Artist: Kody Bothwell showing off his 2023 calendar.
Ask artist Kody Bothwell what makes good art, and he will tell you it is made from the heart.
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The 21-year-old Shepparton artist and entrepreneur creates wonderful works from almost anything across his 17 art mediums.
Kody, who is legally blind and has neurofibromatosis, says his art proves that a great mindset means opportunities are boundless.
“You are going to have to overcome barriers in your life, but there are ways around it — when you put your mind to it, anything is achievable,” Kody says.
Inspiring and supporting others is a big part of his life. He is a member of Greater Shepparton City Council’s Disability Advisory Committee and passes on his skills to others at art workshops around the Goulburn Valley.
“I do a lot of art. I love animals and so that inspires me, scenery art is also good, and poems and music can also inspire me — I love music from the 80s,” Kody says.
With such an array of mediums at his disposal, Kody has established his own business. KB’s Art and Design has already been commissioned for several works across the country, but his push into calendar creation has started to gather momentum.
His 2023 calendars have arrived, and he is keen to get the message out.
The calendars reveal so many of Kody’s talents. From the use of fibre and tissue, to recycled art and works developed through a love of poetry, there is an eclectic mix of mediums to highlight his wonderful abilities.
The NDIS and Intereach have been integral in supporting Kody, as has his art teacher Julia Thomas. Support through SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) enabled Kody to connect with WDEA Works to progress his business initiative.
Inspirational: Kody Bothwell going through his calendar.
“The support of Intereach and NDIS has been massive,” Kody says.
“I have had so many people around me to support me, which has been amazing, including the great team at WDEA Works. It has allowed me to grow my confidence and set some really high goals.
“The word is starting to spread about my artworks.”
So, if it is anything to do with art — with the exception of sewing — Kody is willing to give it a shot.
“I love art and everything I create is from the heart. It is something that you can touch, feel and cherish for ever,” he says.
To get your calendar or to follow up with Kody about commission pieces or his next workshop, contact him at kbartanddesign@hotmail.com
His works are also featured on his socials: @kb’sArtandDesign (Facebook) and @kbs_art_and_design (Instagram).
Intereach has 17 offices across southern NSW, north/central Victoria and the Mallee, with more than 460 staff.
The organisation supports children and families, older people, people living with disability, mental health and carers.
If you, or someone you know, needs support you can contact the Intereach team on the toll-free number 1300 488 226, or go to www.intereach.com.au
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