Visual Arts category
Art forms in this category included: painting, drawing, photography, digital, sculpture, 3D art and film. Below you'll find the artists listed A to Z by first name, along with the title, medium and description of their artwork.
Alison Gatwood
Switch (Highly commended)
Camera, light, shade, sign, fabric and myself
Switch is a representation of myself as a human being. The only person, matter or thing that can turn me on is me. These learnings came at a time of mental health struggles. I understood that only I could achieve things by taking one day at a time and pushing myself a little more each day. What is powerful is that I can rely on me.
Alison Packwood
Setting sun (Highly commended)
Posca acrylic paint pens
I liken my PTSD and car accident-related memories, emotions and thoughts to being like waves in the ocean on a bad day – starting huge, scary and damaging, then rolling into shore flat and out of energy. I am beginning to find hope that these thoughts and memories can be processed to be less severe; and I'm looking forward to a future with calmer waters.
Amanda Nash
Overcoming FEAR through 'HOPE'
Texta, watercolour pencil on paper
I created this work to show the barriers to achieve things in life. There is always HOPE to dream and work towards new goals. The yellow circle is me. The black arcs are the many barriers and fears. The rainbow dots resemble opportunities I want to achieve one day. I wanted to be the 'Old me' for a long time. But in moving forward I gain the hope to be a 'new me.'
Amanda Nash
There is always hope
Watercolour paint & pencils, pen, texta, acrylic paint on paper board
I find HOPE from nature. Life can be a struggle but sitting in the outdoors looking at nature helps. I adore butterflies: their bright colours, intricate patterns and fragility remind me that life is beautiful and precious. They bring me PEACE. I find it difficult to complete things, but I like creating and hope to do more soon.
Ann Jabour
ABI
Chicken wire, twigs, newspaper, toilet paper, wood glue, wallpaper glue, copper wires, acrylic paints
ABI has a brain injury, she is a mystical lady. Copper wire symbolises the connection of broken, unbroken and newly formed synapses to the neurons and the messages that get transported. The cogs are the thoughts that get transported to the synapses. The female body parts that nourish new life are hidden behind fruits.
Ann Jabour
Hummingbirds
Wood, oil, wood glue, wallpaper glue, acrylic paint
A pair of 3-dimensional hummingbirds, inspired by nature.
Ann Jabour
Spiderweb
Rests of wool, piping, FIMO
Mothers thought to protect the infant in its cradle with a spiderweb, spun by the mythical spider women. A mystical belief by the American native tribe of the Chippewa.
Asha Prasad
Falling angle feathers
Watercolour
My mum and dad have both passed and are my guardian angels now. I find hope in them, they are always protecting and guiding me in my journey. I am always striving to be the best version of myself because of their teachings.
Asha Prasad
Pray
Watercolour
Whatever you believe in, your faith, your strong beliefs, complete trust and confidence is where you can find hope. The woman in the painting is me. I am also half Fijian-Indian and my name "Asha" means hope in Hindi.
Asha Prasad
The Journey
Watercolour
The turtle (honu) in my cook island culture is a significant symbol and represents many meanings including family, unity, fertility, wisdom, strength, determination, motivation and persistence. The turtle also highlights patience in your journey, and that it doesn't matter how slow you are, you never give up; keep going and never stop.
Brad Lancaster
The Changeling
Spray paint, acrylic paints, textured paints
My artwork is a repainted version of the Warhammer miniature called the changeling. The character is the herald of a chaotic God called Tzeentch whose realm is magic, transformation and change. I find hope in the idea that change is a constant in life and that is represented in my style of painting.
Brigitte Bullen
Shantaram 1
Raku white clay, winter wood stoneware Mayo glaze
Since my TBI my body has suffered significantly, consequently my work is all focused on the female torso. The use of white clay is to reflect days that I feel stronger and life is easier.
Brigitte Bullen
Shantaram 2
Wigert black clay
The use of black clay is a reflection of how I feel and how hard it is to function physically. The meaning of Shantaram and the story called "Shantaram" are contradictory and exemplify how my TBI has been the worst and the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Brigitte Bullen
Shantaram 3
Wigert black clay
Shantaram 3 reflects the black torso in Shantaram 2 but the significant difference in size is a way of reflecting on how I have improved over the last 8 years, because it is bigger and more powerful.
