Reading Pieces

Later Donald began to learn how to paint. He held an exhibition of his work in conjunction with the Deaf Association and the Blind Foundation.

As Donald's sight deteriorated he began working with clay, at Risingholm Community Centre in Christchurch.
In 1994 he visited sculptor, Bon Suter in Christchurch. He established a friendship with her. Bon began to tutor Donald in her back garden in stone carving. Then with consent from the Christchurch City Council the South Brighton Sculpture Park was set up in Marine Parade, opposite Bon's house.

Donald was the inspiration for the Te Pani Sculpture House, in Seaview Road, Brighton. Te Pani grew out of a need for a venue and focus for sculpturing. He is currently the Trust's artist in residence.

Donald went to Auckland initially, to be trained to work with his first guide dog Lobo, in 1990. Further training then continued in Christchurch. Lobo, a retriever cross was retired three years ago due to arthritis. He was unable to jump in and out of the car any more. Donald refused to be parted with Lobo when he was retired and he still lives with him today.

Harry, also a retriever cross, is Donald's second guide dog. He has been serving Donald for three years. Donald can tell the two dogs apart by feel.


For optimum communication Donald uses deafblind communicator Maree Bone. Maree uses hand over hand communication with him. Donald uses New Zealand Sign Language to communicate what he wants to say.

 

Glossary

arthritis -Inflammation of the joints of the body with pain and stiffness

commissioned -van Asch Deaf Education Centre placed an order with Donald Gibson to make the sculpture for the school jubilee

confirmed -To prove to be true

continued -Remained, stayed

demolished -To tear down or break up

depicts -To show something

deteriorated -Became worse

due to -Because of

enable -To make something possible or easy

initially -In the beginning

inspiration -A person who causes some special activity to happen

jubilee -A special anniversary, for example 25th, 50th or 125th, etc

optimum -Most favourable or advantageous

plinth -A rectangular block that forms the base of the sculpture

retired -At a certain age, usually 65 years, give up paid work

sculptor -An artist who makes a 3D carving.

sculpture -To make a 3D work of art, especially by carving

serving -Helping

tutor -Teacher

venue -A place

Making the Sculpture

	First, Donald made a small clay model of the sculpture		Second, he sawed a piece of stone into the basic shape.
	Third, he used a scutch hammer to hit big chunks of rock away.		Fourth, he used a chisel to cut away little bits.
	Fifth, he used a rasp to smooth off rough bits.		Last, he used sandpaper to smooth off the surface.