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Raising awareness of the effects of perinatal depression and exploring the strengths that can be found when overcoming life's challenges.
Held in the Ballarat Base Hospital in collaboration with BHS Mother and Family Unit, supporting Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week and fundraising for PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia).
Artist Statement
I am awake. For so long I have been in the darkness always living through fog, everything an effort and a struggle to find Joy and feel Love. Now, now I soar, now I am FREE, free from the darkness, I am immersed in and radiate only Light and Love.
During my struggle with perinatal depression, I found not many people around me understood or were aware of the effects this illness was having on my quality of life. Everyday tasks were difficult and daunting, I had lost myself.
Now, having undergone a period of healing, I have discovered a strength and determination to help others and share my story.
My hope, is to increase the awareness of the effects of depression and demonstrate the strength that can be found in overcoming the challenges, of what in my experience was a debilitating illness.
‘Out of Darkness’ refers not only to my journey out of the darkness of depression, but also to the act of openly expressing my story.
Become aware. Be inspired.
1 - The Light Appears
Though the fog remains thick and heavy,
Light and joy are in sight,
I now know this darkness is not forever,
It is time to allow the light.
2017, soft pastel on board
(L 44cm x H 55cm)
*available for purchase
2 - Strength of Self
The darkness has forced me to look within.
To re-discover myself.
I thank the darkness for this opportunity, but its usefulness has passed.
I now move into the light with the gift of a stronger sense of self.
2016, soft pastel on board
(L 44cm x H 55cm)
* available for purchase
3 - Source of Light (Searching for Clarity)
The fog surrounds me. I can’t think or see. Faith hope and love begin to lift this from me. Slowly I begin to move more freely.
To see more clearly. Sometimes the fog descends again.
Now I know. It is not meant to be this way. I bring in the light. Thoughts of joy and happiness to expel the fog.
The darkness no longer has a place inside me.
2017, acrylic on board
(L 44cm x H 55cm)
4 - Out of Darkness Into Light
I am awake. For so long I have been in the darkness, always living through fog, everything an effort and a struggle to find joy and feel love. Now, now I soar, now I am FREE, free from the darkness, I am immersed in and radiate only Light and Love.
2015, soft pastel on board
(L 44cm x H 55cm)
* donated to Ballarat Health Services - Mother and Family Unit
5 - Finding Hidden Strength
For so long I have been lost not knowing who I am or what I have to give. To overcome the darkness I have embraced my strength within. I stand tall, ready to shine, ready to share myself and my strength with the world.
2017, soft pastel on board
(L 44cm x H 55cm)
*available for purchase
6 - Seeking Help
No more shall I live in the shadows, suffering in silence,
weighed down by guilt. I accept myself for who I am.
I AM WORTHY.
Worthy of help.
Worthy of love.
Worthy of life.
2016, watercolour and soft pastel on board
(L 44cm x H 55cm)
* available for purchase
7 - New Path Laid Bare
Before only darkness and fog could I see.
My future an overwhelming and chaotic mess.
Now I breathe clearly. My new path laid bare.
Before me I see hope, light and love.
My gifts to give are known to me. My direction clear.
Happiness is mine to hold.
2017, acrylic on board
(L 44cm x H 55cm)
8 - Joyous Heart
No longer held back, hear the song of my Joyous Heart.
Finally free, radiating light, love and inspiration for all to enjoy
2017, soft pastel on board
(L 44cm x H 55cm)
9 - Hope Lies Within
Where once I was broken and fragmented, now I stand whole.
All parts of myself aligned as one.
Merged together once more.
2016, watercolour on board
(L 44cm x H 55cm)