Caroline Graydon
My husband (Category winner)
Canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, water
My daughter took a picture of my husband and turned it into a cartoon on her phone. It captured a side of him that I wanted to capture on canvas. There is nothing to say but this is MY HUSBAND.
Caroline Graydon
Phoenix
Canvas, acrylic paint, water, PVA, brushes, ruler
Phoenix came about by accident. I was working on other pieces and the canvas was not working out. My hands just flew across the canvas without thought or plan. Surprising me with the fire of a bird a rising from the ashes as the phoenix takes flight.
Caroline Graydon
Vortex
MDF, resin and acrylic paint
Creating vortex is a visual representation of the whirl I feel inside, the hypnotic sense to the piece. This piece is not scripted or planned. My thought process was one of turmoil and drifting through layers.
CJ Pallier
Recycle-cide
Spray paint, acrylic paint, glue and bottle caps on MDF ply
This artwork used recycling as the medium for where I find hope, as re-using materials is our greatest hope for a sustainable future. The skull represents a warning sign for what may be if we do not re-use and produce less.
CJ Pallier
The Release
Canvas, acrylic paint
To me where I find my hope is in the present moment. The picture represents the past and the present. In the past there is sadness and death. All I know is what I CAN'T do anymore, what I have lost. In the present there is hope. I feel positivity and colour. There is life. My life, where I can explore all the things I CAN do and find purpose.
Danette Rowse
Blooms
Clay, glazes, worn hardwood pieces
The piece signifies the blooming of new and colourful beginnings since my injury.
Danette Rowse
Gingham Vessel
Clay and glazes
This gingham patterned print is applied to the clay work to show the merging of my two passions. I have always liked the simplicity of gingham fabric.
Danette Rowse
The Layers of Growth
Three forms of high-fire clays: light clay, dark-speckled clay and red rock. Satin-finish glaze.
Layering of clay in three colours is then carved and signifies the slow merging of different levels of my recovery.
Daniel Khalef
A Glimmer of Hope
Graphite pencil
The individual is feeling helpless and hopeless, yet there’s a tiny beam of light expressing hope in him. Hope that the misery he’s living in will be a closed book, in the past. Tears can be shown emphasising his sorrows, pain, hurt and uncertainty for his future.
Daniel Khalef
Freedom of imagination
Graphite and colour pencil
This surreal drawing shows how the person is living in this prison-like setting. The barred windows represent the challenges in life without which hope is a meaningless concept. The surrounding is made with dull shades of black. The drawings of animals coming to life show hope and excitement. Having the imaginary, unrealistic time represents a dream-like reality.
Daniel Khalef
Liberty Triumphing with Art
Graphite and colour pencil
This drawing is a representation of the painting "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugéne Delacroix (1830). It shows the reality of massacres, unjust killing, wars filling the world. We need to worry less about destruction, power. I hope people realise the joy of art before it’s too late.
David Taylor
Aztec Adventures
Computer, printer, cardboard, glossy paper, glue, scissors, frame
This work titled "Aztec Adventure" demonstrates how, even with a severe brain injury, I have been able to create a fun, colourful, cheeky collage that is a joy to behold. Just like me!
Felicity Weal
Curious Parrot
Colour pencil
A pale-headed rosella parrot clinging to a stick, curious about what is happening around it.
Gary Nicholls
Fishing
Acrylic paint
This is from a holiday with family at Manyana where we often used to go. The photo showed me in my element. Outdoors, sea air, crashing surf and fishing. I caught great fish that day too! I loved fishing and have recently drawn up a design of a wrist and arm band to hold a fishing rod in the future.
Gary Nicholls
South Coast
Acrylic paint
This was another favourite spot that I would holiday with my family. The colours inspired me to paint this picture together with the coastal-nature subject matter.
