When Nepalese graphic artist and filmmaker, Prajdnik Awasthi, responded to a post looking for a volunteer in Canberra with an interest in art, he had no idea he would be paired with former Trade Commissioner to New York and avid art collector, John Bush.
Prajdnik, 30, who migrated to Australia seven years ago to study art, put his hand up eager to contribute and give back to his new hometown by helping an older person.
Instead, he quickly worked out he was getting mentored.
John, 91, and Trade Commissioner to New York in the 1980s, lives independently at Bruce with the support of HammondCare At Home.
John has taken Prajdnik into his world of visiting the latest Canberra exhibitions, collecting intriguing works and reading about new artists and trends.
“Every time we get together, he shows me around, often art exhibitions. He introduces me to people – it’s great,” Prajdnik said.
“He even gives me feedback on my own art. He’s very sweet with it.”
John said he looks forward to his time on a Saturday with Prajdnik. He believes Prajdnik is talented but counsels he should “widen” his talent beyond digital art. John prefers more traditional oil-based works.
“I want to encourage Prajdnik to not just look at digital art but to look at the broader perspective of art in the galleries.
“I am not particularly interested in digital art, but I think he’s quite gifted and talented, he’s a graduate of the ANU School of Art.”
One of John’s preferred spots is the Beaver Galleries at Deakin where the two visited on February 25 looking at contemporary works by Alex Asch, Graeme Drendel, and Graham Fransella.
Nancy Sever Gallery in Civic is another favourite. Among artists he is watching now is Tim Johnson, whose works he said explore spiritual connections between cultures. “His works have doubled in value in recent times,” John said.
For Prajdnik, the opportunity to spend time with John helps fill an emotional void he feels being so far from family in Nepal. He’s also learning more about the city by spending time with a long-term local.
“Through this volunteer role, John is helping me learn more about Canberra and I am getting out more,” Prajdnik said.
The advertisement placed on Volunteers.com.au by home care provider HammondCare At Home, was straightforward: “Community visitor volunteer with an interest in Art, Bruce ACT”.
HammondCare At Home Canberra volunteer coordinator Sarah Hill received six expressions of interest in the role. Sarah worked with John to discuss the enquiries and they made the call to go ahead with Prajdnik.
HammondCare has 29 volunteers working with home care clients around Canberra, part of a 750-volunteer contingent in NSW, Victoria and the ACT working in residential aged care, hospitals and community home care. Volunteer numbers are still down on pre-COVID numbers.
In the ACT, HammondCare is looking to hear from people keen to volunteer in social/visitor and pastoral care roles.
Elsewhere, HammondCare is searching for volunteers including musicians or singers, gentle hand massagers, flower arrangers, pastoral care, lolly trolley operators, and volunteers with pets. Other ways volunteers can help include driving a small minibus, assisting with exercise, or cooking classes and arts and crafts.
HammondCare head of volunteer services, Belinda Holst, said volunteers can get as much out of the volunteering experience as the client they are spending time with.
“The myth about volunteering is that it’s all about the client you’re visiting, and they are the person who will gain the most,” Ms Holst said.
As well as the sense of purpose from giving back, Ms Holst said volunteers report an improvement in self-esteem and confidence. Volunteering can lead to new skills, combat stress, and assist with social isolation and meeting new people.
For more information about joining HammondCare as a volunteer, visit www.hammond.com.au/volunteer or call 1800 793399.
