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2008 Bundanon Residency
Scott Trevelyan
Scott Trevelyan, master printmaker and art facilitator was the recipient of the Accessible Arts Bundanon Residency for 2008. Scott graduated from Southern Cross University, Lismore in 2007 with a Bachelor of Visual Arts and works with various print mediums such as etching and lino-block, to create works on paper and artist-books.
In August 2002, Scott was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in which he acquired extensive injury. During his rehabilitation he became involved in BISSI (Brain Injury Support Service Incorporated) and began to promote art as a cathartic means of recovery to the support group. He has worked closely with both SCU and BISSI to construct an art studio at his property in Alstonvale, known as Willowbank Studio. This studio has been operating for two years and holds workshops for BISSI members. It has become a very successful resource that the North Coast Area Health, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service also utilises to reintegrate clients into a social environment.
Scott used the residency to develop a new body of work for his own
contemporary art practice. This work was shown at his solo exhibition 'To Fly Without Wings,' at Barratt Galleries, Alstonville, northern NSW in April 2009. As a direct outcome of the residency, Scott's work was also curated in the exhibition ‘Born to be Wild' held at Penrith Regional Gallery early 2009.
For more information about Scott Trevelyan visit the artist's webpage.
Listen to a podcast of Scott in conversation with Richard Fidler on ABC 702 to hear his story.
Left: Scott Trevelyan, Another Momentary Lapse of Reason 2009, Artists’ book, 310 x 310 x 200mm
Right: Scott Trevelyan, Sogno di da Vinci 2009, Solarplate etchings, 400 x 540mm
Scott Trevelyan, Polished Rim 2009, Artists book, rubber tyre
on timber base.From the artist
When I was selected as the successful applicant for the residency at Arthur Boyd's complex, Bundanon, I was a little bit apprehensive about being away from my home for so long. I originally figured that I could fly back to Ballina halfway through my time there, just to check on my home, catch up with my family and friends and see my beloved pooch, Indie.
It was only after I arrived there that I appreciated what the residency offered. Following a brief introduction to my own studio and self-contained apartment, I was left to experience a month dedicated to nothing but my own art practice. Four weeks of being totally in an artistic state of mind with no outside distractions to dilute my focus. Even the lack of mobile phone reception was a welcoming thought! But it was reassuring to know that staff from Bundanon Trust were only 15 minutes away and proved to be very responsive by simply calling them from the landline phone provided in my apartment. Even if it was just to change an out-of-reach light globe in my studio.
It took me a couple of days to wind down from the long drive from Northern NSW and set the studio up to suit the needs of my practice. During this time I met with other artists in residence (AIR), all of who were staying for two weeks only. This meant that I was lucky to meet two different groups of wonderfully creative people during my month's residency, each working on their own individual art forms. As I began drawing I observed one artist performing movement art in the kangaroo paddock next to my studio whilst listening to another playing violin. During the second half of my residency I had the pleasure of listening to a concert pianist playing her compositions on a grand piano in the nearby musicians cottage. I no longer felt the need for a brief return visit home.
As an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) survivor, the attention and focus that I was able to dedicate to my practice whilst at Bundanon, was priceless. I was able to immerse myself into a very healing and refreshing headspace that I rarely encounter in the everyday duties of life at home. This meditative-like state enabled me to produce a more informed and resolved quality in my artwork. I hope to pass on this discovery to other ABI survivors in my capacity as an art facilitator during fortnightly therapy workshops held at my own studio, ‘Willowbank'. I also came to the conclusion that I must dedicate at least a couple of days each week at home on my own practice to maintain this cathartic technique.
Apart from the rewards I discovered after arrival at Bundanon, I also began to realise the positive effects media attention was having on an emerging artist such as myself. Through the Accessible Arts/Bundanon residency selection process, my name was passed onto Penrith Regional Gallery in Sydney to be included an upcoming exhibition on motorcycling called ‘Born to be Wild'. This has provided an opportunity to exhibit my work alongside some of Australia's most renowned and successful contemporary artists.
As a regional artist with an ABI, the odds are stacked against me to make a successful career in the art world. However, the time already dedicated to my artwork and desire to make a successful occupation from such efforts has been recognised by Accessible Arts. I hope that more of the same sort of programs will continue to be available to other artists with a disability.
Scott Trevelyan, master printmaker
