My Story
I'm sharing my story to inspire and encourage others with mild intellectual disabilities to tap into their creativity for well-being and self-care
I have a mild intellectual disability and I experience body tremors, which are often noticeable to others. While I'm very familiar with these, sometimes I feel nervous to go out into the world and connect with people.
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I've had a number of passions in my life including “Riding for the Disabled” (for over 10 years!) and Jiu Jitsu. These activities have helped me engage within my community and give me a greater sense of confidence to be the woman I am in the world.
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When Covid sadly shut down my previous activities, I found a new passion in art and craft, facilitated through an amazing creative studio for people with a range of disabilities called "Studio Artes".
At first I was bit scared to try something new, however with the great support of teachers at StudioArtes, I discovered my creative voice.
I particularly love weaving on a loom, creating items such as wall hangings and scarves. Amazingly, when I'm working on the loom, my body doesn’t shake! I also love painting, particularly still-life pictures, which I find very calming.
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This newfound creative outlet I'm now experiencing gives me such joy that I want share my story with others. So this website was created to share my creative journey, to showcase what I can and have achieved, and to inspire others to do the same.
I encourage all people with a disability to go out and be courageous to explore your passion. Who knows where it may lead!
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
A: When I am walking around in the city I notice my surroundings and the murals in the streets of Sydney, and this inspires my creativity.
Q: What do you like about weaving?
A: When I weave my body doesn't shake. That stillness in my body makes me happy and gives me confidence.
Q: What do you like about using the loom?
A: It looks complicated but when I sat down with my teacher it felt like a natural thing for me to do.
Q: What is it like to sit and engage with the loom?
A: It feels like an extension of my body.
Q: What do you like about painting?
A: It gives me a creative way to be in the world.
Q: What is the best time of day for you to create?
A: I like to create in the morning after my body has a good rest.
Q: What is it like to live with a disability?
A: It's been challenging until I discovered art at Studio Artes, and with the great art teaches who have mentored me and supported me in my creativity, my disability doesn't come front or centre when I'm painting or weaving.
Q: What is it like to create at Studio Artes?
A: You can really focus on the art that you do, and it's really nice to have people with the same ability as me.
Q&A with me