Finding Belonging Through Artbooks SD 480p

The power of sharing stories

 Sharing Stories

Image: a multi-coloured A3 size artbook the cover is over layer 

with a coral pink print on a sea colour background,

with a hand-sized felt spider hanging from a bright 

red button. The red button about the size of a 50 cent piece

is accompanied by 3 other identical buttons.

Storytelling is what artists do best, whether it be written, spoken or through images. Storytelling follows a tradition of the First Nations People over thousands you years. Handed down through oral tradition music and dance.  Using art to tell our individual and collective stories evokes an emotional response.  These responses demand action. 

All of us have been impacted by COVID-19 and we have had to change the way to do things in order to protect others and save lives. Working and learning online has become the new norm.  This new norm continues to pose challenges for the deaf and disabled arts community. 

Image: Artists standing with a life size stuffed scarecrow; in jeans and a blue and white check shirt.  Likewise the female artist is dressed in blue tight and a white shirt dotted with tiny purple flowers. Her long hair is tied in a tight ponytail and she is wearing triose glasses. 

One way I share my story is by participating in an Artists in Residency Program at local Kindergartens. One way to share my story is 'to live it'!  Powerful storytelling needs to active

As artists the way we create and present work has impacted our incomes.  Art in some from fills every areas of our lives, yet at the start of COVID the arts we almost wiped aside,  While life without art is almost unimaginable, economic support for the arts sector had to be lobbed for.  Most artists work on contract and gigs. By definition we are rarely employed for a period of 12 months.   

Visual artist like every other business lost physical space in the marked place as galleries and major exhibitions were cancelled.  It is why many artist live me invested in upskilling to find new ways to get their work scene. 

While kindy was cancelled and one by one competitions and group exhibition were also cancelled. I was able to present an artwork online through a gallery I work with in Brisbane and participate in webinars online to explore new ways to present and promote my work,

Unlike the majority of artists I was successful in applying for funding for both a digital project and physical project for the next 12 months.  While many artists seek specific funding for artists living with disabilities, I am able to successfully compete for mainstream funding. I believe this makes my story even more powerful. I work in the mainstream artists community, while advocating for the development of inclusive art spaces. 

This was a discussion held at this weeks Meeting Place.  Creating social change in the arts community demands we find powerful ways to tell our stories.  Social change in the arts and disability sector requires advocating in two ways:-

1. Advocating for changes in accessibility to the arts and the community in general. Many deaf and disable artists feel unsupported and undervalued. On average and artist living with disability earns 40% as their peers.  Characters and therefore performs with disabilities are underrepresented and when a character is disabled roles are still offered to able-bodied people.  Under representation in theatre, film and television remains for all those who are disadvantaged. These statistics increase the difficulties in telling our stories in a genuine and powerful way. Stella Young often spoke of disability prawn, where disable people were labelled as inspirational for something as simple as having a job.  We still struggle to loosen the chains of tokenism. Yet we also struggle as disabled people to have our needs meet. Both forms of advocacy are required because the general perception we are less. 
2. Advocating for the arts in general; COVID 19 has provided a stark illustration of how the arts is valued in terms of the Australian economy the arts was dismasted by the impact of COVID. Most artists are engaged on contracts and not eligible for job keeper or job seeker.  Their was not assistance for the industry until the industry advocated for a lifeline.  Though the arts employ more people than the sporting world it was the world that tugged at the hearts of governments and general public.  The arts is one of the last industries to be opened up in a COVID plan.   Many are unware of what a world looks like without arts.  Television,  movies, theater, music events and venues, dance companies and art galleries all closed for business and COVID still makes it difficult for some companies to operate.  Once again in times of economic struggle support for the arts us warned. 

Disable artists are in a constant battle on all fronts.  Both sectors are seen by politicians as optional extras and for many years the Liberal Government referred to the NDIS as a scheme that Australia couldn't afford, yet even with the scheme fully operationally it was able to bring back the budget in to surplus.  People struggled to comprehend the value disabled people added to the economy.  Little has been said about how or why the scheme was delivered millions of dollars underbudget and this was a key factor in the budget returning to surplus. 

