Dave Guhl is a young man with Down syndrome, and you, like most people, have an idea what that means: a chromosome error resulting in disability. You will hear phrases of explanation such as 'intellectual deficit' used to describe the disability. True, Dave would receive a minus for academic studies and a plus for human relations. Dave and those like him prove how limiting a culture is to measure a person by their IQ.
Dave Gulh is an accomplished multi-award winning artist. Through that medium and talent he is blazing the way for artists with disabilities, giving leadership and creating pathways for others to take the leap into the mainstream exhibition arena.
Dave's work is colourful and vibrant. His use of bold brush stokes and colour gives depth to his unique view and interpretation of his world. Dave's work has a knack of engaging people. His first solo exhibition 'truly madly delightful' held at the Perth Town Hall in 2008, presented some 26 canvases. 23 sold within the first hour and all were sold by the end of the exhibition, with work being commissioned from those who missed out on a particular piece.
Since first exhibiting in 2001, Dave has been recognised with six awards from a mix of public exhibitions. His work hangs in a number of public buildings including: Town of Vincent Collection, City of Perth Council Collection, The WA Office of Legal Aid, WA Disability Services Commission, The Uniting Care Association, Foundation Housing Limited, People With Disability WA Inc.
His additional artistic endeavors include work with the celebrated Sete Tele in dance performance, notaby their performance at PICA's 'Putting on an Act' in July 2008 being selected for the Final Presentation. Critic Jonathon Marshall in the National Arts publication 'Real Time', wrote 'The real masterpiece of Putting on an Act week-long presentation of individual work, was that of dance maker Sete Tele with the Get Downers'. He goes on to say he 'hopes the 2009 program will present such gems'. Dave has a long association performing with DADAA (Disability in the Arts Disadvantage in the Arts Australia). His Art work was used as a moving backdrop for their dance production 'Breathe' in Putting on an Act at PICA in 2007.
Dave is a member of Artsource and Strut Dance. Dave lives in his small apartment in Perth and spends weekends with his family. He has a part time job car cleaning, plays golf and swims when he is able. Above all Dave loves painting and being known as an artist.
PREPARED FOR DISABILITY & THE ARTS INCLUSION INITIATIVE GRANT - The Three Daves - by Jenny Guhl
My name is David Guhl. Like Dave best suits my style. My sister Lise said "Dave you are no Hugh Jackman." The parents said "More the Danny Devito type." They said "Short guys have always boxed above their weight, like Napoleon and Stalin." My Mum said “Alan Ladd”. Lise said "There’s Michael Fox." I left them to it. Who are these guys? And you can count me out on any boxing…....it’s all a puzzle!
Life can be a puzzle, like that TV add. There’s this guy going crazy because he had some ice. Ice? I could be in the Carillon having a coke with ice, like I do on Saturday, and suddenly I am on the ground with huge blokes rolling on top of me. It’s a worry! "Dave" said the Home Care, "Ice is a drug. It’s not the ice in your drink, and they are different". See what I mean? My life can be a puzzle and I have to keep on top of it.
I live in an Apartment in Wellington St Perth. I have my Home Care team to support me. I love them all dearly, well, most of the time. Lately they have taken to hiding my razor. Say I am making a mess of shaving. I have trouble around the mouth. They say wait for us so we can advise. Well, I like to try on my own. I found the razor in the biscuit tin, then they put it in the dryer.
The parents say I am an A type typical male. I spend my weekends with them so we can keep an eye on each other. They are on an ageing spree at the moment and say the spree is gaining momentum fast.
Yesterday my friend Bernie said "Dave do you want to do horse riding with Kira in September?" Sure, I would like that. When, what day? Thursday is free but it means your morning sleep-in is a goner.
Thursday I am “At Home”. The parents come for afternoon tea. Young Meg and darling Judy may call. I go to the bank for housekeeping money and have a lie in. I need it because on Wednesday I catch the train and bus to Kira for a morning swim, and in the afternoon I am working hard on my paintings for my solo exhibition in March.
In the evening Home Care look me over, smarten me up. I am off to Hyde Park Hotel dance. I go each Wednesday with Jenny. We never miss a dance. My friend Marlene picks us up and drops us home. Marlene looks me over too. She hasn’t recovered from the night the elastic in my pants went, on the dance floor!
It’s a great day, but zonked on Thursday. But I would like to tackle the horse riding. I am considering the situation. There is my job too. Tuesday and Friday with Intework. I am in the car cleaning business, all great guys. I liked my pay in an envelope best;. I could splash out on a coke and a roll on the way home. Now they put it in the bank.
Friday night Bernie and I, often my friend Nick, go out for dinner. Bern knows all the good food stalls. Then we do something, like a dance in Fremantle, or a film, or a long walk in the park or by the river. Bern is my long time friend. He is the best.
Saturday a sleep in, then into town. For lunch I coast around the Carillon food hall and find something I feel like. They all say “Hi Dave what’s on today?”......Later a bus to the family home. Parents are waiting, and we all have a decent cuddle, watch the Bill, talk about the week’s doings. Like DADAA. We are making a film. I am a member of the DADAAWA dance team. We put on top shows at places like PICA and the Murray Street Arts Centre. Sete and Rachel, our dance teachers, said the film is being edited and they will put it in some competition. Bern takes me to rehearsals on Monday night in Fremantle. He said it’s alright for me cavorting around the dance floor. He keeps dodging parking tickets. Actually he has only got one.
I love painting, I love dancing and going out, being part of my world. Sometimes I am sad. I worry about the parents and this aging spree they are on. There are some things I need help with and some things I don’t. I wish people would know which. I have dreams, fears and longings too.
The parents say I have given them the roller coaster ride of their life, and they wouldn’t have missed it for all the worlds in the universe........having a son with Down syndrome........called Dave.
he would present in like manner.
Dave’s life presents ongoing stories and new challenges.
