Adam Drouet, Amanda Van Der Zant, Kath Lovett and Klaus Pinter - Art of Caring 2020

Welcome to the Art of Caring 2020. Today we introduce the work of 4 artists who have contributed work to this year's exhibition.... Adam Drouet, Amanda Van Der Zant, Kath Lovett and Klaus Pinter. The Art of Caring is an annual inclusive international art exhibition celebrating Nurses, Midwives, Carers, and the NHS. Thank you to the School of Nursing at Kingston University for their support.

Adam Drouet
Adam Drouet's most recent art projects have been a response to his experiences as a health care professional. In 2019 Adam undertook an artist’s residency at a local dementia care home, a setting with which he is very familiar. This resulted in a series of drawings and paintings focusing on both the residents and carers – two groups who are out of the public gaze and often overlooked, as has been highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic. He depicts the interactions between them, capturing the constant small, tender acts of loving care which he witnessed.

A previous large collaged work, combining text, images and artifacts, was inspired by the memories of the people and places visited on domiciliary visits in Truro over the last twelve years. This piece reflects on how we affect, and are in turn affected, by all of our clients, becoming the custodians of their stories and the memory of their human spirit; it is a work which resonates powerfully with fellow health and care workers.

Adam graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Falmouth University in 2009, and combines artistic practice with his work as a podiatrist, a job he has done in many settings since 1987. His main interest is figurative drawing and oil painting, particularly portrait, the figure and still life. His work has been exhibited in solo and group shows in Cornwall and London.
For more information visit: adamdrouetart.wordpress.com

Amanda Van Der Zant
During the past six years our family has been cared for by the health workers of two of our major hospitals in Brisbane.  Princess Alexandra Hospital (Woolloongabba) and the Mater Hospital Brisbane (South Brisbane).  My husband contracted a blood infection 6 years ago and was cared for in the PA Infectious disease ward for 3 weeks, while my father-in-law was treated at the Mater for about 6 years for Leukaemia sadly passing away in 2018.  My Mother-in-law received treatment for breast cancer at the Mater during this time as well.  The support and care our family members received was amazing.  While medicine and treatments can ease the pain and suffering it is the dedication and hard work of the health workers who made the difference for our family.  The current Covid19 Pandemic is a reminder of how lucky we lay people are because of the health workers and their dedication. 

I graduated in February 2019 from Curtin University Perth Australia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Visual Culture after studying part time for five years.  As a mature aged student I developed my painting, drawing and printmaking skills during this time.  After graduating I have continued my work as an art aide in a Brisbane school whilst continuing my own art practice on weekends and school holidays.  I have gained the confidence to pursue my art practice and have entered various art prize competitions in Australia and overseas during 2019 and 2020 with pleasing results.
My experience as an artist is limited but my eagerness to develop my art practice is my aim right now.  I still have so much to learn and experience as a practicing artist.

Straddie (2019)
North Stradbroke Island is just off the coast of Queensland.  The island has the most amazing beaches of crystal clear water, white sand and near perfect weather all year round.  It is no wonder visitors from all over the world come to experience the tranquillity and beautiful seascape of the island.  Locals and visitors fondly refer to the island as Straddie (2019) hence the title for my painting.
Swimming in the ocean allows me to regenerate my mind and body.  My painting is concerned with my sense of place and being connected to nature through swimming in the ocean.  The feeling of mindfulness one can experience when submerged in a body of water are my ‘Ingredients for a Healthy Life'.  The calming and soothing effect on the body is nature’s gift to all of us, it’s free.

Kath Lovett

Klaus Pinter