"I’m really proud of it all and I’m even prouder when someone buys it to take home." said Sacha.
Sacha, 41, is an artist on Norfolk Island. There, you can find her work on show, and for sale, at the Norfolk Island art gallery, Art From The Heart.
"l love exploring art. It helps me relax and focus," said Sacha.
With encouragement from her Life Without Barriers support workers, Jan, Shannara and Nicole, Sacha has experimented with lots of different art techniques. Creating layered art has emerged as a current favourite.
Her process includes sifting through glossy magazines, where Sacha selects and cuts out images she is drawn to, then layers them onto canvas. Sometimes she will add other materials for depth.
She finishes each piece off by painting a detailed scene with a mix of vibrant acrylic and watercolour paints. No two artworks are the same and each tells its own story.
Image: Sacha stands next to the owner of 'Reflections of Norfolk Island', in front of the shop window with her display.
When asked what inspires her pieces, Sacha said she draws inspiration from the islands stunning landscapes, unspoiled beaches, and brilliant sunrises and sunsets.
"I’m really proud of it all and I’m even prouder when someone buys it to take home."
Every Friday, Sacha heads to Reflections, the local haberdashery which sells crafts, giftware, local souvenirs and more, where she designs and styles the shop’s front window.
Choosing her own theme and colour scheme, she selects an array of items and arranges them into eye-catching displays, which quickly draw a lot of attention.
Image: Sacha's Autumn window display at Reflections, featuring a mix of orange, yellow and red items.
Natalie Christian, Life Without Barriers support coordinator, said Sacha’s window displays generate ‘a bit of a buzz’ around town each week.
"We are always excited to see what Sacha comes up with and she never disappoints – her designs are always fantastic," Natalie said.
For Sacha, decorating the windows at Reflections has become one of her weekly highlights.
She first started the job through a work experience placement with the store's previous owner, and the new owner was so impressed she continued to employ her. The owner has even popped a sign in the window crediting Sacha for creating the brilliant displays.
Image: Close-up of a patchwork cow soft toy featured in Sacha's window display.
Natalie said that Sacha wants to continue to work on her employment and life skills, explore further opportunities, and to sell her art.
Story originally published on the NDIS website.
