From the Air Force to artistry

As a young man, Garry was drawn to the stunning landscapes of Port Stephens in NSW, spending his weekends capturing their beauty through intricate paintings. His artistry was not only fuelled by the natural wonder of the area but also by the sound of Mirage jet fighters taking off from the nearby Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Williamtown. 

Life takes an unexpected turn 

A deep fascination with aviation led Garry to join the RAAF, where he served as an electronics technician. Sadly, a life-changing motorbike accident ended his military career, urging him to pursue a degree in sports management.  

“After receiving high quality training as a radio technician and working in both the air and ground environments, finding employment and transitioning into civilian employment was quite easy,” Garry says. 

He went on to travel throughout Australia and Europe in his new job, working in the promotion of car and motorbike racing. While his career was a success, Garry’s big challenge lay in recovering from his motorbike injuries and adapting to everyday life outside Defence. 

“After being medically discharged from the injuries sustained in a major motorcycle accident, adjusting to civilian life was more difficult,” Garry explains 

Rekindling the creative flame 

During a medical visit to London, Garry stumbled upon an article on oil painting, which rekindled his interest in the art form. This revived passion led him to pursue a career as a full-time artist, showcasing his work in esteemed locations such as the Pentagon and the Australian War Memorial.  

“I took up painting again mainly for my own mental health. I had no real thoughts of becoming professional,” Garry explains. 

“I quickly fell in love with painting and was very aware of the changes that being an artist made to my life. It gave me a new network of friends, a new sense of worth and identity and, most importantly, it changed the way I looked at the world.” 

Inspiring others to find joy through art 

Garry enjoys helping others discover their artistic side by teaching classes at the Centenary Suburbs Men's Shed. He believes that age holds no bounds, and loves watching his elderly students become fully absorbed in artistic expression, finding a sense of community connection and wellbeing through their shared passion.  

“I now look at everything I see in more detail and with greater appreciation for the beauty in everyday things,” Garry says. 

“It is a form of meditation in that the rest of the world disappears and only the subject, the paint, brushes and canvas exist. This is what I try to pass on to my students.” 

Together with his wife Kate, Garry embarked on a six-week holiday in September 2023 to paint racing cars and bike races throughout Europe. They now reside in Kenmore in Brisbane, where Garry has his studio, creating and sharing his passion with the world. 

He recently joined Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch and completed a portrait of fellow Sub Branch member and WWII digger Keith Buck, aged 102. 

Garry is captured painting a portrait of WWII veteran and fellow Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch member Keith Buck. 

Pick up a paintbrush yourself 

Garry teaches at the Centenary District Men’s Shed’s art program on Wednesdays from 10am-2pm. To learn more, visit csms.org.au or call Mal Lancaster from Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch on 0412 795 118.