
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/

Blog Posts

11 Nov 2023
Positive impact of Intergenerational Relationships
The power of intergenerational relationships has been demonstrated on ABC’s Old People’s Home for Teenagers, featuring residents from RSL...

11 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare secures $1.7 million funding to establish Central Coast Veteran and Family Hub and $243,000 for a centre at Bardia Barracks
RSL LifeCare has received $1.7 million in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants One-Off Program to establish...

11 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare awarded $520,341 in government funding to enhance Veteran wellbeing services in Riverina
RSL LifeCare has secured $520,341 in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veterans Wellbeing Grants One-Off program that will be...

11 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare hosts the inaugural Poppy Ball aboard HMAS Adelaide (III)
The inaugural Poppy Ball was held in Sydney on Saturday 11 November 2023 aboard the HMAS Adelaide (III). The...

9 Sep 2023
RSL LifeCare announces plans for new Veteran Wellbeing Centre in Dee Why
RSL LifeCare is set to extend its crucial service delivery for local veterans and their families with the opening...

9 Sep 2023
RSL LifeCare Nowra Community Unveils Visionary Expansion, Elevating Retirement Living to New Heights
RSL LifeCare has today announced Stage 2 release of its Dumaresq Retirement Village at RSL LifeCare Nowra Community. The...

8 Aug 2023
Federal Government grant awarded to RSL LifeCare
RSL LifeCare has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Australian Government to support the development of a business...

8 Aug 2023
RSL LifeCare a finalist in Best Graduate Development Program – Australian HR Awards 2023
August 2023 – RSL LifeCare’s Graduate Registered Nurse Program has been announced as a finalist in the Australian HR...

8 Aug 2023
RSL LifeCare successfully moves to the second stage in becoming the provider for a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in both the Tweed-North Coast region and Queanbeyan.
RSL LifeCare has welcomed the opportunity by the Federal Government to submit a business case to deliver a Veterans’...

3 Mar 2023
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...

6 Jun 2022
Vale Walter Williams OAM
RSL LifeCare staff and residents alike have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long – time...

5 May 2022
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...
4 Apr 2022
RSL LifeCare Veteran Services – one team supporting veterans and their families
The delivery of Veteran Services has been core to RSL LifeCare since its beginnings over 100 years ago. Now,...

3 Mar 2022
How the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program helps veterans find work
Transitioning to a different career is not always easy for veterans returning to civilian life. The RSL Veterans’ Employment...
11 Nov 2021
RSL LifeCare Annual Report 2021
I am pleased to advise that the 2021 RSL LifeCare Annual Report is now available. This annual report is...
10 Oct 2021
Rapid Antigen Test kits now available to Aged Care providers.
The Department of Health is offering Rapid Antigen Test kits to aged care providers across NSW in high-risk Local...

8 Aug 2021
Aged Care Employee Day is a day to thank everyone at RSL LifeCare.
7th August is Aged Care Employee Day. This is a day for us to thank every person who works...

7 Jul 2021
World War 2 code breaker Marion Painter features in Sky News documentary
ANZAC Village, Narrabeen resident Marion Painter has featured in Sky News documentary, The Alliance, about her time as a...

6 Jun 2021
Aged care workers should be vaccinated on site.
AGED care provider, RSL LifeCare, have applauded the Australian Government for their decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for staff...

3 Mar 2016
Laughter is the best medicine
Laughter releases endorphins, giving us the ‘feel good factor’ Acts as aerobic exercise and is like ‘internal jogging’ Unleashes...

5 May 2016
A healthy diet for a healthy heart
Valentine’s Day saw people thinking of love and things of the heart and we thought it would be a...

10 Oct 2016
Pets and Positive Ageing
Animals play an important role in our lives. As Community Staff, we are blessed to see the bonds that...

More from the blog
Latest News
Joan’s Creative Pursuits: Knitting, Puzzles, and Cherished Moments at RSL LifeCare
Many residents at RSL LifeCare love to participate in a variety of hobbies that keep their minds and hearts engaged. One such resident is Joan Herringe from RSL LifeCare Connie Fall. One...
Read morePositive impact of Intergenerational Relationships
The power of intergenerational relationships has been demonstrated on ABC's Old People's Home for Teenagers, featuring residents from RSL LifeCare's Le Hamel Retirement Village and students...
Read moreRSL LifeCare secures $1.7 million funding to establish Central Coast Veteran and Family Hub and $243,000 for a centre at Bardia Barracks
RSL LifeCare has received $1.7 million in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants One-Off Program to establish a veteran and family hub-like experience...
Read moreRSL LifeCare awarded $520,341 in government funding to enhance Veteran wellbeing services in Riverina
RSL LifeCare has secured $520,341 in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veterans Wellbeing Grants One-Off program that will be used to expand its services and...
Read moreGeorge Carpenter’s Inspiring Dedication to Preserving Military History
George Carpenter, an 87 year old resident of RSL ANZAC Village in Narrabeen, has been volunteering at the RSL LifeCare War Museum for three years...
Read moreRSL LifeCare Nowra Community Unveils Visionary Expansion, Elevating Retirement Living to New Heights
RSL LifeCare has today announced Stage 2 release of its Dumaresq Retirement Village at RSL LifeCare Nowra Community. The expansion brings an array of new...
Read moreFrom Stables to Retirement Living: Tim Cooke’s Life Journey
"My journey kicked off when I was just 14 years old. The year was 1963. I waved goodbye to school and hello to an apprenticeship...
Read moreJourney Through 102 Years: The Life of Helen Lea
"My name is Helen Lea, and I've been lucky enough to reach the grand age of 102. I've always felt pretty good for my age....
Read moreHonouring Malaya & Borneo Veterans: A Story of Sidney Peter Bryant
Today, on August 31, we commemorate Malaya & Borneo Veterans Day and take a moment to pay tribute to those who served in the Malayan...
Read moreFederal Government grant awarded to RSL LifeCare
RSL LifeCare has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Australian Government to support the development of a business case to establish a Veterans’ and...
Read moreRSL LifeCare a finalist in Best Graduate Development Program – Australian HR Awards 2023
August 2023 – RSL LifeCare’s Graduate Registered Nurse Program has been announced as a finalist in the Australian HR Awards 2023, Best Graduate Development Program...
Read moreRSL LifeCare successfully moves to the second stage in becoming the provider for a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in both the Tweed-North Coast region and Queanbeyan.
RSL LifeCare has welcomed the opportunity by the Federal Government to submit a business case to deliver a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in these critical...
Read more