About
Colouring outside the lines, making a new style
The Face of FND Artworks
George Parkyn was born in Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 1956 to a family dedicated to boat tours on the Noosa River. With a career spanning customer service, hospitality, tourism, and event management, George moved to Tannum Sands in 2019.
After suffering a stroke in 1999 and developing functions and essential tremors, George was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in 2020. In early 2022, he adopted Baxter the Beagle as his therapy dog and began working with artist and therapist Jen Hollstein, who supports George to explore his creativity.
George’s journey with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) has led him to transform his challenges into opportunities for creative expression and community engagement. By combining his rich background in various fields with his new focus on art, George has not only found personal fulfilment but also dedicated himself to supporting others.
Through FND Artworks, George offers workshops that encourage young, emerging, and disabled artists to break free from traditional constraints and discover their unique voices. This initiative reflects his commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation in the artistic community.
Discover George’s artwork in the Gallery and find out more about Functional Neurological Disorder at FND Australia
Want to know more?
George is a member and volunteer of ARTmatters, Creative Gladstone Region Inc. ARTmatters is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to foster a vibrant art community, offering a dynamic space for artists to connect, learn, and showcase their work through diverse events and activities.
The 1770 Art Show and Quilting Exhibition showcases a stunning array of local artistry and intricate quilts, celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of the region through a vibrant display of visual and textile art. George proudly exhibited work in this exhibition in 2023.
Jen Hollstein, an expressive artist and art therapist in the Gladstone Region, has been a creative mentor for George since early 2022. Together, the team have developed FND Artworks from scratch, building it into the thriving creative practice it is today.
FND Artworks Mission
George Parkyn’s mission with FND Artworks is to raise awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) through impactful abstract art that reflects his personal journey, using recycled materials and innovative techniques while supporting the community through outreach and exhibitions.
Functional Neurological Disorder
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) involves neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures without a clear physical cause, often linked to disruptions in brain function.
Visit FND Australia to learn more
George's Accolades
Since founding FND Artworks in early 2022, George Parkyn has achieved notable success, including a highly praised inaugural exhibition at ARTmatters Gallery in Gladstone, Central Queensland. George has received several commissions and is represented in private collections. His work was recognised at the prestigious Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards in 2024.
He secured Regional Art Development Fund grant for an artist’s residency on Heron Island during September 2024 to create new art inspired by the environment. In addition to showcasing his own work George volunteers as Treasurer and Membership Coordinator for ARTmatters Gallery. George supports MND Queensland, an organisation that offers understanding and practical assistance to people living with Motor Neurone Disease.
Produced by students from the Collaborative Digital Media Project unit of the Bachelor
of Digital Media at CQUniversity Australia, 2024.
JPP Creative members: Perri Hayes & Phoebe Boland
Supervisor:
Dr Ashley M Holmes