In 1999, not long after I was employed by Outer Western Psychiatric Disability Services Association (OWPDSA) as a community support worker, I realised a childhood dream by putting my Saturday night aside to learn Chinese Watercolour Painting from Master Jackson Cam Hang Luu, a Ling Nan School Watercolour Painting Artist.

After six study sessions from Master Jackson, I found Chinese painting to be very relaxing. It helped me release work-related stress by increasing my ability to balance both mind and body. I suggested to my management team that I conduct a Watercolour Painting Training Program to our participants during the 4-week summer program in 2000. Depending on the success of the training program the organisation could then determine whether it would become one of the structured programs.

Although I was only a learner at that time, I had the confidence to share my fresh skills with our participants. My initial expectations were to: teach the participants how easy it is to learn to paint; add something meaningful and colourful into their life; escape the routines and boredom of life; have fun in a group achievement and possibly achieve fame with watercolour painting.

A favourite quote of mine is by A. Coomaraswamy, writer and artist: “An artist is not a special kind of person, but every person is a special kind of artist.”
I began teaching eight participants during the Summer Program in 2000. Since then the program has become an integral part of the organisation. So far the group’s artworks have been exhibited at numerous venues.

The program is conducted every Tuesday from 1.00 -3.00 pm, at the St Albans Community Youth Club, 309A Main Road East, St Albans. The group’s ethnic backgrounds range from Indo-Chinese, European and second-generation Australians.
The class usually consists of 8 to 15 participants, however new members are always encouraged and welcomed to join. If the group size exceeds 15 the class is divided into two groups, and per session is held for 45 minutes. Participants are not required to attend all training sessions. Once the participants have acquired the basic painting skills with continuous support they can practise their art at home.

The class provides two levels of training: beginners and advanced. However, all participants are required to attend the first 12 foundation sessions (each session is two hours) to learn the basic techniques.

The guest teacher, Master Jackson Cam Hang Luu, teaches the group on the two first Tuesdays of every month. Then the other Tuesdays of the month, I continue to conduct the classes by helping the participants improve their skills.

Master Jackson Cam Hang Luu often begins the class by completing a demonstration painting, then leads the group into a painting session. My role during these sessions is to provide assistance and take care of some slow learners. At every training session homework is allocated. Participants are expected to bring back their homework to share and receive comments from the group at the start of the training session. Consequently, I assess the completed homework tasks.

Any good-quality artworks are kept and appropriate preparations undertaken to ensure the work is ready to be exhibited at upcoming exhibitions. The paintings created by our participants are quite striking and colourful, and every piece is of high standard. The materials used ranged from paper fans, glass bottles, stones and others. I always encourage the participants to practise drawing on different types of materials.

Each term I travel with the group to Chinatown to show them where they can acquire quality brushes, technique books and to view paintings created by local artists that are also available to buy. Group members find the excursion quite rewarding by providing them with an understanding of the artist’s mind and practice. On a social note, they are provided with the opportunity to travel with their friends and build friendships. Although the group consists of people from different cultures, group dynamics are strong which allows everyone to feel comfortable and share their common interests in a friendly manner.

Upon the completion of the 12 foundation of the basic painting training sessions, most members are keen to further develop their artistic skills and are prepared to commit extra time towards their craft to ensure the best results are achieved. Throughout the training sessions, members increase their own self-esteem and become more confident in socialising within a group.

“Everyone Is An Artist” Exhibition

“Everyone Is An Artist” Exhibition was presented by Outer Western Psychiatric Disability Service Association (OWPDSA). The Chinese Brushes Ling Nan School of Watercolour Painting Program was held at the Chinese Historical Museum, 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne during Mental Health Week in October 2005. Mr George Seitz, MLA, opened the exhibition. The exhibition welcomed more than 100 people at the opening. After Mr Seitz’s opening speech, each artist received a Certificate of Recognition, presented by Mr Seitz and Master Jackson Cam Hang Luu. After the presentations guests were treated to a Chinese Yum Cha Lunch.

The exhibition included a total of 53 artworks, consisting of calligraphy works and paintings created by 30 artists involved in the training program. Three tables were set up to display the training equipment utilised, such as a variety of rice paper, painting books, one full set of Chinese writing/painting brushes, ink, ink stone, and colour set. In addition, there were three A3-size folders on display containing more than 150 artworks, mainly of calligraphy and paintings by members of this group. The display folders provided the audience with an indication of the different learning stages and the progress undertaken to achieve the end result.

Throughout the exhibition a special ‘come and try’ workshop activity was held for the public and our members. Workshops included demonstrations of painting techniques and Chinese calligraphy. Master Jackson Cam Hang Luu, myself and other artists conducted it. More than 250 people visited the exhibition and it was a great success for all involved.