New talents discovered in road trauma exhibition

18 Sep 2012

MEDIA RELEASE: 18 September 2012

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is calling on artists who have experienced the impact of road trauma to enter their work in a unique art exhibition.

Picture This, an exhibition of inspiring work by TAC clients, will be held in Melbourne and Geelong later this year.

The exhibition will showcase pieces by people who were artists before being involved in a transport accident or have taken up art since.
For TAC client Simon Warlond, art represents his determination to recreate an enjoyable life after receiving an acquired brain injury in a 2008 car crash.

"I was faced with a multitude of questions. What do I do now? Can I do anything?" Mr Warlond said.

"I decided to take my artwork, then just a hobby, into Bendigo TAFE and was accepted into a diploma of fine art.
"After 2 years of receiving excellent support and guidance, I was accepted into a fine art bachelor degree at RMIT, where I am now in my first year.
"Anything can be achieved with a strong will and a confident attitude, no matter how rusty or broken your past appears. My recent work symbolises this attitude," Mr Warlond said.

Artists can enter online at www.tac.vic.gov.au/clientzone or telephone 03 5225 6504. Previous entries have included paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, jewellery and mosaics. Entries close September 30, 2012.

The exhibition will be held at the Gasworks Arts Park from 1 November to 18 November 2012 and Courthouse Arts from 10 December to 15 December 2012.

Artists have a chance to win the People's Choice Award as voted by exhibition visitors. The prizes are Art Supply vouchers worth $500, $250 or $100.

For further information please contact Stephanie Wood on 0458 936 753.