What is RSL Life Care? Find out
Marek-Zayler-Resident-artist-PBVCG | RSL LifeCare - provide care and service to war veterans, retirement villages and accommodation, aged care services and assisted living
February 23, 2021

Resident artist launches website to promote his work

We would like to congratulate our resident artist at Patrick Bugden VC Gardens Aged Care, Marek Zayler, on the launch of a website to promote his work.

little miracles happen in these places, in our homes”

Marek is known for his tireless efforts in encouraging the pursuit of art at the home. Prior to this, Marek was at a nursing home where it was not practicable for him to paint. In his 5 years as resident artist, he has not only pursued art for himself but sought to foster passionate artistic connection in others.

Lovingly referred to as “the ideas man”, Marek approached Willem, Residential Care Manager, to offer up his services as Curator of the home’s art gallery. In the last few months, Marek has coordinated exhibitions at Ballina and Lismore homes as well.

Marek was also the “ideas man” behind an Intergenerational Exchange Portraiture Exhibition in which residents from the home collaborated with Year 9 & 10 students from Byron Bay High School to showcase work from a 4-week art therapy program. The initiative was hugely successful and resulted in ongoing programs.  Outside of RSL LifeCare, Marek has also exhibited his art in a gallery located in Brunswick Heads in Victoria and sold 70 paintings in a 10-year time period.

Marek began his artistic journey at 50 years old when a friend saw him, as Marek describes it, “fiddling around with a pencil” and suggested he take up art. Prior to this, Marek was an artist of a different kind – he directed theatre, enjoyed writing and made some films. On this new journey, Marek started with charcoal on paper, then did oils for 12 years and has been doing acrylics on canvas for the last 3-4 years and it is these which are featured on his website. Initially Marek said he thought art was something he couldn’t do, but he soon found that abstract art could be freeing.

“First it seems like an unrecogisable mess but out of the mess, I start a line, a colour, and then it starts to happen.”

Marek says “My favourite colours are orange and red. I even have a bright orange wheelchair. Art expresses my inner feelings. I love the energy of colour.”

the ideas man

It’s a pleasure to hear Marek talk about the impact art has had on him, his life and the people he has interacted with.

“I paint because I need to. It is the only place I give myself permission to let go. A painter is a person who paints. Start the process. No preconceptions. And let it evolve.

Too many people inhibit themselves by desiring an outcome too much. I soon know when I start to contrive. It does not feel real.

It does not matter what the painting looks like to begin with. If I trust and keep going gradually it reveals itself. A shape a line a curve. It’s very much intuitive instinctive. I run my hand over the colours and know which one to use.

First it seems like an unrecogisable mess but out of the mess, I start a line, a colour, and then it starts to happen.

A colour may be beautiful but if it does not resonate with the rest it has to go. It’s like composing a piece of music. The more you can shut out the voice of the intellect the clearer the tune.

There are no titles. People look for them in the picture. This way you are free to see what you will. I am learning about letting go and not be afraid. That way the pictures are as honest as I can make them.”

Marek shares that the person who created his website for him was a visitor to the home whose mother was passing away and that she promotes his work as a gesture of thanks for the support he gave her. Marek remarks that “little miracles happen in these places, in our homes” and that art for him really has been a “blessing”.

We congratulate Marek on this exciting chapter of his life. You can see his work and find out more at his website: https://marekzayler.com/

Marek Zayler, Resident Artist, Patrick Bugden VC Gardens, Feb 2021

Blog Posts

Help for Vets in Need

Veterans’ Services

Find out more

Latest News

array(2) { [0]=> int(175) [1]=> int(41) }
Alan Buxton

Meet Alan Buxton – RSL LifeCare resident and World War II veteran

103-year-old RSL LifeCare resident Alan Buxton has led a life of courage and service. His father served in World War I, and Alan followed in...

Read more
international womens day

Message from our CEO celebrating International Women’s Day

Good morning everyone, Today, on International Women's Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by the incredible women of RSL LifeCare and...

Read more

State-of-the-art Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre now open to veterans and their families

RSL LifeCare has officially opened its purpose built, state-of-the-art facility to permanently house the Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre, providing an expanded range of health and...

Read more

RSL LifeCare’s Response to Federal Budget

RSL LifeCare has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment in additional support and funding across Aged Care and Veterans’ Services as part of the October 2022...

Read more

RSL LifeCare welcomes new CEO

Media Release 21 September 2022 RSL LifeCare has welcomed a new CEO this week, with the appointment of experienced and entrepreneurial business leader, Janet Muir. ...

Read more

Fee-free certified training for veterans or their partners across NSW with JobTrainer

In collaboration with Training Services NSW through their JobTrainer program, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services is providing access to four certification programs across hospitality, business, leadership...

Read more

Access to fee-free certified training with the JobTrainer pilot program

In collaboration with Training Services NSW through their JobTrainer program, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services are piloting access to three certification programs across business, leadership and...

Read more

Lakes of Cherrybrook

As a part-owner of ‘Lakes of Cherrybrook,’ RSL LifeCare is aware of some building and maintenance issues raised by a small number of Strata owners...

Read more
Wal Williams OAM, ANZAC Commemorative Service, 21st April 2022.

Vale Walter Williams OAM

RSL LifeCare staff and residents alike have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long - time ANZAC Village resident and respected RSL...

Read more

Giving our nurses a voice to lead

Today, on International Nurses Day (IND) we shine a light on our nursing staff and their vital work. Our nurses are a core part of RSL...

Read more

Hugh Cunningham Gardens welcomes Australian Defence Force support

RSL LifeCare has welcomed the support of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel at Hugh Cunningham Gardens residential aged care home at Tura Beach.  The 15-person...

Read more

Construction Begins on Permanent Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre

Construction has begun on a new purpose built, state-of-the-art facility to permanently house the Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre, providing an expanded range of health and...

Read more

Download a brochure

We'll never share your email address and you can opt out at any time, we promise

Career Application Single

  • Accepted file types: docx, doc, pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Veteran Services

Are you ready to explore a new operations role with extra benefits?

Take your career in a new direction RSL LifeCare.

Search for an operations role at an RSL LifeCare Residential Aged Care facility in the Southern NSW region. Take a look at all our current positions here.

1. 100% funding on participating certifications

Undertake a participating certification through the RSL LifeCare Earn and Learn Incentive Program1 and you could be eligible to have your learning fully funded.

2. Cash bonus of up to $1000 (less income tax).

Through the RSL LifeCare Sign-on Bonus, you could be eligible for two split payments of $500 (less income tax), when you start a new role with us.

Contact Homes for Heroes today