How did you get into this line of work?
As a kid, I loved reading; my nose was always in a book. I also loved movies and television. I loved the stories and the pictures; ideas, imagination, escape, chills, thrills and spills. In highschool, I discovered a talent for drawing and painting, a talent that I never took seriously, but saw me go on to Sydney College of the Arts in 1980.
It was in the summer of 1979, after my Higher School Certificate [HSC], that I started dabbling in writing, song lyrics. During my college years, not only did I paint, I also discovered that I liked to tell stories. The range of mediums I could use expanded to include photography.

My first job was with Australian Taxation Office in 1983, as an office clerk/ administrator. Even though I was not working in my dream job, I kept up my writing and interest in visual arts, by getting involved in various groups and projects in Australia and in the UK, such as Friends For The Young Deaf [FYD], NSW Association of the Deaf, Deaf Australia: NSW, projects SILENT MESSENGER, SOUND OFF, CHIPS, blogging – Deaf Muse, Visual Instincts & Radio666fm, 2SERFM [community radio], READ MY SHORTS [short film festival], and Art.Boxx.

I quit the Australian Taxation Office in 1995, to Carpe Diem, that is, travel, study and live overseas, with another yet another detour, to love and more extracurricular activities in the UK, for several years.

My extracurricular activities benefited me in many ways. Not only did I maintain my interest in the arts, I also discovered another talent, administration. This fit in neatly with my ability to conceive, conceptualise and realise ideas. A talent that showed up in two major works for two different courses. I designed a flexible learning package for my Certificate in Training Practices course[UK] and an interactive CD, for my studies in multimedia [Australia]

It’s nearly 30 years since I graduated from Sydney College of the Arts, and in that time, computers became mainstream, expanding the range of tools that we use to create and to communicate with.

Having avoided my true calling all these years, I have decided that it is time to shift my attention back to my writing, painting and production. And so I give you Tony, the writer, artists, and producer.

What is the best part of your job?
The best part of being a writer/ artist is that I get to call the shots. No one can tell me what to do. That’s right; I decide what to write, what to paint, what to draw, and what story to tell. May as well be honest about it [smile, wink]!

Seriously though, the most enjoyable part is being creative. I really enjoy using one of my best assets, my analytical brain and creative visualisation skills. To conceive, conceptualise and realise ideas: the thrill of conceptualising, exploring its potential, and mapping out how I will achieve my aim. The icing on the cake is the enormous satisfaction I get when I see the enjoyment from other people.

I get to use all my skills that I have accumulated over my life: write, paint, analyse, administration, computer, design, website building, and storyteller.

What are some of the challenges of your job?
The only real challenge for me as a writer/ artist and producer is that of being Deaf in a hearing world. We all know what those are, so I won’t repeat them here, but suffice to say, they can be frustrating. However, with the advent of computers, social networking, and a greater awareness of deafness, Deaf people and Deaf culture, the challenges are not as daunting as they were 30 years ago.

A secondary challenge is the lack of networking and cultural support in the Deaf community for artists, where sports are the nucleus many of the bigger social events. Networking, access and updating skills are still serious issues that need grappling with.

On a personal note motivation, distraction, working alone, and cabin fever, as anybody who works as a freelancer will attest to.

What advice would you give a deaf/hearing impaired person who is looking for a career like yours?
If you have a passion, just do it. I don’t believe you can study to become a writer or artist. You really learn and grow by working at it. What you learn in school, TAFE or university, is only the tip of the iceberg, there is still more to learn and discover. After all, my role model and spiritual mentor, Suzi Quatro, like many before her, did not study her vocation. She discovered she had a talent and a passion, and she followed her muse. She went on the road, played pubs, clubs and concert halls. In the process, she redefined a woman’s role in music and how we see women entertainers. They used to be singers in dresses, now they are rockers in leather.