The sharing of stories is how many majority groups have created change.  Including slavery, women, rights of First Nations Peoples, LAGBT and more. Stories is what gives social issue a face, however that face needs to present the facts as they are.   

  

Telling my own story can play a powerful role in creating social change. At the core of my heart practice is the fight for an inclusive arts cultural.  I like to see myself as a pioneer, as I seek to work in the mainstream arts community.  My work is rarely addressing disability issues and work closely with the Drawing Point Gallery in Ipswich and Aspire Gallery in Brisbane,   I also am part of the Brisbane Rotary International Art Spectular each year and can hold my own in the open art market.

Creating art is the most powerful way I can tell my story to create social change and yet I have to struggle to ensure it is visual in the art landscape of Australia.  I urge all deaf and disable people to tell their stories, in the most powerfully.  But to do it authentically, don't let people hail you as a hero.  Let them see your daily struggles and your pain.  Tell it like it is. 

Thank you to Arts Access Australia for letting me tell my story at the 2020 Meeting Place

Access issues in the digital world

 

Challenges of going digital

There have been a few challengers in building my online presence.

Firstly new platforms to learn to navigate - for my workshops I have been learning to use zoom and photography tips at the same time. 

Teaching on ZOOM!

Technical Studio Set Up - Camera angles and lighting 

 

 Researching and navigating virtual art galleries and choosing the right platform for my artwork.

The right communication for the different people I am working with.

Technology and Access Needs for Deaf and Disable Artists

Stay Turned to see how I meet these challengers!

Going Digital

 

During the pandemic our lives have changed and most of use have been studying, training or working online.  Digital platforms have become the new way to check in with family and friends.  ZOOM, facebook rooms and google meeting, is where we're likely to me these days, rather than at a local shopping center. 

While were home 'saving lives' the state and federal government want to keep the economy going and hopefully growing again soon.  The Queensland Government had some arts grants available as part of its recovery and I successfully applied for one to build my digital skills and presence online.  

My project is called Deb's Digital Den -  most of the action has been happening on FACEBOOK AND ZOOM.

The objectives of the project art too:

• Showcase my artwork online
• Prepare resources for early childhood educators
• Present to Artists Living with disabilities

To date I have been using ZOOM to develop my presentation skills and workshop content.

I have also finished drafting some resources for early childhood educators 

 

Please drop me a line if you'd like more information. 

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

The Meeting Place Journey

I was privileged to receive a travel grant to attend Meeting Place 2019.  This is where those engaged in the arts and disabilities sector, gather to talk on the land of The First Australians.  During the gathering of 'our mob' we focused on disability leadership, identity and pride. 

Leadership is not dependent on being in a leadership position and is usually identified by others in your community.  We explored the qualities of a leader and endeavoured to identify them. 

• Passion
• Respect
• Good Community involvement
• Collaboration skills
• Effective listening

And others were identified.  We looked at disability leadership and why it is vital to shaping our future in the arts.  We recognised there was much we could learn from 'The First Australians' and their leadership models.  How to build leaders who identify as disabled or leaders with disability was an important discussion had during the Meeting Place.

Meeting Place travel grant recipients 

 vow to continue the conversation.

Our leadership development in the disability and arts was closely linked to identifying as having a disability, being disabled or deaf. Again in the arts and disability culture there is a change in the language being used.  The terms around the 'disabled' and 'deaf' vary from state to state.  A shift in language is vital as we come to terms with both our individual and collective identity.  In the same way Our First Peoples have evolved their identity and pride.

To shake the negativity, shame and dis-empowerment of being disabled, we need to claim it as our identity to grow strong leadership.  To see a shift in perspectives and equality we need an identification that shouts pride and strength, ensuring we are paid equal pay and are given the recognition we deserve.  We have moved from passive participation to activism, just as Our First Australians have done.

Stella Young (comedian) was identified as a leader on whom we can draw from.  Stella often referred to 'disability pawn'.  Being patted on the back for living a life identical to our peers.  She would argue that getting out of bed to go to work each day makes us leaders not inspirational.  Taking to the stage or gallery floor should make us equals.  We are growing tired of demanding a real presence, in the art world.  

