Working Towards
Changing Lives
Nick Indigenous Artist
Redbank Plains
How does ArtISabilty work?
I meet Nick through his dad & mum. Nick comes from a line of artists and is creative in many ways. The first introduction is the point of connection. Simply by meeting Nick over lunch with his parent Nick and I connected and he was able to reveal a bag of treasures. About ten exercise books of drawings nobody knew much about.
Talking to Nick the first time was like watching Nick come to life. Nicks disabilities can make communication difficulty - Nick wrongly believed he could not be an artist because he was unable to read or write, However look through the pages and pages of Nicks artwork enabled Nick to clearly communicate his passion for art to me.
After reassuring Nick that it was possible to learn most art skills without the ability to read and write I began encouraging Nick with his artwork in very simple ways, like buying him a packet of pencils and seeing what he would do with them.
Much of the development as an artist is about experimentation with the development of artistic skills. Nick and I keep in contact as I continued to design and develop ArtISability.
Connecting with other artists, sharing ideas and encouraging each other is another essential part of growing as an artists. And guess what? It doesn't require the ability to read. However access to information and communication remain barriers for Nick developing his art practice and selling his artwork.
Nick came along to ArtISability pilot program.
Along with four other artists Nick developed his skills in sculpture. The ArtISability Program enables artist to develop their skills in a supported learning environment, free from judgement.
The ArtISability Foundation Stone Program has several goals:
- Forming friendship and an artist network
- Development of artistic skills
- Working with mentors
- An Introduction to the local arts community
- Sharing of information including opportunities for further growth
- Connections to the arts community
Nick became known for his adventurous creative ideas during the program. Nick knows how to dream and can clearly states his artistic goals.
"Nicks goal is to be a professional artists
reflecting his indigenous culture."
Nick began his professional life as an artist with a first and second prize in the Ipswich Show Societies - Fine Arts Section in the Special Needs Category, Nick also entered work in the ceramic section and began building his art portfolio. ArtISability was able to support Nick by assisting him to complete the paperwork to enter the Ipswich Show Society Annual Competition.
Nick has been industrious during 2014 looking for the right market to sell his artwork and keenly turning up to the majority of ArtISability events. Including becoming the face of ArtISability Unmasked Art Exhibition.
Nick completed a very successful first year as a professional artist with another first place at Angicare's Art Competition, which he entered on his own initiative without any support from ArtISability. Nick is just one artists that ArtISability has assisted in transforming his life.
Not only has Nick's artistic and professional development skills grown in the time I've been working with him, but his confidence and verbal communication skills enable him to interact more in the community.
I believe ArtISability is part of a new way people with disabilities and their families will be supported under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. People with disabilities and their families have strongly voiced their desire to participate in the life of the community. Nick is a shining example of what an individual can achieve by making their own choices and be given the right support.
We are currently exploring what ArtISability may look like under the NDIS. If you are interested in exploring and developing your artistic goals like Nick contact us.
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