Ballarat Mental Health Collective Art Exhibition 2023

"How you frame it"

Welcome to the Ballarat Mental Health Collective Art Exhibition, where local artists use their creative genius to raise awareness about mental health in our community.

Entries are from people making artwork and using creativity to practice and promote positive mental wellbeing. Lend your support for our artists and vote for your favourite work! Using the form at the bottom of the page, type in the name of the artist and the title of their work you wish to vote for. Artworks that are for sale all have a price detailed in the description. Please contact the artist directly to arrange your purchase.

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Want to see the artwork on display? Click the button below to see where you can view the collection around Ballarat

Artwork location list

Name: Antayjo Art (Angela Watson) Title of Work: Trying to Colour Me Happy Medium:Acrylic paint, Posca and cotton thread on canvas Artist Statement: As someone who has lived lots of ups and downs associated with mental health (Predominantly Anxiety) I have found solace in my art practice. Creating is really the only time that I feel unburdened by overthinking. This piece represents “trying to colour myself happy” as being happy is something I need to work at. I am the Artist in this piece painting my world. It shows the “monkey on my back”, a brain to represent mental health and the semi colon which is well known in the mental health space. I am lucky to have always been open about my mental health and do not feel there is a stigma nor should there be. Others are not so lucky and do not feel they can be open. This is for me and for those who struggle with that, it is ok to let people know where you are at. Everyone at some point in life is battling something, don’t ever feel like you are alone.

Name: Ann M Title of Work: Old & New Testament Medium: Acrylic Paint

Name: Ann Van Beek Title of Work: It’s Complicated Medium: Acrylic Poured Price: On Enquiry Email: vanbeekanne54@gmail.com Artist Statement: I’ve been around the Ballarat Art community for most of my life, went to Art School in.the 60s and during that time my parents had an art gallery in our home and my brother also was an art dealer. Through this I met many artists of the era and I feel that I had a great introduction to art in general. It was only when Covid came and I really got into painting full time.that I began to accept that my own work was of value. I had a pretty difficult time psychologically during Covid and my art work was definitely my saviour. Joining up with the Ballarat Arts Alive community was a fantastic way to have my confidence built up and to once again feel part of the art world that I’d grown up with. I have exhibited in the F.E.A.R. gallery in the Bridge Mall early this year which was a great experience, and this exhibition is a great opportunity to display my work to the wider Ballarat community.

Name: August Wolff Title of Work: Love the Way I Bloom Price: $250 Email:august8wolff@gmail.com Artist Statement: This began as a single line pencil drawing which was then layered with colours and depth. The spirit that emerged in this painting conveys a sense of intrinsic connection to the environment, playfulness and an ability to grow in even the harshest habitats. They orient to the light the same way spring flowers seek sunshine and they are rewarded by a warm glow.

Name: Beck Groten Title of Artwork: Nissa Brightfeather Medium: Watercolour, Pencil Artist Statement: Hi I’m Beck. In 2016 I was diagnosed with MS. After this I restarted my art journey due to needing to find a way to reduce my stress levels to help manage my symptoms. It’s been a rollercoaster ride but I’m adjusting to the new “normal”. Being able to express myself with art has been a major part of keeping my mental health on track.

Name: Beck Small Title of work: Slipping Through the Cracks Medium: Mixed Medium Price: $220 Email:info@beak-tama.com Artist Statement: We’re gradually making progress with our awareness and destigmatisation of mental health issues, however our health care system doesn’t have the infrastructure to provide the services we know that people need. The mental health system’s inability to provide appropriate support and services for people experiencing suicidality is something that’s deeply negatively impacted my recovery, as well as those I care about. I always hear that we’re pouring millions into mental health, but in 15+ years I’ve never personally seen or heard of it helping anyone in crisis, and it’s not good enough. In crisis you reach a point where you finally realise enough is enough, I AM hurting myself AND people I care about. You force yourself – with the minutia of energy you have left – to reach out to the public system. You lay bare the most vulnerable parts of yourself to strangers and they never have the resources to help. One of my diagnoses is heavily stigmatised within the healthcare system. 10% of people with this diagnosis die by suicide. It has been implied every time that I seek help whilst experiencing suicidality that I am still not sick enough to receive appropriate care despite the fact the disorder has one of the highest rates of completed suicide worldwide. Suicidality itself is traumatic when you are afraid and don’t want to die. Being dismissed by professionals is common and extremely damaging to one’s self worth. It’s hard to encompass the meaning behind this piece in 300 words. The subject is incredibly personal to me so I struggle to stay succinct. I’m tired of being let down, seeing loved ones let down, by a system that is meant to be there for us when we need it most. I hope that as more people voice these issues we can start to see noticeable change.

