2025 Artist Statements

Neami

Joanne Losovski enjoys painting, stating that, “being totally immersed in my art is so enjoyable”. Joanne has continued her journey exploring botanical water colour painting and recently has been experimenting with acrylic fluid pour paintings, which she finds incredibly interesting too. Joanne is a regular exhibitor with the Neami art programmes over the last four years. She is inspired by the great impressionist artists and is drawn to the use of colour and composition.

Sarah Donnell is influenced by the power of nature and our connection to it as can be evidenced in the illustrative themes, symbols and figures she employs which revolve around the Earth as the Mother, women and our relationship to the natural world.

Monty I’m 52 years old now and remember how much I loved to draw and make art when I was six years old. This led me to study art in high school and the creative process was a big part of my SACC Certificate. My practice involves sketching using graphite and ink, painting abstract acrylic sculptures. I love capturing real life and I’m proud of my work in this year’s exhibition. It took me some time to choose which pieces to enter and I finally chose two based on the positive feedback from my family who are very supportive of my arts practice.

Amanda Butterfield enjoys using different mediums, especially watercolour pencils. Amanda draws her inspiration from nature and animals. Amanda has been attending the Neami Comet art group in Port Adelaide for over 5 years. She also enjoys sharing with other artists and exhibiting her artwork.

Audrey Van Den Heuvel attends the Drawn Together Art group in Murray Bridge and quotes, ‘Expressing my feelings through art has always been important, probably my first love. I have studied at the SA School of Arts and for an Associate Diploma in Crafts and Interior Design. The group has given me friendships, support and encouragement to experiment with various art forms.

Jan Thomas’s art has ranged from China painting, ceramics, folk art, doll painting and for the last ten years fine art, “I mostly paint in acrylics and pastels, and have a particular passion for painting animals in pastels.” Her love of animals and concern for conservation and the environment has guided her in her paintings.

Joe Amuso always loved art, especially abstract works but never put paint to canvas until later in life. Joe’s work is inspired by pop art, colourists and naïve painters. To this artist, painting should be relaxing, fun and spontaneous. Joe has been attending the various Neami art programs in Port Adelaide for over twelve years and successfully completed his Artist in Residence through Jump Arts. Joe quotes, “I really like seeing new artists at the groups grow and enjoy themselves making art. The groups are not just about art, it’s about socialising too.” Joe hopes to have his own solo exhibition in the future.

Lindy draws inspiration from everyday moments to create art that captures these using traditional mediums.

Lydia has been an artist for over 11 years. ‘I enjoy painting, meeting with other artists and the relaxing emotions it brings to my life’. Lydia hopes to create more art to exhibit in future exhibitions.

Greg Pastwinski – Angel With A Sky Background seeks to create an interplay between vivid colours and a horned figure, a head based loosely on surrealism. The figure looks almost shocked as it peers upwards towards its horns, its mouth open as if gasping in disbelief. While elements of Christianity might be apparent, it’s the decorative nature of the drawing with its comedic bent that seems to shine through. Tribute To Francoise Gilot seeks to explore Pablo Picassos muse and partner of ten years, the highly independent and unique painter in her own right, Francoise Gilot (1921-2023). With the apparatus of her face mask and snorkel, she navigates the dark and murky waters of her relationship to Picasso, knowing that he refuses to remain faithful to her. As she contemplates her life and her two young children to Pablo, she’s just moments from swimming away, the only partner of Picasso to have left the artistic giant of her own free will.

Mary Norris – “My work is influenced by long walks in the Mallee Scrub at Monarto. There is something new and interesting to discover, appreciate and record every single time. Insects, emus, echidna, kangaroo, lizards and birds, plants and how they change with the seasons, and of course, the trees. I sketch outdoors using pen and watercolour. Sometimes the sketches are used to inform further work in my studio, making further paintings, drawings and prints. My wish is to share through my art, the joy and wonder that nature brings.

