Norfolk Islander Sacha's creative talent is reaching new heights.
Able to engage local disability support provider Life Without Barriers using her National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding, Sacha is quickly emerging as a gifted local artist with her work on show and on sale at Norfolk Island art gallery, Art From The Heart.
Using mixed media Sacha, who has Down syndrome, said she draws inspiration from the islands stunning landscapes, unspoiled beaches, and brilliant sunrises and sunsets.
Working alongside Sacha support workers, Jan, Shannara and Nicole, encourage the 41-year-old to experiment with lots of art techniques, but layering has emerged as a favourite.
Sifting through glossy magazines, Sacha selects and cuts out images she is drawn to then layers them onto canvas. At times she includes other tactile materials for depth.
Then she finishes each piece off painting a detailed scene with a mix of vibrant acrylic and watercolour paints. No 2 artworks are the same and each tells its own story.
‘l love exploring art. It helps me relax and focus. I’m really proud of it all and I’m even prouder when someone buys it to take home,’ Sacha said.
But her artistic talents don’t end there. Every Friday, Sacha heads to Reflections, the local haberdashery, where she designs and styles the shop’s front window.
Choosing her own theme and colour scheme, she selects an array of items, and arranges them into eye-catching displays which quickly draw lots of attention.
Life Without Barriers support coordinator, Natalie Christian said Sacha’s window displays generate ‘a bit of a buzz’ around town each week.
‘We are always excited to see what Sacha comes up with and she never disappoints – her designs are always fantastic,’ she said.
For Sacha decorating Reflections’ window is one of her weekly highlights.
She first started the job through a work experience placement with the stores previous owner, and the new owner was so impressed she continued to employ her. She has even popped a sign in the window crediting Sacha for creating such brilliant displays.
Natalie said with Sacha’s talent and success they will continue to work on her employment and life skills, exploring further opportunities to promote and sell her art creations.