At QArt Studio, artists with disability have a supportive space to express their creativity. In Henry Deakin’s case, that creativity has no bounds.
For 75 years, Endeavour Foundation has supported people to live meaningful lives with choice and control.
At QArt Studio, that support takes a creative form, providing artists with intellectual disability the space, structure and encouragement to develop their artistic voices and pursue their creative ambitions.
One artist whose journey reflects this creative approach is Henry Deakin.
After six years at QArt, Henry reached a major milestone last November, holding his first solo exhibition at QArt Gallery.
The two-week exhibition marked the first time his work had been presented in a dedicated solo setting and showcased his practice across painting and ceramics.
Henry’s work is instantly recognisable through its bold outlines, bright colours and signature googly-eyed characters, which featured throughout the exhibition.
The show gave family, friends and supporters the opportunity to experience his work in a gallery environment and see how his technique has evolved over time.
For any artist, a first solo exhibition is a significant achievement. For Henry, it marked years of steady development and growing confidence in his work and stands as a clear example of what can be achieved when creativity is recognised and supported.
Alongside his exhibition, Henry also launched his debut children’s book, Australian Animals A to Z, a project he spent a full year developing at QArt.
The book grew from his interest in painting Australian animals and his desire to share his work with a wider audience beyond the studio.
“I wanted it to be a book so people can see it more and enjoy all of my artworks,” Henry said.
Combining illustration, research and storytelling, the project allowed Henry to expand his practice while working towards a tangible, published outcome.
Henry said working through the alphabet presented creative challenges, particularly when identifying animals for less common letters.
“I reckon V, U and X were the hardest, because there are not many animals starting with those letters,” he said.
This process encouraged deeper research and experimentation, ultimately strengthening the final collection and introducing readers to a diverse range of Australian wildlife.
“I hope they learn about new animals that live in Australia,” he said.
Since joining QArt six years ago, Henry’s artistic practice has developed significantly.
Through consistent studio time, access to professional materials and ongoing mentorship, he has built confidence in both his creative process and his ability to share his work publicly.
“I think it’s improved dramatically. I’m more comfortable and more confident in the process of making things,” Henry said.
QArt provides artists with opportunities to develop skills, explore new mediums and exhibit or publish their work.
Established in Melbourne more than 30 years ago, QArt has grown into a professional studio supporting artists with an intellectual disability to develop sustainable creative practices.
Studio Supervisor Lily Platts said the studio’s collaborative environment allows artists to build on their existing strengths while learning from peers and staff.
“While many artists join with experience in a specific medium, our collaborative environment allows them to learn from others and continue building their skills,” Lily said.
For Henry, this has included expanding from painting into ceramics and undertaking a long-form project such as a book.
“We recognised his passion for making and the speed at which he created paintings, and supported him to channel that energy into a book while also developing new skills in ceramics,” Lily said.
For Henry, art is more than a creative outlet.
“Art gives me a voice and it’s something I can focus on and share with other people,” he says.
His first solo exhibition and the publication of Australian Animals A to Z reflect the outcomes that can be achieved when people are supported to explore their talents, develop their skills and share their voices – a fitting reflection as Endeavour Foundation celebrates 75 years of impact.
If you’d like to view or purchase Henry’s book or artwork, visit his artist page here.
QArt Studio is one of the ways Endeavour Foundation supports people to connect with their community through creativity and self-expression.
Explore our Community and Creative Programs or enquire to find the right support for you or someone you care about.