Martin “Martymartz” Geoghegan I had basic art classes in Primary and High School but sometimes I’d struggle with balancing my creativity with authoritarian teachers. So I turned my attention to an art form away from school. Music. I began writing poetry with my Dad as a small child which evolved into rap lyrics at 12 and I began recording music as “MartyMartZ” and later “MartyMartZ The Enigma” at 18. However, in recent years due in large part to the opportunities and artistic freedom provided by the Neami, Port Adelaide art groups, my passion for creating visual art was reignited. I hope to continue exploring and experimenting with different concepts and styles of art and creativity. Without concern for status quo. I hope one day to live off my art. Both music and visual and to leave a legacy that stretches beyond my mortal years.

Michelle Lockie attends the art group in Salisbury and is enjoying learning new art skills. This is Michelle’s send time exhibiting in the Mindshare Exhibitions.

Karen Wightman says “my Mum was an artist, so I began drawing from the age of 6 years old and found I could draw portraits from movie stars to different people. I did draw for many years due to illness but now I am back and doing it again. Creating art helps me deal with stress better, I love it. I am so glad I am able to come to the art groups as I really enjoy it.

Nathan Chetcuti My aunty Jenny helped me find my passion for art by inviting me to Neami Arts groups, about 6 months ago. I had never done art and thought I wasn’t very good, but now that has changed and I get a sense of enjoyment from creating art. I got the idea for Shark Man when I was still in primary school, and hope that this could one day become a TV show. Shark Man is a superhero which I created from my passion for sharks. I usually use coloured pencil, but have recently been experimenting with other mediums.

Maria Pulkkinen has recently started to attend the Neami art program. Maria quotes, “The art group participants inspire me to create art. I enjoyed creating and drawing as a child and have continue to do so all my life. I feel satisfaction from creating something beautiful. Making art helps with my concertation and focusing. I look forward to learning more skills and creating art for others to admire well into the future.” This is Maria’s first art exhibition with Neami.

Anonymous – I’m an indigenous artist from the Tagalaka, Mithaka & Barkindji nations whose work is grounded in culture, storytelling, and spiritual connection. Through my art, I honour my heritage and create spaces where ancestral presence can be felt. At the centre I painted four ancestors, each representing one of the sacred elements: Tree Spirit of nature and growth, Water Spirit of flow and renewal, Air Spirit of movement and breath, and the Fire Spirit of transformation and strength. Together, they symbolise the balance of life and the guidance of those who walked before us. The dot painted border holds them, just as culture and community hold us, while the space in between allows for reflection on our own place within these cycles. Through this work, I invite the viewer to not only see the ancestors but to feel their presence and to remember that they are with us, in the elements, in the land, and in spirit.

Cecelia Kluge quotes “art gives an opportunity for me to express my feelings. Being able to exhibit gives a sense of achievement and excitement that I can show others my artwork. I began art the first year Neami Drawing Together Art Group started in Murray Bridge. This group is very friendly and caring as well as being a safe place to be. We are respectful to each other, but I mostly like the fact that we all give each other a hand. Art has gotten me through some very tough times! By focussing on my art, I can cope better with ‘life’.

Emma Jane Hutchings graduated with a Diploma of Fine Art from the National Arts School, Sydney. Her passion is painting abstracts, loving bright colours, experimenting with different shapes, acrylics, inks and having an environmental message to her work. Emma Jane has exhibited in several Neami exhibition and is planning on having a solo exhibition in the future. My paintings and Sculpture are organic, evocative, energetic, bold and Colourful! My inspiration comes from natural objects. I love looking for imperfections in nature. Experimentation with different material is always key to me. Having come from four generations of Artists in my family and living with my family’s art from the very beginning of my life. I was always dabbling in paint and wood early on. I grew up in Sydney on the Northern Beaches. Studying Primary and Secondary School and Queenwood school for girls in Mosman-Balmoral Beach. I came top in the final year of School – Year 12. After secondary school I applied to the National Art School and was a successful applicant. I absolutely loved the NAS and graduated in 1996 with a Diploma in Fine Art. After graduating, I taught Art to children and Adults, working as an apprentice for sculptor and mould maker as well as an art conservation company; along with being a gallery assistant to many art galleries in Sydney. Later on, I opened my own Art School and open artist studio in Cromer. I was always keen on developing my own style and exhibited in many galleries in Sydney. I decided to move to Adelaide, following my parents and seeking out other fellow artists. I have exhibited in many exhibitions through Neami National and recently through bridge Arts Group, exhibiting locally in Murray Bridge, Tailem bend and Adelaide.