Just as identity is crucial to leadership, so is pride in our identity of being disabled vital to claiming our collective identity.  Individual artists still struggle with whether or not to identity as having a disability. As someone living with a very visible disability I often feel I don't have a choice not to identify.  My leadership is about pride and working in the mainstream arts community.

 I am proud to shine as an artist living with disability, but I do not want the label of disabled artist. 

My pride is in presenting my best work at all times and producing competitive projects and artwork.  I am proud to sell my art in the same galleries as other artists. I still struggle with my own identity and this for me is reflective in the urgent need to not only empower disabled and deaf artists but all people with disabilities.

I still witness visual artists with disabilities not being paid for their work under the banner of 'participation in the community' or 'art for well being'.  It is time to recognise the 'work' of many 'participants' accessing respite and day activity centers.  All work belongs to the creator.  Art supplies are paid for by grants, fundraising or fees paid to the service providers. The excuse about artwork being sold to buy new art supplies, is exploitative.

Few visual artists in Queensland are encouraged to exhibit in mainstream galleries and competitions.  This is the way we artists earn an income and gain recognition in the industry. To actively  defend the right to protect disabled artists from failure is a denial of choice and a chance to succeed.  These decisions are often made by non artists, who know little of the value of the artwork produced in their studios.

Even I as an independent artist have been question about my choice to make in roads into the Brisbane market. My choices are made to further my career, increase my audience and potential income. Generally speaking currently my work sells better in Brisbane. I am not going to let the values of those who choose to disable themselves create barriers for my own work.  My personal growth as an artist and leadership opportunities are dependent on working outside the 'box' that society has determined.  My pride tells me I can be so much more than the limits of 'these boxes'.

The conversation in Queensland is very different to the dialogue occurring at national and international levels.  We are still debating the value of art produced by disabled artists and whether to allow them to take a risk of being rejected and failing.  Australian artist and curator Dan Savage brought an international exhibition called F.L.U.X to coincide with the Meeting Place.  All international artists in the exhibition identify as being disabled or deaf. This language is reflective of the inclusive nature of the UK arts sector and is vital for artists with disability in Australia to claim our identity.

My own agenda for attending the Meeting Place was to experience best practise in making my art practise inclusive of all Ipswich residents and to lead by example. Dan Savage lead a conversation around using technology to increase both artistic value and access to exhibitions. I was privileged to share the floor with Dan and other emerging artists on a panel to discuss the journeys of our art practises. I am keen to use Dan as a reference point as I work on my 2020 exhibition.

In my own art practise I too lag behind the national conversation, and this is often reflected in regional arts. In attending the Meeting Place I have found, 'my mob' and made key links to artists with a Brisbane based practise.  So I will be making even more trips to Brisbane in 2020.  I have never been one to limit my opportunities and failure is just part of life and an opportunity to learn from my mistakes.

"Exhibiting outside Ipswich is an important leadership move . . ."
The current exhibition 'Art goes Pop!'
 Hosted by Arts From The Margins was partly inspired
 by my own work.  Pop art isn't an easy style to master but printmaking lends itself to pop art so well."
The exhibition runs to January 17 2020.

To assist with the development of leaders in the disability arts sector the Australian Council for the Arts hosted the first Disability Arts Awards and Access Arts Australia announced its first leadership awards.  These are the leaders and emerging leaders in the disability lead arts sector.

Our conversation over the next 12 months will focus on how to nurture our future leaders and what language will enable us to proudly claim our identity as artists who are deaf or living with disability.  

Note: The deaf community identifies as its own community alongside a community identifying with disabilities.  The development of their own culture and language stands them apart from others found in 'our mob'.

I'd like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and elders past, present and emerging and I look forward to learning more from your culture in building my own disability pride.  

Thank you to the Ipswich City Council through your partnership with Arts Queensland for investing in my leadership development, through meeting my access costs to attend the Meeting Place.. 

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Ipswich City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.