“I love being an artist and selling my artwork.”
Image: Saffron is wearing a pink dress and has short blonde hair. She is holding up two cards with her art on them.
Saffron, 19, has always had a passion for art. She joined the Life Without Barriers Community Lifestyle Program while at school in 2020, and upon completing school in 2023, she transitioned to 20 hours a week to hone her artistic skills.
With the encouragement and resources offered by Life Without Barriers, Saffron was able to transform her passion into a more serious creative pursuit. This led to the creation of ‘Art by Saffron,' a platform to showcase her artistic talents.
Inspired by her namesake, Saffron designed her own logo for Art by Saffron and with the help of her Disability Support Worker, Luna Quattrocchi, Saffron launched a Facebook page to display her artwork. Over time, she has taken full ownership of the page, managing and updating it independently, which has played a crucial role in her personal and artistic growth.
“I love being an artist and selling my artwork.” Saffron shared.
Saffron enjoys experimenting with all mediums of art and carefully plans her pieces in advance. Initially, she drew inspiration from photo layouts, but now she enjoys a more free-flowing approach to creating colourful scenes.
When she began her art journey, Saffron drew inspiration from the surrounding beauty of Norfolk Island. Now a more confident artist, she has expanded her range and explores new themes through art classes, drawing and painting.
Image: Saffron is wearing a pink dress and has short blonde hair. She is standing in front of a table with her art.
Her growth as an artist has not only been about developing her technique but also gaining confidence in expressing herself. Saffron uses a variety of recycled materials and mediums to create unique items such as cards, stickers, upcycled mint tins, and even ‘magic’ mugs. She collaborates with other neurodivergent artists and has worked on a short film project, showing her ability to connect and collaborate with others in the creative space.
"We provide the resources to support Saffron, but ultimately, she leads the way in determining her own path." Natalie Christian, Program Manager at Life Without Barriers, said.
As Saffron’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit evolved, she had a memorable experience while selling her handmade cards. A customer’s request to view her art gallery sparked the idea for a pop-up gallery, which quickly blossomed into 'Art from the Heart.’
To add meaning to the project, Saffron and Luna invited the Life Without Barriers community to participate in a naming competition. Staff and participants submitted suggestions, and after a vote, the name and logo were chosen, making the gallery a true community-driven initiative.
Art from the Heart became a space for Saffron to share her work with the Life Without Barriers community, offering them a supportive setting to experience and appreciate art. Saffron expanded the initiative by hosting an art exhibition, inviting family and community members to celebrate her work. The event was a success, providing Saffron with the opportunity to showcase her artistic talent to a wider audience.
Saffron’s artistic development has also led to financial independence. She has learned to manage various aspects of running a business, such as setting up payment portals, conducting stocktakes, handling money, and managing income versus expenditure. She has even adapted to challenges when things don’t go as planned, like when some of her art mugs didn’t turn out as expected, she creatively branded them Perfectly Imperfect demonstrating her resilience and entrepreneurial mindset.
Throughout her time in the program, Saffron’s growth and empowerment have been evident. With the support of her community, she has developed her art practice and gained the confidence to share her work with the world. Her story demonstrates how the right environment can help individuals pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
“Saffron’s now well known within our community, with people regularly sharing how much her online art posts brighten their day,” said Luna.
She regularly attends events like open gallery exhibitions, Art in the Park, and night markets, further sharing her artwork with the wider community.
Saffron’s journey is a beautiful example of the power of community, self-determination, and the pursuit of creative passions. Her story highlights how the right support and environment can enable individuals to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Image: Saffron is holding up small tins with her art on them and smiling at the camera.
If you’re visiting Norfolk Island, you can purchase Saffron’s artwork at the Tourist Information Centre, Prinke, The Olive, Franks Shoe Shop, Rabbit’s Bikes and Brew and the Art in the Heart Gallery, at the Life Without Barriers Office.
For the latest pieces or to enquire about purchasing artwork, visit her Facebook page or email her at artbysaffronnorfolkisland@gmail.com.
The Community Lifestyle Program is designed to provide support and opportunities that help individuals engage meaningfully with their communities.
