Touchstone – Volume 31
How artists with a
disability make
their
Mark
Those who choose to create art certainly
have their struggles, whether it’s with
creativity, decision making, or self-doubt;
but our clients are not letting that get in
their way.
We turned to Louise Taylor to find out
what it’s like for artists who live with a
disability, and how they can be supported
to do what they are passionate about.
Louise is a Visual Arts Coordinator at
CPL’s art studio in Redcliffe, Artel, and has
been working at CPL for 15 years now.
“Art is a serious business for most of
these artists,” Louise said.
“I feel that due to the complexity of their
physical disabilities primarily, they had
never really been offered the choice to
paint or draw or print... even [sometimes]
viewing themselves as incapable.”
Louise says there is skill in supporting
artists without letting your ideas or ego
interfere. The support is only there to
allow the artists to achieve what they
have in mind – it is not to do the work for
them.
“We have found that if we run a
12
Photo courtesy of Daniel Swart.
demonstration or teaching activity for the
artists, because they are not physically
involved the experience is meaningless.
However, when they are physically
supported or set up so they can access
their work, and we explain why they have
been set up to do that certain thing, it
resonates for them.”
Louise says some Artel artists are using
modern therapy devices to maximise
independence when creating their art.
William Hunt works with the aid of
a “Dynamic Arm” by Focal Meditech
(pictured above), which offers him the
support to lift his arm and manipulate the
tool that he has selected.
“This device works for William because
its design offers a natural freedom of
movement when it comes to drawing,
painting or using the Dremel to carve his
lino,” Louise explained.
“As an artist with a complex physical
disability, this tool has become essential.
“William is about to exhibit his work in
the Reasonable and Necessary: prints and
artist books by Artel artists exhibition at
Redcliffe Regional Gallery.