Within our dreams and aspirations we find our opportunities
Colin Bushell
- Sitter: Ron Ward
- Medium: Photograph
- Dimensions: 80cm x 104cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork
A long-term resident of The Gap, Ron Ward left school at 12 and has worked over 50 jobs, from tannery stripper to gym owner.
In this work, he emerges out of the dark background with boxing gloves at the ready. The gloves are a direct reference to Ron’s career as a professional boxer, and his work with the Queensland Boxing Association, where he volunteered for 69 years.
They also symbolise Ron’s tenacity and long history of fighting for the community, through his involvement with many community groups, including the RSL. For thirty years, Ron Ward has been a regular in the Honour Guard for Brisbane’s ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies. He was inducted into the Australian Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and awarded the Lord Mayor’s Senior Australian of the Year Award in 2021. In 1957, he was chosen as the Courier-Mail’s Fighter of the Year.
The weathered gloves along with the prominence of the character lines in his face reinforce Ron’s experience and determination.
About the artist
Colin Bushell is a photographer, writer and educator, originally from London, now based in The Gap. A dedicated teacher with a passion for sharing his skills with others, Colin is Vice President of the Professional Photographers’ Association of Queensland, President of Gap Creative, and a strong advocate for community engagement.