Gary Nicholls
The Bundeena Ferry
Acrylic paint
This is the Bundeena Ferry coming back to Cronulla on one recent stormy afternoon. I love the light and dark of the photo we saw. The colours are stunning. You can see the storm building up in these clouds ready to let loose. I love seeing photos of my local areas and favourite places, and Cronulla is definitely one of them.
Huntah Hawkins
Drone Selfie (Overall winner)
Drone, Photoshop
I chose to take a drone picture of myself. I find hope in myself as I’m a strong confident person. I also like the way the drone can capture images from above in a way no one else can normally see. I thought it was a pretty abstract image as selfies usually aren't taken like this.
Huntah Hawkins
Purple and Yellow (Overall winner)
Drone, Photoshop
This photo was taken at a property where the school was participating in cross country. I volunteer to take images and on this occasion I particularly liked the garden and house positioning and wanted to get an image of the shapes from above. I changed the colours to be a bit out there to give it a Bauhaus feel.
Huntah Hawkins
Shapes from Above (Overall winner)
Drone, Photoshop
I chose to take this photo because it shows different lines, shapes, textures and colours. I used the drone to take this aerial shot and I really love the beauty of all the lines and shapes coming together.
Jacob Coops-Blume
Gratitude
Acrylic paint, watercolour, acrylic inks
This painting shows my feelings and emotions through colour and abstract techniques. I find hope by inspiring people to get out there, have a go express their feelings and live a happy life. I called this painting "Gratitude" because I'm grateful for a lot of things in my life and I hope this artwork brings happiness and joy.
Jacob Coops-Blume
Totem
Acrylic paint, acrylic markers
My idea for this painting was to bring a spiritual/energetic vibe into the space it hangs in, bringing a positive charge or element of evolution to the interior or design of a building, office, home etc. I believe art changes the dynamic of the space we spend time in.
Kim Grunsell
So Seriously? How hard can it be!
iPad and pencil, Procreate
Seeping from the dark recesses of my shattered brain, my inner rebel ignites. Wanting more. Demanding to be more. As I endure the mangled mess that is my bespoke brand of weird. This is ... where I find hope.
Laura Reynolds
Desert Hills
Acrylic paint
The desert hills at sunset, the sun is casting shadows across the dunes as it dips behind the far mountain ranges. I used acrylic paint on canvas and used different brushes and strokes to create texture and make the painting feel alive.
Laura Reynolds
Dolphins
Acrylic paint
A paint by numbers of life under the sea. I used acrylic paint on canvas and made the happy sea creatures come to life. I hope people feel happy when they look at this painting just like I do.
Laura Reynolds
Pottery Pots
Clay
I made these pots in my pottery class. I enjoy creating pieces with my hands and I like that each piece is unique like the people I know in my community, even though that are not all perfect each pot is special on its own way. It makes me feel happy and relaxed when I am at the pottery wheel creating.
Lewis Schmid
I couldn't walk or talk but now I can climb – Part 1
Textas and photos
I drew when I was in hospital with a brain injury. I was in a wheelchair. I drew the ambulance coming to pick me up. I couldn’t walk or talk ... But now I can rock climb! I drew me climbing to show my progress. I am striving for greatness. I will never STOP! This gives me hope.
Mark Ellis
Walking through the garden, and understanding the weeds
Oil painting
I love every part of nature. I find it difficult to balance and see in my "real" life but strangely I can "see" balance and mother nature when I'm painting. I love painting grasses and weeds because I can "see" them and appreciate them. This painting is a big vase of mother nature.
Maryellen Curwen
A House, a Home
Textas on paper
I’m really grateful for my home, it's where I know I’m safe. I’m grateful for my friends and family for helping me achieve my goals. I’m hopeful in the future I can live on my own, or with my boyfriend or friends. Having a home is very important and it's where I live with my cat Nuggett.
Maryellen Curwen
It's OK to be different
Textas on paper
I am hopeful for my friends and my family. They never gave up on me and my friends give me the confidence I need to do the things I never had the courage to do. They never gave up on me and stayed with me. I love being with them I don't feel so alone or scared as I have in the past. It has changed my life for the better and my family helped make me stronger and know that it is OK to make mistakes.
