
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

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
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 moreMessage 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 moreState-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 moreRSL 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 moreRSL 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 moreFee-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 moreAccess 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 moreLakes 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 moreVale 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 moreGiving 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 moreHugh 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 moreConstruction 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