Matthew Henry, 24, of Birkdale has developed a series of greeting cards as one of four young artists to benefit from a $10,000 Access Arts achievement award as part of the Ripple Effect arts project.
The cards express Mr Henry’s love of African wildlife, particularly elephants. They will be sold at Substation 5, 45 Logan Road, Woolloongabba at the launch of the project on October 24 and remain for sale at the exhibition and at the Lady Cilento hospital.
Mr Henry and other young artists Jazper Setiadi, Carys Moroney and Freya Toussaint have explored and developed art activities and small business opportunities since receiving the award in 2017. The award has allowed him to develop his artistic style over the past year via personal mentoring. The result is Can Can cards which celebrate his skill, determination and passion via greeting cards.
Mr Henry recently travelled with his family to Tanzania, Africa, and came close to his favoured wildlife while on safari. The inspiration this gave him is evident in his work.
“Matthew identifies as an artist. It’s what he says he does and when he talks about it, he lights up,” matthew’s mother Wendy said.
Mr Henry uses bold colours in his art and explores a variety of mediums such as acrylic paints, crayons and more recently water colours.
He has embraced the community of like-minded people, learning new skills and making friends.
“I want to keep doing great work and painting different things for my art exhibition,” he said.
The can can cards will be launched by Deputy Premier Jakie Trad from 4pm to 6pm on October 24 . The initiative is the brainchild of singer songwriter and philanthropist Peter Vance.