Phillip Miller has a passion for photography and a very keen eye for detail. He manipulates his images on Photoshop and loves to recreate landscapes, both natural and urban, with layers of colour.

Ryan Torre I enjoy taking photo’s, but I have found a new passion for sketching and painting. My work continues to become more detailed, and I find I am taking on more challenges. I am inspired by my Filipino culture, and by symbolism. My goal is to become a professional multimedia artist, and I would like to continue studying art.

Monica Jordan is an aspiring artist who lives in Adelaide. Her mediums are varied. They include painting with acrylics and watercolours and acrylic print. The theme she likes to keep to is the beauty of nature, with the belief that nature is there for us to enjoy, to explore, and from which to gain peace and relaxation. Colour, beauty and evoking a sense of peace and enjoyment for the beholder is the main goal with this artist’s works.

Stacey M – I am a self-taught, emerging artist from the northern suburbs of Adelaide. While I don’t have formal training yet, I hope to pursue art education in the future. My creative journey has included acrylic pouring, landscapes, and resin work, with a recent focus on abstract acrylic and impasto-textured pieces. I love working with bright, bold colors and incorporating textures that invite closer exploration. At the heart of my work is the belief that art—like life—is beautifully imperfect. Through striking compositions and tactile details, I aim to create pieces that capture attention and curiosity.

Cassie – I reconnected with art when I began experimenting with collaging at the Port Adelaide, Neami National art group in 2024 and continue to practice my art there. My art practice feels like a journey; creating as I gather materials, and then later a puzzle
when assembling my chosen materials. In my art process, I experiment with a blend of collaging, layering, blending and mosaic
techniques by using paper and/or magazine cutouts as my primary medium. My main influences include nature, textiles & patterns, previous artworks and homophones.
I would like my art to both arouse imagination and to reflect my philosophy; that art is a
manifestation of harmony – beauty and imperfection co-existing – a balance.

My name is Angela. I am 65 yo. I have 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren who all live in Queensland. I enjoy doing crafty things which I have been doing nearly all my life. I also enjoy jigsaws, reading, crosswords, games and other puzzles that keep me challenged. I found painting by accident. I was cleaning out a cupboard when I found some acrylic paint and thought why have I got this when I can’t paint. Then I thought well let’s give this a go. I got a small canvas and did a painting. I found it very relaxing and the painting wasn’t that bad. I realised that I was really enjoying it. My disabilities hold me back some days but since discovering art I have found that my disability has given me the ability to express myself through my paintings.

Jenny Zitzke I went to the Western Community Health Centre on Woodville Road for my mental health. I saw a sign on the board: Western Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Woodville and Grange Road. It was the best decision I made to join the group, and I was taught life skills. I went to the Findon Community Crat Group with this group and picked up a book of animals to draw. I started to copy the pictures onto paper with my eye and the support workers saif that they were an excellent representation, and that they had preferred them to the original copy. MIFSA was good in coming to my home on a one to one home visit regularly when I was isolated at home. Later I went to Neami Mental Health Art for 3.5 years now, and in the beginning I had trouble picking up the pencil, now I can produce work. Skylight Art have been very encouraging support workers to continue with my artwork on a one-to-one basis! I like realistic and abstract art and love nature, animals, plants, people, drawing portraits and saints.

Mel Cordell is a mixed media artist. She is passionate about the environment, with a background in conservation, photography and digital media. Mel enjoys sketching Australian birds, flora and fauna, and has recently started using watercolours in her work. Mel describes the last year participating in the Neami Art group as “A journey of self realisation, growth, and personal development.”