Name: Beth Lamont Title of work: Puppy Therapy Medium: Gouache and ink on paper Price: $100 Email: info@bethlamont.com.au Artist Statement: PUPPYDOL – Miniature puppies for the treatment of depression. Pop 2-4 puppies with breakfast. CAUTION: This medication may cause cuteness overload.

Name: Brigitte Halliwell Title of Work: Boxes Price: $20 Email: brigitte.halliwell@gmail.com Artist Statement: I wanted to represent what goes on in somebody’s mind. We all have so many things going on at once in our lives. Even though it looks orderly on the outside, it can be complete chaos on the inside and nobody else knows.

Name: Carol Saunders Title of Work: Path to Tranquillity Medium: Gouache, Watercolour Price: Best Offer Email: carolsaunders6@hotmail.com Artist Statement: Walking in nature, listening to the birds singing and really seeing the beauty around you. Is good for your Soul.

Name: Cha Ming Title of Artwork: Dreamers Over the World Medium: Acrylic Price: $80 Email: ch62002@hotmail.com

Name: Charmaine Channells Title of Artwork: The Delicate Intrustion Medium: Ink and Goauche Price: $300 Email: info@treasuresmith.com.au Artist Statement: Having been a wearer of both of these “socks”, I wanted to express it in a way that gave a visual representation of how it feels to be one or the other and the tentativeness of both the person in the grips of despair and the wanting to assist.

Name: Christine Segaert Title of Work: PTSD-Mental Health Matters Medium: Watercolour, ink

Name: Dianne Walters Title of work: On the Inside Looking Out Medium: Watercolour and Fine liner

Name: Ebony Title of Artwork: Untitled Medium: Watercolour and pen

Name: Edwin Title of Work: Oni Medium: Watercolour Price: $85 Email: Stephaniekirby1992@outlook.com

Name: Elle Wyatt Title of work: Phonetic Medium: Acrylic Paint Price: $50 Email: wya0011@ballaraths.net

Name: Fay x Title of work: Kaleidoscope of Stars Medium: Watercolour Artist Statement: I am inspired by nature and the calmness and stillness it brings which i apply to my brush, this always helps me keep my mind occupied and steady and in the now which makes me smile inside.

Name: Fergus Title of Artwork: Tram Scene Medium: Acrylic Price: On Enquiry Email:Ferguspconnor@gmail.com

Name: Glenie D Art by G.Dennert Title of work: Endless Light Price: On enquiry Email: GlenieDart@outlook.com Artist statement: No matter now the day end, there always light tomorrow.

Name: Glenda Donoghue Title of Work: Blue Hue Medium: Fine liner and pastel

Name: Graham Hills Title of artwork: Ecletus Parrot Medium: Acrylic Price: $50 Email: hillsgraham@outlook.com

Name: Immie Anne Title of Work:Boo-vel Skellies Medium: Lino block print, artist made water colour (Immi Anne – metallics), wood burning, gouache, water colour on a plywood circle. Price: On Enquiry Email:immianne2016@gmail.com Artist statement: My inspiration for this art work in part came from my 17 year old cat Zoe. She has had a huge positive impact on my life and mental health and wellbeing. She has been a great source of joy and is still making me laugh to this day. I also have a love for using pops of colour and/ or bold colours, and a fascination with skeletons and the structure of bones which feature heavily in my art work. This love of colour lead me to creating my own metallic water colour paints in a range of colours, which I have been able to use to bring bold colours in and make the boarders stand out. I have explored new art methods whilst working on this piece. Wood burning being the main line work, with my cat’s outline being Lino block printing. I wanted my Lino cat to really stand out from the water colour wash in the background which is why I chose gouache. It creates a good matte contrast to the shiny metallic. Boo-vel Skellies is a light hearted, fun piece of art that brings together many things that I enjoy and I love that I get to share that joy with others through my art work. I hope this piece brings you as much joy as it has brought me throughout its creation. 🙂 Immi Anne

