upcoming exhib at hospital that saved my life, my journey thus far in recovery.
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upcoming exhib at hospital that saved my life, my journey thus far in recovery.
I have an exhibition next month at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, through the Centre for Creative Healing, which shows part of my story in images and some words. Here is a look at what will be displayed.
Apologies for the long process of viewing, my technical skills are not terrific.
EXHIBITION- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Centre for Creative Healing
Trials and Trauma- Healing with Art.
Chronic, unstable major depression fed into alcoholism that caused me to suffer 20%, 4th degree burns in late August, 2015. Post burns saw me heal from the burns, manage my depression, battle homelessness, become aware of complex PTSD and remain sober to this day- 3.5y.
BRIEF HISTORY OF WHY ART PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MY CONTINUED RECOVERY
In an alcohol rehab program that also focused on finding safe long term sustainable housing, I became involved in an in house art program, where I began to express my emotions and thought in painting, words and drawing. Since this time I have begun a new journey in art- now being a student at the Adelaide Central School of Arts. I have selected 5 art works that progressively tell my story over the last 4 years. The works have not been chosen for their appearance, but the because they are important to me.
THE BURNS UNIT- ROYAL ADELAIDE HOSPITAL
Aside of the life saving surgery and the following treatment from the burns unit- they have been a lynchpin of support for me post burns. I began my journey in art after my stay in hospital, but have been a regular visitor the the unit for outpatient appointments, and recently 2 corrective hand surgical procedures that have allowed me enough use of my hand to start playing the cello and piano again. The support, professionalism and humanity of all in the burns unit will remain with me the the end of my days- with gratitude for life, and the ability of heal and grow.
All of the canvases were recycled from clients in the recovery program I was in, that left them and were going to be thrown away. I recycled them out of respect.for these people’s struggles.
GARMENT DECONSTRUCTED (2016-2019)
I wore this burns garment for 7 months, 23/7. It helped with circulation, reducing scarring and protection. It was measured to fit very tightly. I decided to turn it into an art work to own my emotions, which with significant cognitive dysfunction, left me feeling very emotional and confused. The symbols were hand painted on cloth, then hand stitched them onto the garment. The right hand side represents trauma and despair, the left- healing and life. The red running paint on the right hand side is for trauma, and the red ribbon shows the impact of such trauma over my continued life. The blue and green ribbons show healing and growth in life’s journey.
Apologies for the long process of viewing, my technical skills are not terrific.
EXHIBITION- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Centre for Creative Healing
Trials and Trauma- Healing with Art.
Chronic, unstable major depression fed into alcoholism that caused me to suffer 20%, 4th degree burns in late August, 2015. Post burns saw me heal from the burns, manage my depression, battle homelessness, become aware of complex PTSD and remain sober to this day- 3.5y.
BRIEF HISTORY OF WHY ART PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MY CONTINUED RECOVERY
In an alcohol rehab program that also focused on finding safe long term sustainable housing, I became involved in an in house art program, where I began to express my emotions and thought in painting, words and drawing. Since this time I have begun a new journey in art- now being a student at the Adelaide Central School of Arts. I have selected 5 art works that progressively tell my story over the last 4 years. The works have not been chosen for their appearance, but the because they are important to me.
THE BURNS UNIT- ROYAL ADELAIDE HOSPITAL
Aside of the life saving surgery and the following treatment from the burns unit- they have been a lynchpin of support for me post burns. I began my journey in art after my stay in hospital, but have been a regular visitor the the unit for outpatient appointments, and recently 2 corrective hand surgical procedures that have allowed me enough use of my hand to start playing the cello and piano again. The support, professionalism and humanity of all in the burns unit will remain with me the the end of my days- with gratitude for life, and the ability of heal and grow.
All of the canvases were recycled from clients in the recovery program I was in, that left them and were going to be thrown away. I recycled them out of respect.for these people’s struggles.
