Deaf artist makes his voice heard

Artist Andrew Parry currently has an exhibition of his works on show at Caddies Coffee Shop.

Lismore’s Andrew Parry was born profoundly deaf, which means it’s difficult for him to communicate in words, but his artwork speaks volumes.

Andrew went to school at the North Rocks Institute for Deaf and Blind Children in Sydney and owned his own business before moving to the North Coast, where he discovered he had a talent and deep passion for painting.

To celebrate 10 years of making art Andrew has a new exhibition, Deaf Kind of Art, on show at Caddies Coffee Shop.

“I had my own hairdressing business in Oxford Street for many years. I decided to sell the business and then wondered what to do with myself,” he wrote. “I was sitting around twiddling my thumbs when the thought occurred to me to start painting. Art! That is what I want to do! So I began…

“I have no training at all – I am totally self taught.”

Andrew’s exhibition features a mix of paintings styles, but almost all his paintings reflect his respect for the natural environment. He said he loves painting nature, and particularly flowers, because he is always so amazed at how different but how beautiful each and every flower is.

Deaf Kind of Art is now on show at Caddies Coffee Shop. It continues until April 9.