Name: Jakki Eden Title of Work: Soul Searching Price: $150 Email: dalidoo@ozemail.com.au

Name: James Holak Title of work: Block 44, Belgrade, Serbia Medium: Fine liner and crayon

Name: Janine Mckay Title of Work: Mining Exchange Medium: Gouache and Watercolour Price: $120 Email: janinemckay22@gmail.com

Name: Jaron O’Reilly Title of Work: Cheryl, Terry, Darryl and Tony Medium: Inky Pen

Name: Jay Kulbardi Title of Work: Mum Doesn’t Cry Medium: Mixed Media/Acrylic Price: $200 Email: Jayvisualart@gmail.com Artist statement: This is a portrait of my beautiful mum, who raised my sister and I as a single parent. I think parents’ mental health is often overlooked and single mothers are expected to devote all their emotional strength into their children and neglect their own mental wellness. Mothers are rewarded for subduing themselves but play-acted stoicism comes at the cost of genuine emotional health. This artwork shows my mother freely crying yet her strong and fearless character is on full display.

Name: Jennifer Bearham Title of Artwork: Spread Your Wings and Shine Medium: Watercolour, Acrylic, Mica Powder, Rhinestones Price: $240 Email: mrsbear2709.jb@gmail.com Artist Statement: My inspiration came from a photo of a hummingbird in flight glistening in water. It made me feel joyous designing this piece and helped me explore emotions I am learning to rediscover through visual art. Kristy Rice’s “Art For Joys Sake watercolours” I used just bring a smile to my face with the vibrant pigments too. I felt the addition of rhinestones beautifully represented the sparkling beauty within us all. We just have to be brave enough to spread our own wings and shine.

Name: Jenny Holak Title: Day Dreaming Medium: Acrylic

Name: Jessica Barbieri Title: Light in Flight Medium: India ink, watercolour and gouache Price: $777 Email: barbieri.jessica.l@gmail.com Artist Statement: Just like a bat that takes flight in the night, utilise your instincts to spread your wings and light your way through the darkness. Capture every sparkle and glimmer along the way, for nature is the magic of life. Flap your wings in faith, as we all carry our own special light within us. Just like the moon we go through phases, sometimes we shine brighter than others. Take a piece of glitter for example. It is always there, but may be invisible to the eye at times, camouflaged with its surroundings. It may just take the right angle or perspective for us to discover its shimmer. Be brave, bold and driven. Expand, open up and share your love and light with yourself, it will filter out to others and the world. Shine, just like the unique star that you are! Light your way through the dark! Be brilliantly bright! Fly free!

Name: Joss Ray Title of Work: Colours of Kindness Medium: Acrylic on Paper Price: $50 Email: luke@lukeray.com Artist Statement: With the bright rainbow of colours and the large heart in the middle, this painting is sure to make you smile.

Name: Judith Clancy Title of work: The Rose Medium: Acrylic Price: On Enquiry Email: theoverflow@gmail.com

Name: Karene Turner Title of work: Dreams Medium: Acrylic Paint Price: $50 Email: gingerprickles1959@gmail.com

Name: Kathryn Drum Title of work: Create Your Own… Medium: Photography Price: On Enquiry Email: gingeraide1@gmail.com Artist Statement: Using found materials as much as possible, in addition to 3D works, I create ephemeral cartoons, featuring my character Nate who interacts with these objects – these cartoons are then photographed this ensuring the work exists in another form. I have fun with my art.

