A Colourful Departure

16 August 2010 By LCDR Bill Canna

When ABSTD Nadine Brischke posted from HMAS Manoora (Commander Stephen Dryden) earlier this month there was a novel change to the time-old tradition of presenting a gift to the person leaving. In this case the budding young artist presented the ship with one of her latest pieces of artwork titled “Vitality” which is now on proud display within the ship.

ABSTD Brischke’s interest in painting started out as a hobby three years ago; however, she now sees art as a key part of her life. While she is not influenced by any one particular style, she prefers her own style of abstract expressionism. She rarely uses brushes as she tries to incorporate several mediums into her artwork noting that she favours the use of oils and Origami in her artwork.

When asked why she decided to donate the painting to the ship she said “it was because she had such a fun and happy time during her Manoora posting.” She hopes that the painting provides a sense of happiness and well being to the ship’s company and to the ship’s many visitors when they are aboard.

When CMDR Dryden was presented with the painting he said, “It is quite a privilege to know that someone identifies so strongly with the ship to present us with such a magnificent painting. It is also interesting that the painting’s title of “Vitality” coincides with what one could say is a revitalisation of Manoora. Manoora has just completed an extensive EMA in which substantial advances were made in its material state. The overall outcome from this period is a ship that is safer and stronger. In many ways, this painting reflects the new and revitalised Manoora.

Manoora will shortly resume her seagoing program for the year, conducting a Unit Readiness Evaluation concurrent with participation in Exercise HAMEL; a major Army-led, joint-enabled amphibious and land exercise in Queensland. After this, the ship will conduct a short deployment to New Zealand.

‘In war and in peace’.