A Glasgow-based artist is refusing to let a terminal illness define his life or his work.
Screenwriter and former lecturer Steven Hart, 60, continues to create, inspire and advocate through his art and writing more than five years after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND).
The condition affects around 480 people in Scotland and typically leads to loss of mobility and function, with an average life expectancy of just 18 months from diagnosis.
Steven, originally from Kings Park, began noticing mobility issues in 2019 with a lagging sensation in his lower left leg.
After months of tests, he was diagnosed with the terminal neurological condition in December 2020.
Despite limited movement on his left side, Steven continues to produce pop art-inspired portraits, drawing influence from Andy Warhol and Shepard Fairey.
He said: “I don’t want this condition to ever define me as a person, or as an artist.”
Steven has spent more than 25 years teaching art, design and illustration across Scottish colleges and holds a postgraduate diploma in art, design and architecture in education from the Glasgow School of Art.
He creates layered, hand-cut photo collage portraits using a variety of media.
His work is deeply rooted in film, music and classic rock — one of his pieces was even presented to Alter Bridge singer Myles Kennedy after a concert in 2018.
In recent years, Steven has even turned to screenwriting.
His screenplay Overwhelming Darkness, a tribute to film noir and vigilante cinema, has earned 25 international awards including Best Thriller Screenplay at the Berlin International Screenwriting Festival, Best International Feature Script at the Miami Film Critic Award and Best International Screenplay at the Indie Vegas Film Festival.
Steven said: “Getting recognition for my screenplay has been absolutely amazing, I just need to connect with a film producer who will champion it and get it made.
“That would be a dream come true.”
Since his diagnosis, Steven has been documenting his experiences with MND, developing creative projects designed to help raise awareness and inspire others.
He is currently researching a new screenplay based on his journey with MND and is set to hold a solo exhibition in Glasgow in 2026 to raise funds for MND Scotland in aid of other families affected by the disease.
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Speaking about the support he has received from the charity, Steven said: “MND Scotland has been such an incredible support for my partner and me over the last five years, helping us out with grants to adapt our bathroom to make it accessible for me.
“They’ve also arranged counselling sessions.”
More information about MND Scotland can be found on the charity's website or by emailing fundraising@mndscotland.org.uk.
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