Skylight

Daniel Avis Originally began designing and drawing structures for D&D. This evolved into creating geometric designs digitally on Minecraft. I have been making art since early childhood, and I like digital art because the opportunities for design are so expansive. Art is a medium for me to create and share the things in my mind.

Leanna Wilson I have been creating art since high school. I like to use fabric in my artwork as well as abstract painting and finger stitching. Coming to an art group helps me relax. I made this quilt for my cats. Somewhere nice and warm for them in the winter. Working on this piece was very relaxing and helped me to forget about my problems. I hope people think it is very good artwork. Medium: socks, fabric, sequins, nail art gems, yarn thread.

Gareth Pennington – What inspired me was the history and resilience of our first nation people who went through 65,000 years of history from their dreamtime, today and the future through unity of all people in this country. It’s a celebration of their journey and culture and my acknowledgement, my acceptance. Their history is my history and my people. Combining Naidoc week and mindshare exhibition.

Harmony Manners – Watercolour painting is relaxing and lifts my mood. Roses are hard to paint but they look good when they’re finished.

Teresa Denney – Vibrational drawing of the heart and 3rd eye. It means going with the flow and trusting in the universe. Love, laugh and dare to dream. You are stronger than you think. I am a poet, musician and artist. I’ve been creating since I was young and it gives me peace and a sense of purpose.

Angelique Baker – I enjoy creating as it takes my mind off my pain. It’s something that engergises me. I love painting with my friends. Each year I paint for my family, gifting my works for birthday and Christmas gifts.

Brian Miller – I’ve been an artist for 20 years. I prefer acrylic and like art to help my concentration.

N – I have not done a large amount of art and am developing my technique to represent the world accurately. Leonardo Da Vinci said drawing is fundamental to all art.

Sandra – I have been making art/drawing/painting for a few years now. I enjoy making artwork that tells a story, inspired by my Aboriginal culture and identity. I love sharing my art with others and seeing it displayed, as I believe it brings a vibrant, calm and beautiful feeling to the space. My favourite medium is probably graphite/pencil drawings. Most of my work is black and white, but lately I am enjoying using colour to elevate my art.

David Got – David enjoys drawings, music, drumming, fishing and going on holidays. David was born in Sudan and is a permanent Australian resident.

Clarence Park Skylight Art Group – Seven participants contributed to this piece during a weekly art group. It has been in the works for the last six months. With so much time on our hands, we were able to express our feelings and emotions freely without any time pressure. There was no predetermined idea, each participant organically contributed patterns that personally resonated with them.

Grant Dornford – I have been attending the Elizabeth art group for 4 months. I enjoy using watercolour paint and pencils. I like coming to art group to see the staff
and the members of the group. Doing this artwork has shown my personal growth. When I joined the art group I had no intention of exhibiting my works, but my confidence has grown. Medium: paper plates, water colour paints, glue, straws.

Deborah Fisher – I have been drawing since high school. I find drawing relaxing and an escape. You can create another world. Medium: Staedler triplus pens, cartridge paper and Medium: Art line drawing system pens, cartridge paper.

Skylight Mental Health Elizabeth Art Group – Tree of Connection is a collaborative exploration of what connection means to us as individuals and as a community. Each member of our group contributed a personal reflection—words, images, or symbols—that express how they experience connection in their lives. These expressions were added to the branches of a single tree, symbolizing how our unique perspectives and relationships are intertwined. At its heart, this piece is about growth, empathy, and belonging. It reminds us that while our connections may look different, they are all vital to the strength and beauty of the whole.

Linda Kay – I love connecting with others. They are best friends. It was made with diamond beads. It makes me think of friends. The same as myself.

Mike Lawn – I have been doing bits and pieces of art since high school. I like it because it is a good distraction for me. I like using lead pencil the best. I drew these pieces when I was part of an anime club at high school. I think these swords looked really cool and I hope other people really like these drawings.