Maryellen Curwen
Rainbow Wave
Textas on paper
Rainbow Wave is a member of the My Little Pony Clan. I find hope in the My Little Pony stories and I am hopeful to be alive and happy for things that have happened. I am happy to be alive because I make other people be happy and tell them and show them that they are not alone.
Paisley Flower
Where I Find Hope
Canvas, acrylic, charcoal, gold leaf
Choosing these rainbow colours made me feel happy and hopeful. Knowing i was beginning a canvas with my left hand/arm was daunting but my right side needed to see and somehow experience the feeling of painting again. Then an image came–a feeling–of our beautiful land. An expression of inner stillness, a calmness, an angelic presence and the sound of golden vibrations of where I find hope.
Paul Davison
The Dove of HOPE and Freedom
Water-based pigment 300g/m2 on 100% cotton
The dove gives us a sense of freedom and is the universal symbol of peace, humanity, love and where we find HOPE. The dove of HOPE is about enjoying the journey along the way to recovery, the place of freedom, spirit and endless HOPE.
Paul Davison
The HOPE of Connection
Water-based pigment 300g/m2 on 100% cotton
On the verge of touching is a promise to one another that for just one moment, two people do not have to face the world alone. It's where I found HOPE during my months of uncertainty during rehabilitation.
Paul Davison
Unbreakable link of HOPE with touch
Water-based pigment 300g/m2 on 100% cotton
Holding each other’s arms is a primary language of compassion and can provide incredible emotional and physical benefits that come from touch. A touch is to give life a positive gesture of support and where we find HOPE. There is an incredible link between human touch, there are quality ways of caring for our loved ones both physically and emotionally to where we find HOPE.
Paul Figg
My Vision's Going Haywire (Highly commended)
Printed materials, collage
My occupation has always been searching for a nut in the kernel and I love puzzles. I find solace in listening to the lyrics of "You'll never walk alone" by Oscar Hammerstein II & Richard Rodgers, for it conjures a positive way of thinking.
Ravindra Proctor
The Journey
Acrylic paint on canvas
The Journey expresses a sense of the path we are all on and it explores the journey through the trials and tribulations I’ve personally experienced. I do not know where this journey will take me, but after a long period of uncertainty, at last I feel comfortable with the path I’m on. I want to convey the miracle of our relatively brief time on this extraordinary planet.
Rebekah Swanepoel
Margo and I
Jasart Round Wooden Panel and Liquitex heavy body acrylic paints
This painting is inspired by a photo from before the accident taken with my daughter. I find happiness and hope in that no matter what happens, Margo and I can still hold hands and walk through everything the world throws at us. Things may never be the same again but there is still hope.
Samuel Maher
A Little Hope
Markers, texta on paper
If you notice only two trees have a leaf or two. So no matter the setting (left side/right side), someone or something will always grow.
Simon Hallam
Torana
Acrylic on canvas board
My friend loves Toranas, so I painted his favourite car as a gift for him.
Toby Vaughan
Honey Bee
Pencil and paper
The bush is where we should be. Being in nature is calming and healing. This is where I find hope ... and bees are cool!
Zac Kurien
Life is Worth Living (Highly commended)
Black paper, charcoal pencils
This piece reminds me to NEVER give up on a goal, no matter how impossible it seems. I think back to the days where I could move only my head and neck, feeling absolutely crushed. Four years on and after days and days of repeatedly putting pencil to paper, I can do the one thing I loved the most again, create art!!!
Zac Kurien
My Muse
Black paper, charcoal pencils, paint pens
When my accident happened, I was convinced my fiancée would be better off without me. But she stayed and made life worth living. Through care, love and laughter she brought me back to life and reminded me that we have so much to look forward to! The happiest part of my day is turning my music up loud and seeing her smile. Amelia, forever my "hope" and biggest inspiration!
Zac Kurien
One Day at a Time
Black paper, charcoal pencils, acrylic paint
This piece of art represents my time in the spinal unit. I found solace and hope while having hot showers, giving myself a pep talk to get through the day gently reminding myself that all is not lost. "One day at a time" I would repeat as the water washed over my face and a new day began.
Juan Penaloza Cabrejos: Tango Session
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