2019 Reflections

Merry Christmas

from me to you.

This year I have deliberately set out to be actively thank-you. Social media is full of negativity and judgment. So it was my goal to post something to be thankful for each day, so I too wouldn't be drawn into this negativity. Everyday I found much to be thankful for.  I live in a country where living in proverty may mean you have a home and a car. I am grateful hold objects close tomy heart and in so many ways as a disable person my life is blessed and all my medical needs are meet.  This would  not be the case if I lived in India or the US. 

My position of privilege was brought home to me, during my recent trip to Canberra.  I was very blessed to receive a Arts Access Australia Travel Grant along with a RADF grant to attend the 2019 Meeting Place.  One of the themes of the conference was Disability Pride, something I have struggled with given I have visible disabilities.  These disabilities that can be seen by others, strangely enough, are not the imparements that disable me the most. Rather it is my hidden imparements that are the most disabling.  

My benine brain tumor I now refer to as "Alice", causes more havoc than anyone realizes.  I finally have found the right medication, diet and lifestyle to live a very active life.  I am very thankful for the appointed meeting with a doctor in the emergency department in a Sydney hospital who named my condition as 'Todds Syndrome',  I have not been back to the ED for that since that day.  I now managed to keep myself well hydrated and my seizures confined to night time or time of illness. 

The discussion on disability pride was a difficult topic to get my head around.  However, as a result of attending the meeting place I now see the need for a collective identity as artists to ensure we have access to participation in the arts, professional opportunities and representation at leadership level. Only artist identifying as disable can know the true struggle we face as artists living with disabilities. Just as indigenous Australians have found their voice, we need to find our voice.  The landscape and the language in the arts and disability community varies, as a Queensland I struggle, at times I feel unaccepted as a professional artists.  

Few Queenslanders are serious about empowering people with servre to profound disables or mental health issues to live and actively participate in community life.  At best we are seen as passive participants and at worst a trouble maker.  Good thing I love being in trouble.  The question remains 'how to opens people eyes' to see the true protental of disable Queenslanders.  I am having work accepted by major competitions, proving disability even when motor function is affected is no barrier. 

I am privilege to have a voice and be well educated in a number of disciplines. I has a good grasp of my rights and although difficult at times I can speak and will speak my mind. People with disabilities must not be limited to art for well being or disability support provides as a means to participating to the arts.  I am yet to discover how to open this road block.  To protect people with disabilities from criticism and failure is to deny them choice, empowerment and a chance to shine by creating artwork that competes at the same level as their able body peers. If I chose to follow others working in the field to move interstate where I am seen as an artist in my own right? Who is going to keep stirring the pot and making waves in Queensland.  I have not choice but continue to show Queenslanders what is possible when  an individual's art practice becomes inclusive of all.

My improvement in health is one of the things I been most thankful

for during 2019.  I was able coped with a full program while in Canberra seizure free.  This has not happened previously when I travelled.  Usually the stress of travel brings on seizures. I still struggle with the mental health effects of Alice, but I now know when I need to withdraw to deal with her.

I take pride in the many artworks, exhibitions and art programs I have delivered this year. Especially a polite program for a Artist In Residence Program for Community Kindergarten's which has been a real adventure. The programs aims to validate the 'arts', Through the message that the production of art is work and needs to be valued by society. 

This year I was joined by fellow visual artists Mieke Den Otter.  We both undertook residency in two kindy's. Roderick Street Community Kindergarten and Ipswich Community Kindergarten, thanks to some funding from Brisbane Multcultural Arts Centre and the RISN program.  We also did a bit of fundraising but in a culture that does not value the powerful role arts plays in society this has been difficult.  We were thankful to be given a boost from a private donation, from The Write Flourish during term three that assisted with the purchase of art supplies.

Collaboration work with Mieke

'Journey Through The Play Ground

We both found collaborating together very challenging at times.  As artists we can be focused on our own art practise and how we work.  Rather than taking the opportunity to learn from each other.  The lesson from art is that there are various ways to achieve the same result.  In 2020 we are hoping to find funding to diversified in to inviting other art forms. We have a writer and musician keen to join our team.  If you like to support our program in anyway please contact me.  Whether your an artists, a community kindy who like a visit from artists, or able to assist with fundraising please let me know. The stronger the support we can demonstrate the more likelihood funding applications are to be successful.

This year has seen a huge injection into the arts thanks to  BEMAC, Creative Ipswich and recent changes made to the way the RADF is structured.  As a committee members we a committed to putting the word out that we're looking to support innovated ideas and support their development.  The next round opens of the 2nd February and any committee member along with Josie Berry, Ipswich  City Council grant officer are willing to assist with this process. The early you start developing your concept and budget the more likely your chances of success.  One tip - Read the application guidelines carefully, as changes have been made and contact Josie Berry before commencing your application.  Again I happy to chat and have coffee with anyone interested in applying. 

The Development of Public Art

is an activity RADF is keen to support

Both Creative Ipswich and BEMAC have been instrumental in connecting creatives in the Ipswich Region. Through taking a collaborative approach we want to lift the profile of Ipswich in a positive way and its great to see some street art emerging.  The Creative Ipswich writers and illustrators group have also recently published a collaborative work.  BEMAC will be hosting workshops in 2020 to build the business skills of artists.  With a host of collaborations taking place its an exciting time to be an artist in Ipswich. 

The artwork market continues to be a difficult place to sell work with the economy continue to slow. This year I have focused on growing an audience outside the Ipswich region. I hosted my first solo art exhibition in Brisbane and currently have a work in a pop art exhibition, in a gallery in Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane the exhibition runs to January 17, 2020 and is being hosted by Arts From the Margins.

I have also continued to be involved with Aspire Gallery in Paddtoning in Brisbane.  My printmaking skills are very appreciated by the patron's and management at this gallery.  During the year I have combine this skill with steam punk themed artwork, this work with form the body of the work for my next solo exhibition to be held at the Drawing Point Gallery at the end of July.

With the assistance of my OT and Team Deb (my support team) I've actually worked less this year and been much more focused. I've had three weekends away in Brisbane, a few days on the Gold Coast and enjoyed a number of day trips including a stay home holiday with 5 day trips which worked really well. 

Through participation in the NDIS, I have continued to direct my own supports. I now engage staff either through individual contracts  or Hire Up.  This year has brought much needed stability to Team Deb, making lift generally more pleasant.  To have a team of workers who genuinely support my choices and NDIS goals is a really blessing.  They are always keen to support my art and recreation activities. Together we have laughed, made mistakes, celebrated birthdays, weddings and Christmas. Ashes has continued to be a source of entertainment for us all.

I am thankful to be so blessed in 2019 and look forward 

to the adventures of 2020!

May your 2020 be filled with love and laughter