2009 International Day of People with Disability

To celebrate the 2009 International Day of People with Disability, Oak Tasmania is exhibiting more than 30 superb photographs at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Exhibition Space in Hobart. The photographs demonstrate the artistic skills and talents of our day service clients, many of whom have been studying photography at Oak Tasmania’s Independent Living and Training Centre since 2008.

PHOTO: Ms Anne Glover with her photograph entitled ‘Mossing around’.

Oak Tasmania’s Photography Program is the brain child of support workers at the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILT) in North Hobart. It began in early 2008 with the intent of teaching individuals the basics of photography and equipping them with the skills to use digital cameras.

The program began with an introduction to photography where the group discussed topics such as lighting at different times of the day, props, looking at objects from different angles, and the rule of thirds. By looking at numerous photography books, participants gained an understanding of where a photographer needed to sit or stand in order to attain a certain ‘look and feel’ in a photo. Following group discussions, the trainee photographers put their new found knowledge to the test.

 

A visit to St. David’s Park in Hobart was arranged and the group produced some memorable first images. Throughout 2008 the group travelled to many different locations in Hobart and achieved some spectacular results. The photography group continued to demonstrate their new-found knowledge and skill, taking many factors into consideration before taking a photo. Discussions took place and opinions were sought relating to the images the participants captured.

These discussions changed dramatically during the year and the participants have shown great competence in being able to explain why the composition of a photo is good or not. The quality of the images continued to improve with many participants producing a higher standard of work at the end of 2008 than they did at the beginning of the year.

To celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) in 2008, Oak Tasmania exhibited 20 works photographed by participants of the photography program. The exhibition was officially opened by Minister for Human Services, Ms Lin Thorp MLC. Ms Thorp took a particular liking to one of the photographs at the exhibition; a photo of the Ferry ‘Emmalisa’ at Waterman’s Dock in Hobart. Following discussions with the Minister’s Office, photographer Anne Glover presented Ms Thorp with the framed print of the ‘Emmalisa’ which now hangs prominently in Ms Thorp’s Ministerial Office.

The number of participants who are taking part in Oak Tasmania’s Photography Program has doubled in size since last year. The program now has 10 participants and consists of a beginner’s class and a more advanced class for those who completed the program in 2008. The addition to the program of a support worker with professional photography training has further enhanced the skills of participants and the images produced this year are simply stunning.

 

 

The success of the photography program should not only be measured in terms of the quality of work being produced, but more importantly by the personal gains made by program participants. Oak Tasmania’s clients have increased their skills base and levels of confidence; discovered new creative freedoms in photography, and are socialising and integrating more with their community.

PHOTO: Ms Kaye Beams with her work entitled ‘Bull Ship’.

The exhibition is open to the public and can be viewed at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Exhibition Space between 3 December 2009 and 10 January 2010. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is open 7 days a week (except Christmas Day) between 9.00am – 5.00pm.

Oak Tasmania gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, and the management and staff of Centrelink Hobart.

To view some of the exhibited works, click here