‘I just want to contribute to the art world’: Danielle’s Story

Danielle lives with complex mental health issues but finds solace in her art. Thanks to the NDIS and her team from Leora, she recently received assistive technology to support her first foray into digital painting.

Keep reading to learn more about Danielle!

Banner image: Danielle’s digital art version of Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’.

Danielle says a social worker she knew encouraged her to apply for the NDIS, which eventually led her to Leora. “They knew I have mental health issues,” Danielle shares. By the time she sent in her application, she has been on medication for the past 20 years to manage her mental health.

Despite these challenges, Danielle continues to make art. Painting using various mediums – pencil, charcoal and oil – has been an interest of hers since she was a young girl.

“I actually have two diplomas and a degree in arts. I’ve still been painting with my own practice in studio for the past 15 years.”

Danielle also regularly joins local competitions and exhibitions.

Some paintings from Danielle’s latest art exhibition

NDIS funding and support from her Leora Support Coordinator, Ivania Choi, permit Danielle to focus on creating art whenever possible.

“Ivania organises the plan, makes sure we’re not running over or under. She organises services and other applications that the NDIA would ask for. If not for Ivania, there would be no flow of anything.”

Ivania communicates with her Plan Manager, Sue, who is also from Leora.

Recently, Ivania connected Danielle with an occupational therapist, who determined that an iPad would help her achieve her NDIS goals. With this assistive technology, Danielle is able to bring her drawing and painting skills to the digital age and begin building her digital art practice.

“I’m using the iPad quite frequently,” she shares. “I’ve gotten a software called Procreate. It’s a very good drawing and painting app.”

“I still make art using traditional material and mediums, but the iPad is very good and I’m glad they bought it for me. I’m using it properly and frequently. It is a big help for me.”

Danielle is partial to oil painting, but she’s enjoying digital painting as well. “I find the oil painting tool on the Procreate program really lovely to use. It really reminds you of the oil paint and the textures.”

The iPad also serves as her connection to her telehealth appointments and social groups, to help her combat social isolation. “I’m trying to train myself to do more activities,” she says, and shares that she attended a concert for the first time. “I’ve never done it before, so that was fun.”

Danielle’s art goal is to put up an exhibition of portraits done on her iPad by the end of the year.

“I just want to contribute to the art world. See how far I go before I get too old. If I can continue what I’m doing, I would be happy.”

Ivania and our team of support coordinators are friendly, dependable and will respond promptly to your enquiries. If you want to know more, reach out to our team of NDIS experts by calling 1300 65 11 33 or filling out our form.