Name: Kayden Mott Title: Bunny Medium: Acrylic Paint Price: $40 Email: k.melbourne15@gmail.com Artist statement: I know the model personally, and this painting is a reflection of his character. His goofy little face, silly little ears, and teddy-like appearance melts my soul. I work hard to make him happy, and he makes me happy. He’s a faithful pal, regardless of his sassy nature. And at the end of the day he runs up to me buzzing, rests his head on my leg for pats, and I’ll always cherish this.

Name: Kelsie White Title of Work: Afternoon Nap Medium: Acrylic Paint Price: $120 Email: Kelsie.Jay.white@gmail.com Artist statement: This artwork was created between the naps of my first baby. I am inspired to paint the landscapes near my home in regional Victoria – a place that helps me clear my mind and allows me the space and time to think and reflect while exploring its many tiny towns and views. The colours I have chosen are used to evoke a feeling of a warm hug from your parents, or a sunny afternoon as the sun sets – a time of happiness and a feeling of comfort and safety.

Name: Kim Adarian Title of Work: Ode to the Piper Medium: Pastel on Paper Artist Statement: Being a woman that’s had to traverse mental stresses and mother of adolescents challenged with navigating the current world of anxiety, I have an understanding of the complexity of acknowledging, caring and maintaining mental wellness. I have also seen the struggles and repercussions of traversing the moments of crisis through my work in emergency care. Ode to the Piper is inspired by my understanding of the complexities of living with issues surrounding our mental well-being. How we try to live within the moment yet external forces impact and shape our experiences. How at times life can feel out of our control, with competing demands from within and without altering the moment and our understanding of the space we fill at that time

Name: Lauren Espie Title of work: Inside My Mind Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Price: $60 Email:lozzespie25@gmail.com Artist Statement: Lauren is an artist and photographer. Lauren has been creating art for the better part of 10 years. She mainly uses paint, mix media, photographs. Lauren is a abstract artist and likes to do action paintings and use lots of colour and unique items to apply paint besides brushes.

Name: Luke Ray Title of work: Min. Medium: Photographic Print. Artist Statement: I photographed my wife Min on medium format film, in front of one of her paintings . Min has been with me through my own mental health struggles and her artwork brings colour and positive energy into our family life.

Name: Mandy Ashton Title of work: Hope Medium: Acrylic Price: $125 Email: Akashton81@gmail.com Artist Statement: As someone who experiences mental health, I will often have a lot of negative self talk. This is a prophetic piece displaying positive identity counteracting those negative self thoughts

Name: Melissa Caroll Parker Title of work: Sunlit Reverie Medium: Photography Artist Statement: In “Sunlit Reverie,” I have endeavoured to capture a profound and intimate moment shared between a woman and the sun. With her eyes gently closed and her face turned upward, she becomes a vessel for the ethereal connection between humanity and the cosmos. This photograph seeks to celebrate the act of embracing the sun’s warm embrace, an act as old as humanity itself. In a world often consumed by the cacophony of daily life, this image invites viewers to witness a serene pause—a quiet communion between the individual and the celestial. The closed eyes of the woman signify not just the literal act of basking in sunlight but also a metaphorical journey within. It represents a moment of reflection, introspection, and personal renewal. In her closed eyelids, one can sense the inner world coming alive, as if absorbing the sun’s energy to rejuvenate her spirit. The play of light and shadow across her face highlights the duality of existence, where darkness and light coexist, and where moments of solitude can lead to personal enlightenment. Ultimately, “Sunlit Reverie” is an invitation to pause, connect with the primal forces of the universe, and find solace in the simplicity of being. It encourages viewers to contemplate their own relationship with the natural world and to recognise that, in moments of quiet reverence, we can discover profound beauty and rejuvenation in the radiant energy of the sun.

Name: Melissa Mulree Title of Work: Mental Health Dream Catcher Medium: Coloured Pencil

Name: Michael Coleman Title of work: Mona Diva Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Artist Statement: Mona Diva is a take on Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The left half of my representation is based Leonardo’s work which was innovative for its time in the 15th century in that female portraits were very formal and never smiled. Mona Lisa is more relaxed rather than the tradition for the time. Leonardo incorporated many artistic innovations in this piece but my focus is on how people of that time were very constrained by cultural expectations particularly along gender lines. My right side of the painting reflects a trend to allow more freedom of personal expression in todays world. Personal recognition of who we are can allow us to be free of stereotypes and personal expectations of who we should be and allow us to be healthier in our own personnas.

