Lismore artist lost everything in the floods

On Saturday 26 February, Andrew McNeill and his daughter lifted the entire contents of his downstairs studio upstairs to a level that was well above previous flood heights.

The following day Andrew drove his daughter home to Ballina and agreed to stay with her for what was anticipated to be a few days of minor flooding in Lismore.

Andrew watched the news in absolute horror, over the week that followed as Lismore, including Andrew’s home and studio, was inundated by the worst flooding in recorded history.

The scene that Andrew returned to, just over a week later was one of absolute carnage. Flood water had destroyed not only the downstairs studio but also the entire upstairs living area of Andrew’s home.

Andrew lost camera, video and sound recording equipment, valued in the vacinity of $15,000-$20,000 as well as his entire lifetime’s worth of paintings, prints, photography and other artworks. Andrew had spent the past two years, painting large scale, mixed-media works and was nearly ready to exhibit. Andrew also lost a lifetime of personal possessions.

Andrew’s practice often included pro-rata photography and video assignments for the region’s scientific, arts and mental health sectors.

Andrew was in the planning stages of creating and art-based support group for people with neurological disabilities.

Andrew needs your help to replace his equipment and some basic household goods so that he can begin rebuilding his life and career.