Brett Marshall loves to paint.

The profoundly deaf 47-year-old, who also suffers from a mild form of autism, is on track to graduate with a diploma in arts in October.

As part of Brett's course requirements he has to create a body of work and exhibit it. He has about 30 artworks on display and for sale until Friday at Northable's showroom on John St from 9am to 2pm. The exhibition is titled Cosmic Cornucopia.

Deaf since birth, Brett works from a small studio at Whangarei Deaf Aotearoa where he creates his artworks.

Brett's tutor at the Learning Connexion in Lower Hutt is Marcel Baiijens. Marcel gives regular feedback on Brett's artwork with the support of an interpreter via DVD.

Through one of his many supporters, service co-ordinator of Deaf Aotearoa Glennis Walkinshaw, who uses sign language to communicate with Brett, he says he gets his inspiration from the things he sees around him.

Brett says he loves to paint and wants to continue as an artist once he completes his studies.

Anthony Warren, a support worker from Access Homehealth, says on Brett's behalf that Brett is using art as a bridge to encounter his primarily visual world in a personal and meaningful way.

Vicki Carter has also been a support person for Brett for the past three-and-a-half years and assists Brett with communication.

Deaf Aotearoa NZ community relations officer Alana Best, who also works closely with Brett, says – using sign via Glennis – that he has had to work hard, just like any other student, to get to where he is today.

Glennis says Brett began his studies in 2007. Once he graduates with the diploma in art and creativity, a level 5 course, he will continue to the next level 6 course.

Source: - Whangarei Leader

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/whangarei-leader/5336572/Brett-paints-a-diploma