Name: Min Ray Title of work: Together, let’s welcome spring! Medium: Mixed Media Price: $50 Email: min@mincolour.com Artist Statement: ‘Together, Let’s Welcome Spring’ serves as a joyful reminder that in unity, we can celebrate the rejuvenating power of nature. With open hearts and outstretched arms, we greet this new beginning, embracing the promise of brighter days ahead

Name: Rhiannon Muir Title of work: Sanguine Oasis Medium: Digital Price: $70 Email: rhiannondmuir@hotmail.com

Name: Rhonda Cotsell Title of work: Curiosity Medium: Pencil drawing Price: $45 Email: cotsellr@yahoo.com.au Artist Statement: When I think of what it feels like to be freely ourselves I look at my cat Sam. He does what he wants with gentleness and grace, and a curious and alert mind. He can be clumsy and unashamedly greedy and dismissive, and when he feels like it, he gives and receives love as his right.

Name: Rhonda Woolf Title of work: Protea Medium: Watercolour Price: $300 Email: Rhonda_woolf@hotmail.com Artist statement: Inspired by Australian backyard gardens, with the unique colour pallet

Name: Rob Gibbs Title of Work: Margaret’s Flowers Medium: Mixed Media Price: $145 Email: gibbsrobj@gmail.com

Name: Robyn Meyer Title of Work: Untitled Medium: Oil pastel on paper

Name: Rocky Ray Title of work: Peaceful Country Medium: Felt tip pen on Paper Price: $50 Email: luke@lukeray.com Artist Statement: Sit back and relax and have a lemon juice or two. You will smell the smell of pink and purple roses.

Name: Ruby Hyatt Title of Work: Akallabêth

Name: Sarah Sinclair Title of work: Behind the Mask Medium: Acrylic Price: $120 Email: sarahmareesinclair@gmail.com Artist Statement: My mask has served me well. Hid the difference. Behind the mask I crack. It’s hard to take it off now. What’s is me. What is the mask.

Name: Sarah Stockdale Title of work: Lonely Existence Medium: Acrylic Price: $100 Email: SarahStockdaleart@outlook.com

Name: Sarah Wooden Art Title of work: Finding Myself Price: $200 Email:sarah.wooden.art@gmail.com Artist Statement: 2 years ago life was heavy and I felt lost. I picked up a brush and I found my joy again. I found passion, magic and opportunity. Making time for art again was finding myself. I needed that joy and creativity back in my life for my own mental wellbeing. Art has also taught me something else too. Painting tends to go through a funny ugly stage where it looks terrible and you want to bin it and start again. But we hang in there and keep going; just adding one detail at a time. Slowly, something beautiful emerges. I think about this when life is overwhelming, messy, or hard. Maybe it’s the messy middle stage and the gold details are still coming.

Name: Selina Morgan Title of Work: Strength Medium: Watercolour and Acrylic on paper Price: $95 Email: selina35@live.com Artist statement: Mental health is a struggle that most of us suffer at some point in our lives. I wanted to create an animal portrait of how I see the strength that we have in our struggle with adversity. We fight every day to become better. As does the Lion that fights for his family and life. As an artist, I use my craft as a way of centering me and keeping me in the moment, like a meditation. Using art in this way, helps me to keep focus in my every day life.

Name: Sheila Kors Title of work: synapses Medium: Acrylic paint and thread Price: $50 Email: sheilakors@gmail.com

Name: Sophia Lamont Title of work: Heart Strings Medium: Digital Art – Inkjet Print Artist Statement:I drew this as a mental image of how I feel whenever I experience anxiety and depression. I also took the phrase ‘pulling at my heartstrings’ as inspiration for this piece.

Name: Sue Egan Title of work: Blue Reflections Medium: Watercolour Artist Statement: One colour, one brush and away we go!

