Be sure to see Art and Soul in the Children's Court at the Old Courthouse Gallery, Ipswich Qld (closing Nov. 6, 2011)
Art and Soul, as it has been know has sadly come to the end of this phase of its life. The final week's session before the hugely successful opening night on October 13 was a mixed bag of finishing up and review. First of all, following the guided meditation, a gratitude session – what each participant observed in themselves as a result of their experience while taking part in Art and Soul. Lovely stories, of "having fun"; "re-opening of eyes" came about among others. My most treasured feedback came from one of the "Stars", in the way of a speech given on opening night. Please read on:
Art and Soul, as it has been know has sadly come to the end of this phase of its life. The final week's session before the hugely successful opening night on October 13 was a mixed bag of finishing up and review. First of all, following the guided meditation, a gratitude session – what each participant observed in themselves as a result of their experience while taking part in Art and Soul. Lovely stories, of "having fun"; "re-opening of eyes" came about among others. My most treasured feedback came from one of the "Stars", in the way of a speech given on opening night. Please read on:
The following is a transcript of a gratitude speech given at the opening of Art and Soul by Robz Davey who was a participant of the Art and Soul program. The work of this talented participant has attracted much attention and managed to sell out of all but a few pieces on opening night.
Art and Soul has been an amazing experience for me. Kristy Day – the creator of this program, and Denise Darnel – Kristy’s side kick are undoubtedly some of the most genuine people I have met to date. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you both for taking the time, patience, and empathy out of your lives and injecting it into this program, and trying to engage and guide us in whichever direction you did. It is very much appreciated.
Little did I know that art could be a force to be reckoned with. Almost like a drug, capable of such huge mood alterations, Like a hug or a rainbow after a storm, this held a nexus of other awesome possibilities. Colours, textures, patterns, fields, paper bags, mixed mediums, music, light. Freedom from barriers, consistent with play, interactive with possibilities. The mentality seemed to be, why not? Not Why? Go for it. - Awesome! I think it might be appropriate to quote from Banksy: or maybe that is just in my world. “Think from outside the box, collapse the box and take a *#!*! knife to it.”
An outstanding part about Art an Soul was the unknowing removal of all labels, previous judgements, disability or diagnosis, and the replacement of an adhesiveness of sorts - a type of self discovery, and synergy.
I think the most rewarding part of this entire experience has been watching people interact with one another, through their processes, their communication and expression through colour, mixed medium, or whatever it maybe that they like to play with. Art really is a universal language. It’s like a smile, it’s contagious. It’s something you look at, and no matter what, you are forced to interact and feel and engage with it.
For me, I’m not so great with my feelings. So, it’s something I like to observe in people. Especially in Denise, she has been a fantastic source of entertainment. I think she helped invent excitement.
Without this program I know I would be less then I am now. It has given me so much, I feel I owe something I will never be able to return. I find it a little hard to articulate. I now understand why artists are poor, they do what they love, and some live off a meager amount but they are thriving inwardly. Perhaps thats what it means to be happy? To have nothing in your pockets but a smile on your face and a full heart. Although, at times during the program we have all had our own trials and tribulations, been enraged, or just out of sorts. Most of the time paint, crayons and buttons, have been a fantastic coping mechanism. It far better exceeds the others.
So what have we learnt? When in doubt, - rip it up, or throw a little paint on it. - We’ve all got a little Jackson Pollock in all of us!
I would like to thank the following people and organisations that made this whole program such a benift to all that took part:
Kristy Day, Denise Darnel,
Kate from Art time Supplies.
Kristy Day Graphic Design
Photoline
Ipswich Art Society
After Care
Open Minds
Queensland Government
Ipswich Regional Advocacy Services Inc.
Mental Health Careers
Oz Care
FSG Australia
Richmond Fellowship QLD
City of Ipswich
Kambu
Jacaranda Clubhouse
If I have missed anyone. Sorry, it happens. But, your still important, Come see me, and I’ll give you a Smiley sticker.
And all other participants for
their good humor and awesome artworks. :)
their good humor and awesome artworks. :)
Finally, all in all, this prodigious effort, after 9 weeks has drawn to a close, and has left me, a little sad, I think. However, what I am certain of is that there is a communal need for a consistent and permanent structure – a future art space.
Robz Davey
It is my intention to keep Art and Soul going into the future. It seems I have secured a space within Ipswich CBD but it still depends on funding too. We have managed to attract Local Government attention, and we also have many leads and offers of assistance in applying for grants. I will be walking that path as soon as my feet hit the ground again.
I want to take this opportunity while I finish up this phase, to thank Denise Darnell for her tireless assistance, and for germinating this seed I stuck in the ground way back 4 years ago! Denise if one of those people that come into your life that make you want to check to see where their wings are hiding! She's and old soul – a visionary; and the Qld Government is better for having employed her. She stands out as a shining light, leading in her own way, and it is a Good way!
Thank you also to the people that came out of the woodwork to encourage me when I was in a place of self doubt. Thank you to the people who assisted to physically lug the gallery system from point A to point B and back to point A again – naming Chris Davey – proud father of Robz Davey; and hanging assistant and close friend "Crazy" Sue Rosenberg.
With gratitude
Kristy Day
Watch this space!
PS. Loving thoughts go to my special friend Rita Broadway who at this time is coming off life support in an Adelaide hospital. Rita was my special high school art teacher, and a life-long friend. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be who I am as an artist.
Fantastic!!
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