Kym O’Grady’s journey
4 June 2008
Kym O'Grady always wanted to learn how to draw and paint. In 2003, she began weekly sessions at Visualz Art Studio in Hamilton. There, she began to work seriously on her art.
At first, her methods of working caused a few worrying moments among the others at Visualz Art Studio as she enthusiastically set about the job. Paint flew around the studio landing in puddles on the floor. Jars of water were knocked over and at the end of the session, her clothes had extra artistic splotches.
As time went on, Kym learned how to be patient. She learned how to handle the pressure of what was expected of her and remain calm. She developed the ability to concentrate and persevere when her work didn’t quite turn out the way she wanted. A turning point for Kym was when she discovered how to closely observe her subject.
Quality of work
The things that Kym has learned on her journey can be seen in the quality of her current work. Her work and work area are no longer a mess, and she has developed independent drawing and painting skills.
“Everyone who knows Kym can see that she has applied these skills to other areas of her life,” says Jan Lawson, vocational team leader at Visualz Art Studio.
She has a new part-time job where she works with children in an after-school care programme. This is a job that requires lots of patience. She is also able to use the techniques she has learned at Visualz Art Studio to help the children with their art.
The Visualz Art Studio is a vocational service of the Community Living Trust. It offers art and craft programmes, aimed at developing people’s creative and cognitive skills.
Participation in exhibitions, usually held in a community gallery, helps to increase the artists’ profile and gives them an opportunity to sell their work.
In the past few years, Kym has drawn and painted a variety of subjects, ranging from animals, portraits and landscapes to contemporary work. She has also displayed and sold pieces at exhibitions in the community.
Kym says she does heaps of drawing at home because she likes it. “When I first started I hated drawing. Now, I really like drawing.”