Grace Beckingham – My own experiences and observations of others and the world, and the feelings these evoke in me guide my art. I love portraiture and expressionalist methods of art. Being able to see someone in a new way/show others how I perceive and feel things through my art. Making art is something I’ve only leaned into in the last few years, but I could not imagine my life without it.

LWB

Ash is a young artist who began creating at around age 9. Her creative work—including photography, pottery, music, posters, and more—is a way to express herself freely and without judgement. Through her art, Ash shares a message of resilience and individuality: life goes on, and everyone has their own way of being. Ash is one of the original Living Arts Photography Club members and has been working to refine her work over the past few years. She loves to capture sunsets and animals.

My name is Jasper. I’m 13 years old and I am proud to be neurodivergent. I am an Adelaide based artist, and I enjoy making stop motion films and drawing as a creative and emotional outlet. My art usually uses colour and metaphors to express emotion and doesn’t have much talking if any. I have always used art to express my emotions or experiences when I couldn’t say them with words- I would draw in different colours and types of ways I would use those colours. I hope one day my art inspires others to be seen and creative in the best quirky way for them! Jasper is also part of the South Australian Youth Advisory Group and contributed to the I (Don’t) Feel Heard SA YAG Speakers

Josh is a 10-year-old emerging artist of Barkindji heritage who lives on Kaurna Land. He is no stranger to sharing his work in exhibitions, having previously exhibited his artwork in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 ‘mindshare group Exhibition for Mental Health Month. He has also been working one to one with Resident Artist Mark to make and create in a broad range of mediums ranging from woodwork and ceramics as well as having special painting sessions with Aboriginal Resident Artist Natasha to continue honing his painting skills.
In 2024, Josh won the Nunga Kids art competition for Children’s Day, and he described how he paints because it is his culture and that learning about his culture makes him feel proud and strong. Throughout many of Josh’s artworks, you will feel his sense of pride and connection to his culture through his use of symbols and words in his language. In 2025 Josh also began attending the Living Arts Photography Club sessions and has shown a keen eye for curious details often missed by others rushing past.
Making art is also a great tool to help Josh relax and unwind.

Maddy is a 9-year-old creative, energetic, Barkindji girl. Like her brother, Josh, she loves to connect with her culture. Some of her pieces reflect memories from their Return to Country trips while others add her own sparkly elements to familiar imagery. She has contributed to artwork in other exhibitions with Living Arts over the past three years and worked regularly with Aboriginal Resident Artist Natasha on a range of different creative projects.

Levi is an emerging creative who is turns 15 this year. He loves the imaginary worlds of Pokémon, Lego-Ninjago, Sonic and Minecraft. Through his work with Living Arts, he has been exploring storytelling, character creation, mixed media arts and stop-motion animation. Levi has shared artworks in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 mindshare Group Exhibition for Mental Health Month. In 2024 Levi developed a piece titled “New Beginnings” that won the “People’s Choice” vote for in the Queer Society’s Zine Art Competition.

Keisha – I enjoy photography because it lets the world see what the world is like through my eyes sometimes. My photography is all about capturing moments in time, I often find beautiful things in nature that catch my eye. I want to photograph these and share with them others.
For the last 13 years, I lived with my carers on Kangaroo Island where I was surrounded by nature which became my core inspiration with photography. I love to capture sunsets and sunrises and capture reflections in the water. I’ve always been an outdoors kind of person, this is where I feel calm and relaxed. When life gets challenging, sometimes I look back at the photos I capture to remember that sense of calm and peace. I hope my photos bring you a sense of calm today too. My photos have been displayed in the mindshare Group Exhibition in 2023 and 2024 sharing her photography and also won an award last year at the Royal Adelaide Show Junior Photography Competition. This year I shared my photos and a song in the Living Arts “Unmuted: Amplifying Youth Voices” SALA Exhibition. This was the first time I’ve shared my music publicly and it was scary but amazing being able to perform “Morning Sun” at the SALA Launch in front of so many people.

