Recently, I was invited to attend an art exhibition in Brisbane’s West End - Studio 13, to be precise. Like some, I would not classify myself as a connoisseur of the arts - suffice to say, I know what I like. And I liked this exhibition! But more about that later.

The iAM Art exhibition was the brainchild of the Women’s Legal Service of Queensland, hoping to source much-needed funding to continue their important and very necessary work.

I sat down and spoke with Phillipa Carr, a lawyer who has spent many years dispensing legal advice to women throughout Queensland, to discuss the Service and its aspirations for longevity in what is a difficult but improving economic climate.

The Women’s Legal Service is a specialist community legal centre run by women for women. It provides free legal information, advice, support and referrals throughout Queensland. And is staffed by some 100 lawyers - some paid, others impart their knowledge on a voluntary basis. The organisation does not undertake court representation.

Since its inception in 1984, the Women’s Legal Service estimates to have assisted roughly 4,000 people per year, which equates to some 100,000 in the 25 years that the organisation has been in existence. These are impressive numbers but sadly, not one to celebrate, given the fact that many callers are usually the victims of domestic violence or some other kind of abuse.

Based in Annerley, on Brisbane’s south side, the office has enough funding to man two phone lines. Clients seeking advice are encouraged to be patient and continually hit the ‘redial’ button if they wish to speak with a lawyer. Such is the desperation of some callers that often the long wait is not such an inconvenience.

The lack of funding is a major obstacle to providing a service that is in great demand. If you would able to help, and wish to know more about the Women’s Legal Service of Queensland, I encourage you to visit: www.wlsq.org.au

The iAM Art exhibition itself featured both established and up-and-coming artists such as Karla Marchesi, a graduate of the Queensland College of Art; Wendy Sharpe, Archibald Prize winner whose exhibits hang at the Australian Embassy in Paris; and Elizabeth Lamont, whose charcoal piece ‘Costume and memory (innocence)’ depicting two toddler’s gowns, in my opinion, was the showpiece of the exhibition.

The exhibition raised more than $16 000; an excellent outcome for a first-time effort.

On the day of my visit to Studio 13, a young musician - Shadi Toloui-Wallace - was performing songs from her album ‘Leather Bound Book’; well worth a listen if you ever come across this singer/songwriter around Brisbane’s burgeoning entertainment precincts.

Herve

In one of her most recent, in a long list of stellar (if you pardon the pun) performances, Rachael undertakes the journey that is Blanche DuBois in Francois Klaus’ adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ immortal classic – A Streetcar Named Desire.

This artist who describes the stage as her ‘home’, is indeed a talent to behold.

The decision to dance for herself rather than aspire to the expectations of a profession was the catalyst for growth and ultimate self-belief.

According to the artist herself, “I think it was in a performance of Giselle when I first felt that. It was a big role … I was so nervous about it … and that’s when I knew it was actually right for me to be here.”

For the uninitiated, the role of Giselle is cavorted by ballerinas worldwide because it demands a technique bordering on perfection, astonishing grace and a great sense for the theatrical.

You will, of course, be familiar with the name Michael Jordan. His many feats, much documented, were often displayed whilst encapsulated within the so-called ‘zone’ of athletic prowess. It was this imagery of perfection that entered my mind as I listened to Rachel describe dance as the ability to reveal the drama of many lives lived in one lifetime.

Where there is great risk, more often than not, there is also great reward.

The risk for a dancer who strives for perfection, is invariably, injury. Injuries are often the precursor to surgery followed by months of rehabilitation.

Rachael has not been immune. But then there is a moment, and that moment may be fleeting, when an artist understands the significance of the spotlight and that it is shining on them for a reason.

At the conclusion of our interview I asked Rachel to finish this sentence … It’s all about me, it’s my time to … to which she responded ‘be real’. ‘To be even more brave in life … to be really ugly as well as portray something beautiful in life … being really honest … be honest on stage … that’s my goal”.

Rachael is currently touring A Midsummer Night’s Dream throughout regional Queensland, playing the lead role of Titania/Hippolyta.
For more details please visit www.queenslandballet.com.au