform for the first time.

It has captured the imagination of motorists and passers-by on Railway Parade in his home suburb of Bassendean.

The Perth creative and public servant is now planning to use the spotlight to raise awareness of Parkinson’s in young people and is hoping to collaborate with others on putting together a series of events and projects that will inspire others and raise valuable funds.

He has just been given a mentor from DADAA, an organisation that is at the forefront of disability arts in Western Australia and will use this relationship to explore initial ideas for fundraising.

“It has been a real roller coaster since my diagnosis nearly three years ago,” Mr Grero, who has recently welcomed his first child Jules Patrick with wife Erin, said.

“I found myself not being able to brush my teeth the way I wanted and then someone asked if I was dragging one of my feet. To be honest I didn’t think much of it, so when the neurologist told me I had early-stage Parkinson’s it was a complete shock.

“You feel like your world has been turned upside down and it’s taken me a while to come to terms with the anxiety and thought of gradually losing the ability to do basic things we take for granted, including sports that I enjoy playing.

“Art has always been a passion and now it’s my release. For a time, it was something I wasn’t sure I could still do, and I do have days where my confidence is lacking.

“However, as my latest commission has shown me, the reality is the actual opposite and, whilst it may take a little longer, it feels really good to be achieving new things and creating something special out in the community.”

Mr Grero has completed more than 100 different commissions for local charities, businesses and individuals, who want to bring their venue or outside area to life.

He has a variety of styles and draws inspiration from his favourite sports, cultures and music when completing projects, whether it is for large outdoor murals, canvas paintings for loved ones or signwriting like a job he did for the rapidly growing Mexican restaurant chain Guzman y Gomez in Malaga.

A 45th anniversary artwork for Perth Wildcats is up there as one of his personal favourites, with the talented artist capturing legendary point guards Ricky Grace and Bryce Cotton on a canvas that was auctioned at the 2022 Wildcats gala dinner.

“I’m in a place where I want to give something back to the groups that have helped me in my journey,” Mr Grero said.

“There are a few ideas I’ve got in mind, and these range from hosting an exhibition to drive fundraising to delivering painting workshops for others with Parkinson’s to give them confidence and share that awesome feeling you get when you create something.

“There’s a real community of great people out there and we’re not letting this cruel disease beat us. It can take away a lot of things, but, if we show enough fight, we can still show the rest of the world what we have to offer.

“I’ve got a little boy I want to inspire now. I’m lucky enough to have artistic talent and, whilst my diagnosis was a setback, it’s also an opportunity to use this rare combination to show you can still grow and achieve your goals with Parkinson’s.”

He is looking to increase the number of commissions he takes on over the next year. Contact aero
grero@gmail.com