John Puli is a man with a vision.
The St Albans artist has been a tireless advocate for disability rights in the Brimbank community, and was last week recognised for his efforts when he was named the council’s citizen of the year.
Mr Puli, who has schizophrenia, said it was an honour he never expected.
“I’m really humbled, to be honest,” he said.
“I thought one of the ladies that were nominated would have got it, because I know how much work they put in, and they’re not recognised, so I was sure to thank them in my speech.”
He said he was inspired to get involved in the area of disability rights after hearing that 27 per cent of people live with a disability of some kind.
“I took that idea and I ran with that,” he said.
“I sought out art spaces that didn’t have disabled facilities and tried to help there, and I did a sold-out exhibition at a place called Brightspace in St Kilda, and then brought that same exhibition to Brimbank to raise money and awareness for the cause.
“I use my art to engage with the community about disabled issues in the community.”
Mr Puli describes his art as minimalist and figurative, “Zen Buddhist” as he puts it. He said his art is simply his medium to help people and make a difference in the community.
“I have a love of art and a love of people,” he said. “It’s my way of helping people. The 27% Project is about making people aware of those in the community with a disability, and how they can help each other.
“I get inspired by others and the difficulties they have and have overcome.”
He said he planned to expand his program over his time as Brimbank’s citizen of the year.
“I want to get more disabled people involved and help more people,” he said.
“This award belongs to all the disabled people. It’s their award, my name’s just on it, but it’s for all the people with a disability in Brimbank.”
