‘Celebrating Our Life in Art’

In November 2007 I led a painting workshop for eight young women who are part of the Handicap International Outreach Programme in Siem Reap Province. The girls had disabilities ranging from club feet to cerebral palsy. A young Cambodian Artist helped me with the workshops – Oun Savann.

We covered a variety of themes and techniques using different materials, teaching the girls about colour theory and composition. The first paintings the girls completed were on the theme of self portraiture.

The finished paintings were put in two exhibitions titled ‘Celebrating Our Lives in Art’ at the end of February 2008 as part of the SPOTLIGHT festival, an all inclusive arts festival which took place in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

The exhibitions were a big success, we sold 12 out of the 16 paintings that were on display. The girls involved were Team Srey Torp, Som Chariya, Mai Samnang, Bon Nhorn, Bon Nhean, Moa Vin, Lam Sor and Chhean Pean.