From 1^st May 2018 art-lovers across Australia will once again have the opportunity to get their hands on a beautiful collection of original masterpieces by Australian artists, when Art for Epilepsy opens for bidding.

Now in its third year, Art for Epilepsy is an online art auction that sees artists from around the country donate original works that incorporate the colour purple – the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy awareness – with all proceeds going to support the work of Epilepsy Action Australia. Donated pieces come from a broad spectrum of visual art disciplines, and include intricate illustrations, detailed portraits, enormous abstracts, eye-catching photography and even some examples of digital art.

While for some artists embracing the colour purple may be challenging, for Art for Epilepsy’s 2018 Ambassador, world-renowned Melbourne abstract artist Kirsten Jackson, it felt completely natural.

“I adore bright colours in my work,” explained Kirsten, “I can’t bear to produce anything that’s dull or understated! I’m known for my vibrant, colourful designs, so incorporating some purple into the piece I’m donating was easy.”

Kirsten, who is participating in Art for Epilepsy in honour of her late sister-in-law who had epilepsy, is excited to be involved in this year’s auction, saying, “Art for Epilepsy is a wonderful way to shine a spotlight on epilepsy, and to help raise funds for the valuable programs and services offered by Epilepsy Action.”

Carol Ireland, CEO of Epilepsy Action, said, “There are currently around 250,000 people with epilepsy in Australia who are in need of specialist services. Our mission is to enable people living with epilepsy to unlock their true potential, manage their condition more effectively, and to ultimately lead happier lives. Art for Epilepsy plays an important role in helping us to raise enough funds to be able to continue doing that effectively.”

Epilepsy Action is the largest provider of education and support services to children and adults with epilepsy across Australia. Funds raised from Art for Epilepsy will go towards supporting vital and life changing programs including Ted-E-Bear Connection, MyEpilepsyKey and the Epilepsy Action Online Academy.

The first two Art for Epilepsy auctions raised a combined $80,000 for Epilepsy Action, and the organisation hopes that this year will be the biggest and best yet.

“We are amazed at the magnificent pieces being donated by these fabulous artists,” continued Carol, “the collection has to be seen to be believed. This year we have more artists involved and more artworks available for auction than ever before, with pieces starting from $50, right up to many thousands of dollars. For art-lovers across Australia, it’s an opportunity not to be missed!”

The auction site www.ArtForEpilepsy.com.au is accepting pre-registration from interested bidders now and will open for bidding at 9am on Tuesday 1^st May 2018. Bidding will close at 9pm on Thursday 31^st May 2018.

WHAT:                 Art for Epilepsy online art auction

WHY:                    Raising funds for life-changing programs and services for people with epilepsy

WHEN:                 Opens 9am 1^st May 2018, closes 9pm 31^st May 2018

WHERE:               Online at www.ArtForEpilepsy.com.au

 

Kirsten Jackson
Art for Epilepsy 2018 Ambassador

Melbourne

A passionate artist since childhood, Melbourne based artist, Kirsten Jackson, studied Visual Arts at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and has gone on to have a flourishing and fulfilling art career.

For the last 18 years Kirsten has worked as a professional artist, concentrating predominantly on abstraction. Her career has followed an impressive upward trajectory, collecting a notable array of Australian art awards and highly commended prizes along the way.

Kirsten holds six international shows each year, with sell-out shows in London, New York, Brussels, Hong Kong, Hamburg and Stockholm. She is a prolific artist and creates hundreds of new pieces each year.

Kirsten works out of her Bayside (Melbourne) studio, where she lives with her husband and two teenagers. She is participating in Art for Epilepsy in honour of her late sister-in-law, who had epilepsy.

 

About Epilepsy

• Epilepsy is the world’s most common serious brain condition. Almost 65 million people worldwide are currently living with epilepsy.
• In Australia, it is estimated that around 250,000 Australians are living with epilepsy, and approximately 800,000 Australians will experience epilepsy during their lifetimes.
• Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that can affect anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender, culture or background.
• Epilepsy can seriously affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their work, relationships, education and financial security, to their physical and mental health. Epilepsy can also have a significant impact on family members.
• There are many different types of seizures associated with epilepsy, from altered awareness, perception, sensation and/or behavior, through to full loss of consciousness with convulsions. Some seizures may be mistaken for daydreaming or ‘zoning out’, or even intoxication.

About Epilepsy Action Australia

Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) is the largest provider of education and support services to children and adults with epilepsy across Australia. Our vision is optimal living for people with epilepsy and our team of highly qualified registered nurses and educators is equipped with a rich base of technical expertise, built up during six decades of services to the community.

 

How to contact Epilepsy Action Australia

• 1300 EPILEPSY (37 45 37) for the cost of a local call
• Email: epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au
• Website: www.epilepsy.org.au
• National Office: Suite 8, 44-46 Oxford Street, Epping NSW 2121
• Epilepsy Action Australia page on https://www.facebook.com/epilepsyactionaustralia/