Ellie is a free spirit and a creative soul. Ellie enjoys any form of art that they can try but loves to draw and write short stories the most. Recently, Ellie has begun crocheting and has found a new passion with a bonus sensory/stimming outcome that supports their wellbeing in multiple ways. Ellie went into foster care in 1999 and she has been in the same placement since May of that year. In 2014, Ellie and their carer joined with Life Without Barriers “Post 18 Host Family Support Program” and has been with them ever since. Ellie became involved with the CREATE Foundation since 2010 as a Young Advocate. During their time with CREATE, Ellie attended numerous camps, many activity days and interstate twice for their national conferences. Ellie has also worked with the Living Arts team as an emerging creative, part of their ‘Event Crew’ program and as a peer facilitator for creative workshops with other young people with a care experience. Ellie has worked as a peer facilitator for creative workshops with other young people with a care experience. They worked with Living Arts as a Peer Facilitator at the 2024 CREATE Voices in Action Conference where we co-created our “Hidden Conversation Flowers” and the SA Youth Advisory Group Exploration Canvas. In the future, Ellie would like to be either an archaeologist or a historian as they love ancient history. “I’m looking forward to meeting other young people who have had a similar experience in their lives and helping them to explore their future in a creative way.” -Ellie

Brandon is an enthusiastic cosplayer who finds joy in expressing himself through creativity and community. His journey began 3–4 years ago with a suit of armour made from Macca’s boxes, evolving through apple boxes to foam builds that showcase his growing skill and imagination. He enjoys attending conventions like AVCON and OZ Comic-Con, sharing his work and connecting with fellow fans. While cosplay is currently a hobby, Brandon plans to start taking commissions in the near future.
Brandon also advocates for giving young people in care a greater voice. He’s concerned that many cries for help go unnoticed and wants caregivers, organisations, and workers across the sector to be more attentive. He also highlights the need for better awareness of organisations dedicated to supporting children in care.

Hello, my name is Radi Van’t Hof. And I’m a disabled artist , that will be part of mindshare 2025. Let’s start off with what I have, and what makes me ‘disabled’. I am autistic with a long mental health diagnosis line…such as borderline personality disorder, ocd and complex ptsd. Not only that, I also have chronic pain and fatigue and trying I’m to get diagnosed with fibromyalgia. My chronic pain leaves me on a cane majority of my outdoor times. I may be disabled, but I’m still able to create what I love, which is art.  I’ve been doing art since 2013 and I continue to do so now.  I have gone through a long journey with my art but also with my mental health. Two very different paths but now they’re merging into something … beautiful? I want to show the world if you give me a chance I can do something good, create something good despite my labels! I wish to create a safe place with my art, that even though you have mental health, disabilities or are neurodiverse … you can do this.  I’m also on online! Before the 2024 mindshare Exhibition I rebranded and now officially go by ‘_SaturnWings_’ and online I go by mothi! I’ve grown and changed as an artist since my first time exhibiting in mindshare in 2023, both myself and my art has changed for the better and I continue to strive the path I’m given.

Bex – I was born in Adelaide and have cultural connections to Russia and Ukraine. I’ve recently been exploring watercolour, using both paints, special pen-brushes, and watercolour pencils in my work. I find working with watercolour really spontaneous and relaxing. I was previously studying digital art at university, but had to defer when I became unwell. It’s been really nice to take a break from digital art and try new things while I’m healing. When I’m in the Living Arts room painting with others, I know I’m in a space where there are “no mistakes, just creative choices” and that helps me to trust the process while I paint. I often don’t plan my pieces but start with colours, prompts or shapes and see how the artwork evolves while I paint.
Many of my pieces include multiples of the same design and I have been drawn to using calming shades of greens, blues and pastel pink and purple. My style is simple but illustrative with a kawaii (cute) twist, perhaps this is my inner child coming out to play. When I was unwell the only creative work I could manage was colouring in pages, being able to connect with this art group in a supportive environment has been very powerful to help me reconnect with my creative side. Attending this group is more than just getting out of the house, its about connecting with others and having an encouraging space to play creatively without fear of mistakes or judgement. As someone with ADHD and recently diagnosed with Autism, I am still learning about my brain and how to work with myself, but I’m grateful to have these opportunities to reconnect with my creativity along the way. At home I have four cats, I rescued a stray mother and her three kittens – Mumu (mum-cat), Jelly Bean, Marble and Skittles. These pets have brought so much joy into my life and help me to get out of bed in the morning.

