Luke’s Team
Sudheera Dissanayake
Sud is a professional artist from Western Sydney, going by the moniker of ‘sudjuice’, Sudheera’s art is influenced by Buddhist theories and transcendental experiences. Abstractly inclined, Sudheera often employs bold brushstrokes and poignant tableaux in an expressionistic manner. Sudheera has been developing his body of work for over a decade.
In tandem, Sudheera is a committed teacher who is capable of connecting with students from all walks of life. Sudheera currently works, teaching art at Sydney Art School and facilitates through NDIS registered provider, Studio ARTES.
Sud has been acting as facilitator for Luke over the last few years.
For more information, please see Sud’s:
Zachariah Fenn
Zachariah Fenn is an emerging artist based in Sydney, with an adaptive multi-disciplinary art practice. Zachariah’s responsive approach to art-making is heavily influenced by the visual stimuli that surround his day-to-day movements through the urban environment. Zachariah studied Sculpture, Performance and Installation at UNSW Art & Design, graduating with a BFA (Honours) in 2015. In the last decade, Zachariah has featured in numerous group exhibitions, in galleries such as Gosford Regional Gallery, Kudos Gallery, Gaffa Gallery and ARO Gallery. Zachariah is establishing his art career through private commissions, art installing and as an Art Facilitator supporting Artists living with Disability.
Zac has been acting as facilitator for Luke for many years.
For more information, please see Zac’s:
Catherine Thickett
Catherine Thickett is a performance and installation artist living and working in Sydney Australia. Upon completion of her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) Degree through UNSW School of Art & Design, her passion diverged, developing her own practice which primarily explores individual experience through the scope of personal mental health, with a strong focus on accessible outcomes, but also exploring facilitation of artists living with disabilities. From 2016 - 2022, Catherine worked initially as an art facilitator then art coordinator for Studio ARTES, the not-for-profit organisation through which Luke has received artistic facilitation for numerous years.
Within the last decade, Catherine has exhibited works at galleries including Monstermouse, A&D space, Randwick eco park, 107 Projects & White Rhino Art Space.
Most recently, she has moved to working independently and now acts as a facilitator for Luke’s artistic practice.
Disruptive Media Productions
Distuptive Media Productions focusses on the creation of high-quality, thought-provoking and affordable films. Their goal is to capture exactly what makes you unique in an engaging and evocative way. With 20 years of collective experience in creating films and videos, their vision and technique have been honed to the point where each member of their team is ready to approach your project from brave new angles.
With an intimate knowledge of Luke’s character and artistic practice, the team at Disruptive Media Productions have and continue to be integral in documenting Luke’s career.
Alana Bain
Alana is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist who has been practicing for over 15 years. Since studying at the University of Sydney, Alana has worked in hospitals, not for profit organisations, schools and in private practice. Alana specialises in the assessment and management of complex communication needs, with particular expertise in high tech and low tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) options. Alana’s strength is in her family centred approach and rapport with clients. She is passionate about working with children and adults with disabilities, supporting them to maximise their communication potential.
Alana has presented at various conferences including AGOSCI and ARATA. She is committed to professional development, ensuring she is up to date with current evidence based practice.
In her spare time Alana enjoys spending time with her family (which usually means being at the skate park with her two young boys) and cooking.
(image and information provided courtesy of Alana Bain and Skyward Speech Pathology)
For more information, please see Skyward Speech Pathology’s:
Izumi Nago of Musical Between - Inclusive Music Centre
Musical Between provides music therapy, art therapy and art based community programs in a warm and homely environment.
Izumi has worked with Luke for numerous years and has been instrumental in assisting Luke to develop alternate methods of expression and communication within a creative and deeply understanding environment.
Additionally, Izumi has worked as a collaborator to Luke in the past, composing pieces which inspire Luke’s movement and ultimately the physical outcome of the piece. This can be seen in the work Ebony & Ivory.
A note from Jill & Luke: ‘It’s a great place that is so warm and welcoming with a variety of activities. The therapists are highly qualified with many many years of experience. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in a fun relaxed way regardless of their musical skill level. There are so many unexpected benefits ranging from un-leashing your inner musical self to non-verbal communication to pure enjoyment and self-expression. It is great for helping non verbal people communicate regardless of their disability. …’
For more information, please see Musical Betweens:
Additionally, for exceptional, ongoing service, Studio Abdallah would like to thank: