Creation builds pride, purpose and peace
Malcolm Pateman shares his work with the Minister for Disability Services, Warren Pitt.
A magnificent model boat meticulously constructed over two years represents both the exceptional talent and intense personal experience of Sunshine Coast artist, Malcolm Pateman.
Despite having no expertise in model building and not knowing "one end of a boat from the other", Malcolm created an historically accurate replica of a Spanish galleon from more than 36 000 matchsticks. The model measures around 2.4 metres long and 1.8 metres tall.
What makes the artwork even more extraordinary is that its creator did not use a kit or any other model in its construction. Malcolm was guided simply by a picture he "tore out of a book".
Malcolm, who has schizophrenia, embarked on the boat-building project at a time in his life when he was finding things pretty tough.
"Dealing with mental illness has never been easy for me," Malcolm said.
"I have learn't that self-pity is unhealthy." Malcolm began the project in his caravan, later moving it to the premises of Discovery , a non-government organisation that supports people with mental illness, when the ship began to outgrow his workspace.
Malcolm's magnificent boat.
As his model grew , so did Malcolm's self-confidence. He gradually started talking to other Discovery program participants and staff and as a result has made many friends. Acting Coordinator of Discovery , Jack Ellison, said that building the model seemed to be Malcolm's way of finding peace i n the chaos of psychotic illness.
"There seemed to be some kind of parallel between the construction of the model and Malcolm's 'recovery' from his illness," he said. Malcolm agrees.
"I never doubted I could build the boat," he said. "In fact, during the time I was building it I often felt I could do anything. It is one of my proudest achievements."Last updated November 2007