Heartfelt art: Deaf teenagers set to communicate through paint

The creative workshops will provide teens with the opportunity for self-expression, meet others and communicate through art.

Local artist Alex Stalling shares her passion and expertise with George Storie. Deaf and hard of hearing teenagers will learn how to communicate artistically in a workshop designed to develop their creativity. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Teens who are deaf or hard of hearing will soon be able to express themselves and communicate through art in an upcoming creative workshop.

Not-for-profit organisation Hear For You has organised the event to teach young people who are deaf to communicate through art.

Local artist Alex Stalling shares her passion and expertise with George Storie. Deaf and hard of hearing teenagers will learn how to communicate artistically in a workshop designed to develop their creativity. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Participant George Storie, 15, has been drawing and painting for as long as he can remember.

“I did a program through Hear For You similar to this last year and I really enjoyed it, so my mum signed me up for this one too,” he said.

“My skills have improved overtime but I just love everything about art and getting creative.”

The 15-year-old’s dad Dugald Storie said his son was an incredibly talented artist and his work reminded him of something you would see from a Roald Dahl book.

“George’s work has really amazing detail and he’s very talented,” Mr Storie said.

“I think he should become a children’s book author – not just because of his art, but also because he’s very articulate and he’s an avid reader.”

Local artist Alex Stalling shares her passion and expertise with George Storie. Deaf and hard of hearing teenagers will learn how to communicate artistically in a workshop designed to develop their creativity. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Tinker art studio owner Alex Stalling said participants would be painting patterns and plants on canvases for the workshop.

Along with allowing the teenagers undertaking the session to develop their creativity and self-expression, Ms Stalling said art was therapeutic and calming.

“It’s a really fun acrylic painting class that’s quite free, so you don’t have to conform to anything and it’s all about the individual developing their own style and having fun,” Ms Stalling said.

“When you’re working with art, you’re really tapping into that mindfulness state where you can just relax, let go and play with paint as a sensory, as well as expressive development option.

“By switching off and getting into that creative space, it brings things to light, but it’s also just really fun, calming, peaceful and just a great thing for everyone.”

Local artist Alex Stalling shares her passion and expertise with George Storie. Deaf and hard of hearing teenagers will learn how to communicate artistically in a workshop designed to develop their creativity. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Hear For You Queensland manager Sherri Brereton said the workshop was an opportunity for deaf teenagers to connect with others who experience the world in a similar way.

“It’s really great for them to spend the day with other kids who relate to their experience … they can just be themselves.”

The workshop will be held on September 28, at 10am, at 8 Dexter St.

Tickets are $88 per person or can be covered by National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding and all materials are included.

For more information or to purchase, click here.