Talk

Learning to play an instrument with your eyes | Jessica Irwin

Jessica Irwin

TEDxSydneySalon February 2017 · 15 February 2017

From a wooden alphabet board to the iPad – photographer, graphic and web designer, Jessica Irwin speaks about the role of technology in her creative life. Born with a high level of cerebral palsy and with an equally high level of self-determination and raw talent, Jessica’s chance meeting with biomedical engineer, Dr Jordan Nguyen led to her realising one of her dreams – to perform music live on stage. In this talk she performs on Psykinetic’s eye controlled music device alongside members of the Australia Piano Quartet.

Jessica Irwin is a unique young woman with a different perspective on life to most of us.Born with a high level of cerebral palsy, together with an equally high level of self-determination and raw talent, she has excelled in achieving her goal of establishing and operating a commercial photography, website and graphic design business.

Jessica strongly believes in the ability to learn from everyone you meet. Each of us has a unique skill set. If you sit down, watch and listen to someone you will take away something that you might not have gained if you had never met.

In 2007 Jessica met renowned photographic artist Ken Duncan. Impressed with the high standard of her work and commitment to her art, Ken invited her to work at his “Created for Life” studios on the Central Coast of NSW. Jessica worked with Ken for six years and counts herself extremely fortunate to have received tutelage and mentoring from some of the “best in the business” whilst working at his studios.

Jessica set out along her own path, establishing her business, aptly named DARE2BU. This exciting enterprise specialises in providing landscape photography, portraiture, prepress design, website design and website development to the wider community.

Testing the waters in music band photography, Jessica is extremely lucky to have been taken under the wing of Australia’s raw music legend Steve Balbi (Noiseworks, Mi-Sex, Ziggy Stardust, Black Rainbow). Her talent has been recognised by being invited to photograph on the red carpet for the ARIA Music Awards in both 2013 and 2014! Jessica hopes to build on this success by offering local bands live music photo shoots and artistic promotional shots while still keeping up with the other sections of her fast-growing career.

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