The two of us My Opportunity: Max Tobin (10/PR) Mr Jack de Lacy describes art as a “central function”My biggest opportunity has been to serve others at Stanmore aged of his identity. He is about to join the board of the care. It had, and continues to have, Corcordia Art Gallery, where his mentor, teacher the largest impact on my life. Thankfully, I took this opportunity, Ms Hannah Chapman, is curator. although at first it was for the wrong reasons: I first perceived it Mr Jack de Lacy (ON 2017) as something that had to be done to obtain my bronze Duke of What’s the most important thing you Edinburgh, my bronze service learnt from Ms Chapman? learning and thus, colours. I used to view art as a series of pretty My viewpoint has changed things that hung on walls and served no immeasurably since first walking real purpose. Ms Chapman taught me the into the red-bricked facility and significance and immediacy art can have. making personal connections with What were you trying to convey in the the patients. People like Steven, a retired doctor who I discuss music artwork you did after you suffered and the arts with; Drago, who concussion? always has the upper hand playing I had a really bad concussion playing chess, and Linda, who never fails rugby which meant I missed a lot of to make me laugh at her funny school and could no longer play contact experiences. Their stories and life sport. Having this stripped away made lessons are invaluable and never me feel like I’d lost a big part of myself. fail to enhance my perspective on a I created an installation that tried to topic or make me question my create an alienating sense of sick viewpoint entirely. “otherness.” I had lights, harsh noise Now I volunteer because it is and a hospital bed. I felt like I was trying fulfilling to give back to the to open myself up to communication, Ms Hannah Chapman and Jack de Lacy community and help out the less rehabilitation and re-engagement in the fortunate. The accolades are just a community, and my own identity. have art teachers who recognised my bi-product, not the main goal. How did you and Ms Chapman work strengths, passions and values. together when you were at Newington? This opportunity changed my world Ms Hannah Chapman in myriad ways: not only has it Ms Chapman is a great mentor who What was Jack like when you first met changed the way I perceive service, recognised my interest in art. She is him? but it has changed the way that I inspiring and insightful and fosters my carry out service. Volunteering has creativity, which is often unconventional Jack was, and still is, intelligent, curious also forced me to see the reality of and experimental. I am grateful for her and independent. He also wore a good what real life is. All too often, we help developing my ideas, and my amount of lip balm! He orientated forget how fortunate we really are. efficiency and accuracy expressing those himself with a buoyant humour. Through service, I was able to ideas. How did you feel when you first saw identify this and give back to the What do you hope to bring to the board Jack’s installation after he had suffered community. of Concordia Art Gallery? concussion? Concordia Art Gallery encourages I felt nauseous because of the soundscape students to question traditions and ideas that mimicked pacing in a hospital hallway in a way that promotes individual thought followed by an escalating heart monitor. and problem solving. Boys show work There was an uneasiness. Due to the about what they care about, rather than vulnerability Jack was revealing, at the some methodical, dogmatic or set time he said it felt as though he was curriculum of values. watching his brain shrink. This commitment to the individual, to You were a mentor to Jack. How is a developing values and free thought, as mentor different from a teacher? well as creatively engaging in the world, is something I hope to continue to foster He demonstrated an interest far beyond at the Concordia Art Gallery. the classroom so my role included introducing him to various competitions, What do you think makes a great art scholarships and opportunities. He was teacher? successful in his photographic practice Commitment to the thoughts and ideas too, winning a place at the Head On Max Tobin of individuals. I was incredibly lucky to photography competition. OPPORTUNITY| NEWS AUTUMN 2018| 7