Grantley’s life was travelling beautifully! A dedicated picture framer with decades of experience and a side hustle as a skateboarding and rock band photographer, in his own words, “I was living my best life!”
But just before COVID hit, that all changed. He became distracted at work, and a clamp, a picture framer’s tool of choice, caught the end of his pointer finger of his left hand. “Thank god it wasn’t my right, now I am a digit down, but life could be worse.” Grantley smiles as he relives the moment.
Unfortunately, not long afterwards, things took a turn for the worse. Grantley suffered a heart attack that almost claimed his life, and the lengthy recovery time also meant he could no longer work.
Grantley shares, “After my accident and heart attack, I thought I might never work again. But with the help of Matt and WISE Employment, I found a great job and got back to doing what I love.”
Support that makes a difference
Matthew Pham, a dedicated team member at WISE Employment in Adelaide, has been a crucial part of Grantley’s employment journey, finding work as a picture framer. As an experienced Employment Consultant, Matt knows that his job is about more than finding other people work, “My role involves supporting individuals from their first day of employment and beyond. With Grantley, it was about more than just job placement. It was about advocating for him, checking in on his mental health, and ensuring he felt secure and valued in his workplace.”
Returning to work was more than just a job for Grantley—it was about finding a new purpose. His passion for photography, nurtured since he was a kid, played a huge part in his recovery. Now, this passion is being celebrated at the South Australian Living Artist (SALA) Festival, where his photography work will be on display.
Art and passion
“Photography has always kept me grounded,” Grantley said. “It’s a constant in my life that I’ve always turned to, whether it was documenting skateboarding in my youth or capturing the beauty of a stormy night.”
Throughout August, the SALA Festival will feature Grantley’s photography at the WISE Employment office in Adelaide. This exhibition not only showcases his talent but also highlights the supportive environment that WISE Employment provides. “We’re thrilled to have Grantley’s work featured in SALA,” Matt announced. “It’s a testament to his grit and an inspiration to everyone who sees it.”
Join us in celebrating Grantley’s work
The exhibition kicks off on August 1st, 2024 at WISE Employment, 78 Curry Street, Adelaide, with special nights for the deaf, blind, and sensory-sensitive communities. This inclusive approach makes sure everyone can enjoy the beauty and impact of Grantley’s photography.
Reflecting on his journey, Grantley said, “With the support of WISE, I’ve been able to continue my work and my passion. It’s not just about making a living; it’s about having a purpose and feeling valued.”
For more details about the exhibition and to see Grantley’s inspiring work, visit us at 78 Currie Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia during office hours throughout August. Join us in celebrating art, grit, and Grantley Trenwith’s incredible journey.
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