GARMENT DECONSTRUCTED (2016-2019)
I wore this burns garment for 7 months, 23/7. It helped with circulation, reducing scarring and protection. It was measured to fit very tightly. I decided to turn it into an art work to own my emotions, which with significant cognitive dysfunction, left me feeling very emotional and confused. The symbols were hand painted on cloth, then hand stitched them onto the garment. The right hand side represents trauma and despair, the left- healing and life. The red running paint on the right hand side is for trauma, and the red ribbon shows the impact of such trauma over my continued life. The blue and green ribbons show healing and growth in life’s journey.
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Pic 2
Phoenix Rising. (2016-18)
Many people who became friends in an online recovery support group told me I was a literal phoenix rising from the ashes, with my healing and growth.
(60 x 70cm, Acrylic on canvas- wooden frame).
Phoenix Rising. (2016-18)
Many people who became friends in an online recovery support group told me I was a literal phoenix rising from the ashes, with my healing and growth.
(60 x 70cm, Acrylic on canvas- wooden frame).
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Pic 3
‘ TEMPEST’ (2016)
A ship, in the grips of a terrible storm, where all is fragile and could be lost. My early journey back to life seemed like this at times
(31 X 26 cm, water colour on paper- framed, glass)
‘ TEMPEST’ (2016)
A ship, in the grips of a terrible storm, where all is fragile and could be lost. My early journey back to life seemed like this at times
(31 X 26 cm, water colour on paper- framed, glass)
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PIC 4
TRAUMA IN LIFE (2017)
The after effects of the burns effected me with where I lived, social isolation, pain, fear, grief and a strong determination to rejoin the human race.
(60 X 70cm, Acrylic and canvas, wooden frame)
TRAUMA IN LIFE (2017)
The after effects of the burns effected me with where I lived, social isolation, pain, fear, grief and a strong determination to rejoin the human race.
(60 X 70cm, Acrylic and canvas, wooden frame)
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Pic 6
Collage (2019)
During my stay in hospital in Feb, 2019 for the second hand procedure, that included a graft for 5 days, I began just painting with water colours as a way of passing the time. Many of the pages in the collage have words embedded in them. They represent healing and patience. Each page took many hours to complete.
(123 X 62 cm. Watercolour on paper- glued to board).
Collage (2019)
During my stay in hospital in Feb, 2019 for the second hand procedure, that included a graft for 5 days, I began just painting with water colours as a way of passing the time. Many of the pages in the collage have words embedded in them. They represent healing and patience. Each page took many hours to complete.
(123 X 62 cm. Watercolour on paper- glued to board).
s
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PJ , your journey has been nothing short of amazing,my friend.
These paintings give us insight into your ordeal and the colours, to me, represent different stages.
I LOVE the February 19 colours with the light and softness.
That’s what you deserve.
The jacket is amazing, ( the elephant)
I LOVE the Phoenix , but my favourite is the one I used as my avitar for a month.
Keep painting and keep posting , my dear friend. This will be a favourite page of mine.
Thanks so much for sharing J xxx
.
These paintings give us insight into your ordeal and the colours, to me, represent different stages.
I LOVE the February 19 colours with the light and softness.
That’s what you deserve.
The jacket is amazing, ( the elephant)
I LOVE the Phoenix , but my favourite is the one I used as my avitar for a month.Keep painting and keep posting , my dear friend. This will be a favourite page of mine.
Thanks so much for sharing J xxx
.
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Location: Cheshire. U.K
Posts: 8,003
Thank you for this thread P.J, it makes some powerful reading and gives me an insight to the pain you've been through and the bravery you've shown in rising above it all in true Phoenix style. You're an inspiration to us all.
Your paintings are amazing and the beauty of it all is that you just don't realise how talented you are.
I can't make my mind up on which piece of work like best. I love the jacket, I love the Phoenix and I love the collage.
Onwards and upwards. Massive hugs and lots of love to you ❤️💖💛💚💙💜xx
Your paintings are amazing and the beauty of it all is that you just don't realise how talented you are.
I can't make my mind up on which piece of work like best. I love the jacket, I love the Phoenix and I love the collage.
Onwards and upwards. Massive hugs and lots of love to you ❤️💖💛💚💙💜xx
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