I’m Emma, I was born and raised in Adelaide, Australia. Creatively speaking, I like to explore different kinds of makeup, but this year I’ve been learning ceramics and watercolour painting with the Living Arts group. During these sessions I’ve gained some new skills in drawing and pottery. I often find myself painting butterflies, which represent happiness to me. In our creative sessions we’ve talked about the importance of connecting with others. I think sharing a cup of tea can really help bring people together and have explored this in my pottery and painting alike. Being creative has given me a sense of purpose. Joining this group, and exploring new kinds of art with others, has also been a really positive experience for me.

LWB – Collaborative Artwork

Bridging Now To Next
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. During the April School Holidays, we began working with young Aboriginal people on this canvas – inviting them to think about what they think of Reconciliation in Australia, what needs to be done to bridge the gap between the past and the future. We invited them to add their handprints and artwork to this piece, and to create their own bridge inspired artworks throughout our session together. Together we discussed pillars of reconciliation, these things that hold the bridge strong and sturdy as we walk side by side towards the future. The importance of staying strong in Culture, connected to community and to listen to the past as we look towards the future. This artwork continued to evolve during Reconciliation Week at community events such as Reconciliation in the West where more messages or pillars were gathered. Our Living Arts team are proud to develop and co-create community artworks like these during Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week each year – inviting community members from all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities to reflect on these themes and yarn about the unique role we can all play as we move forward towards a kinder and more caring country.

Mockingbird Marino Family Tree (Collaborative Artwork by Marino Mockingbird Constellation)
Before building their nest, the Marino Mockingbird Constellation began by growing their own family tree. Young people and carers added handprints and fingerprints to represent each member of their constellation, creating a vibrant and personal portrait of their community. Autumnal colours were chosen to reflect the changing seasons, while the strong trunk and branches symbolise the enduring foundation of their Mockingbird Family. This artwork acknowledges the fluidity of relationships—especially for young people in care—while celebrating the strength and stability found within the supportive connections of a Mockingbird Constellation. Just like a tree that stands tall through every season, these bonds help each member grow, thrive, and feel rooted in belonging.

Hidden Conversation Flowers (Collaborative Artwork)
Inspired by the sunflower, as a symbol for people living with hidden disabilities, this project invited young people with a care experience to share the conversations they wish they could have with the adults in their world. Developed at the 2024 CREATE Voices in Action Conference and expanded at CREATES Leaving Care Expo later that year, these flowers capture their stories, hopes, worries and dreams. Take the time to wander through our garden of Hidden Conversation Flowers. Take in these messages, and reflect upon how you can hold space for conversations that may otherwise be left unsaid. We would like to thank Daniel Cao for his support in designing the posters which beautifully collate many of these messages into common themes.

I (don’t) Feel Heard (Mixed Media Speakers By the SA Youth Advisory Group)
These two speakers were transformed during our July 2025 SA Youth Advisory Group session. We asked them “what does it feel and look like when you do feel heard and when you don’t feel heard”. Young people quickly, and enthusiastically, set about destroying one of the speakers – citing the frustration and anger they feel when the adults employed to support them are not listening to them. This was then reassembled and covered with messages reflecting the visceral internal and external reactions many of our young people experience when they don’t feel heard. The other speaker reflects how it feels to be heard, seen and have people engage in their stories. It speaks to feeling supported and having someone hold space for the stories that may otherwise be overlooked, unheard or forgotten. Messages on the plinth surrounding these speakers are also from these YAG members, reflecting on the importance of involving them in decision making conversations and taking the time to understand their interests, hopes and dreams.