Creative Connections

Michael Sinclair is not afraid to show what he can do
I wrote previously of having my work published as bush poetry, but also small poems for Creative Connections about disabled painters and their paintings. These four are what have been accomplished for 2011, and includes the artists and their paintings. Creative Connections is based in Western Australia and the work was obtained through WA Poets Inc. None of the artists were reserved in coming forth with their artwork. Magnificent people and so inspiring

Michael Sinclair is a resident at Charlesworth in Gosnells and loves his art. He has been working with Elizabeth, his assistant for over 18 months. In that time Michael has developed a very keen eye with regards to his decision with the use of colour, texture and creating various patterns.
This work Michael has selected a vibrant pallet of colour. To indicate which colour he wishes to use, Michael lifts his right arm slightly. Michael also selected the pallet knife rather than a brush for the main body of the painting. To make the selection he looks up to say no and looks down to say yes, when the right implement is produced. The dancing effect or movement with the horizontal lines to the lower half of the painting was achieved using a stick which we picked up from the outside bush area.
Michael enjoys his art sessions at the Kalamunda Community Learning Centre, following many earlier sessions done in his home environment. His art is always accompanied by his favourite music. Michael is a great decision maker, willing to take risks and enjoys the challenge of exploring new ideas. He was very clear that this work was the one that he wanted submitted for this exhibition and is happy with the final outcome.

Here is my arm - see the colour? A pretty hue.
My eye looks up; I paint it true.
Michael takes the risk and his work dances.
With his favourite disk, his work enhances.
He flourishes the brush in waving lines,
This artwork he loves and his face shines.
This for the exhibition he made very clear,
As he moved the brush in dots very near
the waving lines. Such dedication,
he paints away without hesitation.



This is Geoff Sykes and his work

Geoff Skyes – My name is Geoff I live on site at TCCP. I attend the ATE programme “Opportunities” 4 days a week. I love to be involved in all sorts of conversation with my family and friends. I enjoy going to the football and catching up with my family on the weekends. The Opportunities Staff gave me full assistance with my art work. They supported me to hold the paint brush and also moved the canvas around for me. I really enjoyed doing my artwork. I hope you enjoy it too.

A beautiful painting of sand and greenery
Is Geoff’s interpretation of scenery.
A helping hand is all he requires
To get the colours he desires.
A touch of blue between the green
Is the sky’s hue easily seen.
Roadways he did in shades of brown
With other colours portraying town.
There’s the footy field in a splodge of green.
Geoff paints of things where he has been


The beautiful Aboriginal Lana Davie and her painting

Lana Davie
Hi my name is Lana, I live in a group home with 4 others in Brentwood. I love to paint and draw, I like making friends and spending time with company, I like to visit the shops with friends, and love wearing my sunglasses. I am indigenous and like to look at my culture. I am loud, I love to be heard. I have painted a canvas using paints.

A delicate wild rose of soft green,
Surrounded by a pinkish sheen
Of gentle outback background
And pretty leafy scene.
Lana’s work, a dedication
To her people of this nation,
A land that is mostly brown,
Lana’s work is of its creation.


Portrait and artwork of Douglas hard

Douglas Hard
Hi my name Douglas Hard, I’m 55 years old,
One of my favourite things to do is go out for coffee and cake, I also like going to the gym, shopping, collecting photographs, painting and going flying on an airplane on holidays, I like visiting my mum down Mandurah and I like meeting new people, my painting is of Rascal my mum’s dog, I hope you like it.
Douglas

A smiling face holds a picture
Of a dancing dog carrying lettuce
And a carrot. Rascal in tincture,
With a blue hat to set us
On a journey of salad and carrot cake.
Douglas has painted joy in his picture
Of his Mum’s dog. Photos he’ll take,
And flying adds to his daily tincture.
Such a painting we enjoy,
Where Douglas applies his daily employ.