Visually impaired Bentley artist contributes portrait to the Vision Australia 2015 Calendar

The 57-year-old has been selected to be part of the Vision Australia 2015 calendar, which showcases artists who are blind or have low vision.

‘Once I saw the other artists’ work, for a moment (I felt) unworthy to be amongst them, then very humbled and then very honoured,’ she said.

Brass has Usher syndrome. Her field of vision is so restricted the only way she can see her work as a whole is to photograph it and then shrink it.

To create her artwork, Brass works in sections of one square inch at a time, copying from another image.

‘I am so happy I did all these things while I could. It is getting to the point that it is just too hard,’ she said.

Brass’ love for art developed when she was 14 years old after her foster father encouraged her to draw.

‘Drawing portraits was my foster father’s hobby and he instructed me on my mistakes and what to do next ” I was challenged,’ Brass said.

‘Thanks to his instructions, I did a reasonable job of it and that got me started on drawing portraits.’

A friend who requested an Australian-themed wedding gift inspired the work selected for the calendar, entitled Pitjantjara Man.

To order the calendar, call 1300 847 466 or email www.visionaustralia.org/shopor.

All proceeds go towards supporting children and adults who are blind or have low vision.