Name: Susan Clarke Title of work:Tranquillity – (Grampians/Gariwerd inspired) Medium: Woodblock Price: $120 Email:susanclarkeartworks@gmail.com Artist Statement: This artwork series is inspired by the environment and a place that invigorates the soul with the tranquillity around. The woodblock print embraces the imperfect and celebrates the beauty of nature.

Name: TANYA STANOJEVIC KAUKER Title of artwork: Visions Medium: Encaustic and oil paint on paper Price: $250 Email: tskunstwork@gmail.com Artist Statement: I have drawn my inspiration for this work from the idea of a free flowing mind using pink tones to evoke a loving and embracing feeling of wellbeing, a being in quite thought who is aware of the darkness that lies beyond.

Name: Tashi Hill Title of Work: Connected Medium: Acrylic Paint, Resin

Name: Taylah Jane Title of Work: Spectated Growth Medium: Watercolour, acrylic and collage Price: $70 Email:taylah.jayne.richards@gmail.com Artist Statement: As an artist I often draw inspiration from my own life and experiences. Mental health is something I have always struggled with, living with depression and severe anxiety for most of my life I came to terms with the idea that this was my normal. After building up the Courage to seek help, and starting medication I now feel as though I’ve been given a second chance.

Name: Teresa Foster Title of artwork: Growth and Recovery Medium: Acrylic Price: $75 Sales Contact: stafoster@gmail.com Artist Statement: An expression of hope, resilience, and strength in the face of adversity. Recovery happens.

Name: The MAC Program (1)Title of Artwork: The MAC Program Medium: Mixed Media

Name: The MAC Program (2)Title of Artwork: The MAC Program Medium: Mixed Media

Name: The MAC Program (3)Title of Artwork: The MAC Program Medium: Mixed Media

Name: Tiarna Prattley Title of work: Beyond the Blue Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Price: $120 Email:tiarnaprattley@gmail.com Artist Statement: Beyond the Blue references the support Beyond Blue can provide and the idea that you can get past the bad times. I am someone who has battled with depression, anxiety and suicide and this painting demonstrates that if you keep swimming, you can get through it. Beyond the Blue is also a homage to one of my best memories when I went diving with my family not long after I battled my biggest demons.

Name: Trudy Nicholson Title of work: No Words Necessary Medium: Watercolour/pen Price: $80 Email: trudynicholson@tpg.com.au Artist statement: Our heart experiences varying moods …. like experiencing tidal waves or being on a roller coaster. Our moods may overlap or become entangled during these times. We can be suspended and weighed down or we can float out of control. No words can be an explanation for this mental health challenge.

Name: Tunde Meikle Title of Artwork: Dignity of Risk Price: $390 Email: tzt56@yahoo.com.au Artist Statement: As a Lived Experience worker in public mental health, I know a difficult issue for professionals is how to manage the needs of people suffering mental health challenges to do the things they need to for wellbeing, to feel connected, able to make their own choices and simply feel alive, even though the things might expose them to potential harm. This dilemma is captured in the concept of ‘Dignity of Risk’ and perfectly reflected in the popular struggle to climb the world’s highest mountain with a peak in the ‘death zone.’ This work asks you to question whether all people, regardless of mental health situation, are entitled to choose what they want to do even if it is risky? High quality unframed art prints on archival paper, the same size as the original, are also available at $35, plus postage (to be advised to you and paid in advance), by contacting the artist at tzt56@yahoo.com.au

Name: Vincent Mck Title of work: Elusive Like a Butterfly, Illusive Like the MoonLight Medium: Watercolour Price: $150 Email: Vincentmgr96@gmail.com Artist Statement: Within this artwork, I took inspiration from my own struggles with the labyrinthine landscape of mental health. Using watercolour not only as a medium, but as a direct representation of how difficult it can be to control something so unforgiving, fluid, and elusive.

Name: Warren Heron Title of Artwork: My Melbourne Medium: Watercolour Price: On Enquiry Email: warren.heron2@bigpond.com Artist Statement: After spending time in other states and overseas I still believe that Melbourne has so much to offer I would like to think I’ve captured Melbourne in this piece.

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