I do believe you can do courses and workshops to learn the necessary skills and techniques you need or want, that will help you become a better artist. You can learn new skills or expand the skills that you already have. If you want to write, paint, sculpt, take photos or perform, my advice would be to just paint, write, and take photos. However, if you want to learn new techniques or skills, then yes, TAFE, university or short workshops, is a good idea.

By all means, go and study, it is a great way to learn the tools you need to do a job, but remember, life and working with people, is a better teacher. They will show you that artistic expression comes from finding it within yourself and doing it. They will show you that everything you learn by formal study can be challenged, and even useless. They will show you how to become aware of what and how you learn the new techniques, and how to access this knowledge whenever you want it.

Parting Words
Looking back at my life and career, we Deafies have sure come along way. I know we have brains, talent and skills, and I know that we are out there in the world making our mark. But I’m still waiting for that Deafie who will redefine what it means to be a Deaf person in a Hearing world, the Deafie who will challenge Hearing people to see us as their equal. Just like Suzi Quatro did for women in music.

Will you be that Deafie?

My websites:

Radio666fm

Deaf Muse

Visual Instincts

The World Federation of the Deaf today announced that the Deaf Society of New South Wales will host the next World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) Conference in Sydney in October, 2013.

The Conference is expected to attract hundreds of Deaf people from around the world, as well as international interpreters of many different signed languages. The Conference theme will be “Equality for Deaf People” and progress in implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be in the spotlight.

“The Conference will be a great opportunity to show the solidarity of Deaf people worldwide, our contributions to our communities, and our pride in sign language,” said Mr Markku Jokinen, WFD President.

Dr Breda Carty, DSNSW director, welcomed the announcement. “Brisbane hosted the World Federation of the Deaf Congress in 1999, and Melbourne hosted the Deaflympics in 2005. 2013 seems an auspicious time for Australia to be the centre of attention for the international Deaf Community once again. The Deaf Society looks forward to working with the Australian Deaf Community to make the Conference a great success.”

The Conference will coincide with the centenary of the Deaf Society of NSW in October 2013.

Further information and appointments for interviews can be obtained from The Deaf Society of New South Wales by telephoning (02) 8833 3600.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sharon Everson, CEO
+ 61 2 8833 3600
severson@deafsociety.com

Further information can be obtained from Deaf Society of NSW

When:    Wednesday 13 October 2010
Time:     7.30 am to 8.30 am (arrive 7.15) Where:   Northern  Point Room
Level 89, Eureka Tower, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank

Guest Speakers: Noel Henderson & Joel Thorsen

Noel: Chairperson – Deaf Children Australia & Telecommunications, Utility and IT industry expert

Joel:  Online Marketing  Director – Bliss Media

On the 89th floor of Melbourne’s tallest  building, Noel and  Joel  will share their insights on Social  Media.  They have  experienced the highs  and  lows of online networking in a professional (and personal) environment. Come  and  find out what works and  what doesn’t, and  discover how Social  Media can  benefit  Deaf people at work and  study.

Auslan  interpreters and live captioning provided.

How to get  there:
Look for the entrance to Eureka Skydeck. 5 minutes walk from Flinders Street Station.
$12 parking  available  at Wilson Parking  at Eureka  Building.

How to pay: Must pay by Wednesday 6 October 2010
There are 3 different methods of payment,  choose one:
1. Pay by cash in person at Vicdeaf East  Melbourne;

2. Pay via EFT: BSB 083-184; Account no: 036474398;
Name: Victorian Deaf Society; Reference: DPN and your
surname ie: DPN Smith;

3. Pay by cheque or money order payable to Victorian Deaf
Society. Write your name on the back  of the cheque.

Register your interest to attend the Business Breakfast below:
Please send me a receipt (Tick in box if you wish to receive a receipt) Name…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Job Title……………………………………………………………

Company……………………………………………………

Postal Address……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Suburb……………………………………………………………………… State………………..

Postcode………………….

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Method of payment……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Please return  this form to Deaf Professionals Network  by fax/email  by Wednesday 6 October 2010
Fax: (03) 9473 1122 or Email: dpn@vicdeaf.com.au