As We Are Art Exhibition and Award: Bicton artist draws on grandmother’s memory for vase inspiration

DRAWING on memories of her grandmother, Bicton artist Jane Ryan has created a collection of vases that will join more than 140 other entries in the As We Are Art Exhibition and Award beginning later this month.

Now in its 14th year, the annual exhibition provides an opportunity for WA artists who have an intellectual disability to create, exhibit and sell their artwork.

Ms Ryan immigrated to Australia from New Zealand just over a decade ago.

Although she comes from a family of recognised artists, she only began creating her own work after receiving Disability Services Commission funding that allowed her to access the art services offered by DADAA.

“I like to sell my work and to let people see it,” Ms Ryan said.

“I feel happy; it feels good to draw things that remind me of New Zealand and my family.

“My exhibition work is called Granny. The pots remind me of my grandmother. She used to have flowers in the garden and she would put them on the mantelpiece in a vase. I was thinking about her when I made the vases.”

As We Are Art Exhibition and Award co-ordinator Susie Waller said every year the event attracted a diverse range of artworks from both emerging and established artists.

“The exhibition is always a visually awe-inspiring experience,” she said.

“The artworks are varied both in terms of art form as well as themes, with artists taking inspiration from their family and friends, favourite football teams, cultural heritage, Western Australian land and seascapes, as well as their distinctive personal interests such as zombies, mischievous characters and doomsday apocalypses.”