Ceramic creativity
Bright colours and design elements are used to striking effect in Mapping Nerang Respite, a ceramic work created by adults who participate in an art group at Nerang Community Respite Care on the Gold Coast.
The mosaic has won the supported category for the 2012 National Ceramic Award for People with Disabilities, organised by Monte Lupo in Brisbane.
About 20 adults with physical disability participate in the art class. Many of the group members had not worked with clay before contributing to the piece.
A support worker at the centre, Michaela Kloeckner, is also an accomplished ceramicist. She designed and helped the clients create the mosaic.
'Each client prepared a concept drawing and worked on a tile to their own abilities,' she says.
'The design elements of texture, line, point and colour were chosen... I wanted to show that the centre is the main focus, and see where clients live. It's like a map-north, south, east and west.'
Day Respite Coordinator Cathy McCann says clients participate in different activities as part of the Day Respite Program.
'Michaela has been instrumental in engaging clients so they can produce their own works,' says Cathy.
'They have made Christmas decorations and their own mugs. We've also done painting and card-making and different types of craft.'
Cathy says art provides a unique opportunity for personal expression.
'Whatever you do is great,' she says.
'There is no right or wrong. It is how you express your art. What makes you happy makes an art piece of value to you.'
More information
Nerang Community Respite Care offers a community access program and a centre-based program primarily for adults with physical disability. More information is available about its services. You can also call (07) 5578 1668 or email info@nerangrespite.org.au for details.
