The real meaning behind my Recovered Futures Artworks
If you didn't know, I will be exhibiting two artworks in the 2025 Recovered Futures Exhibition presented by Richmond Fellowship Queensland. The exhibition runs from the 3rd-8th October in the middle of King George Square in a giant marquee.
This is really exciting for me. One of my goals for this year was to get involved in a few different local exhibitions. After a bit of a bumpy start to the year, it's really nice to have finally felt like I've achieved this.
Recovered Futures features work from artists across Queensland who have been touched by mental health challenges, whether that be personally or through a loved one. Having battled with my own mental health, this struck me as being something I really wanted to be involved in.
With that being said, I'd love to tell you a bit more about what these artworks really mean to me...
This first artwork is called "Companions"
I guess it's probably fairly easy to see where the title comes from. It's a painting that is at it's core about the relationship between a human and their animal, namely me and one of my dogs, Hugo.
This oil painting is based upon a photo I took back in 2020 when Hugo was a tiny puppy. Back in 2020, my mental and physical health was very poor. I was struggling a lot, and trying to find a way forward but, it was tough going. This moment I captured was one in which reminded me that there are reasons to keep fighting. That even though things were awful, there were still little glimmers of hope.
My Recovered Futures artist statement for 'Companions':
"In 2020, I brought home a teeny tiny bundle of hope wrapped in the cutest package. At the time I was really struggling, but this little guy was depending on me. One morning I sat myself out on a picnic rug in the backyard, watching this little puppy tumble in the sun-soaked grass with his older brother. As this sweet creature waddled up and plonked himself on my lap, I remember feeling grateful for this reason to keep fighting."
This second artwork is called "A Celebration of Lights"
Not only is this a pretty picture depicting the textures of the city of Tokyo, it's a symbol of triumph. I have always been entranced by the lights of the city. The hustle. The bustle. I just find the city exciting. So can you imagine my excitement when my partner and I went to Tokyo of all cities. But more than that, it was such a ginormous achievement considering a few years ago, going on a trip like this was inconceivable. I wasn't well enough. I wasn't confident enough. I didn't have this beautiful man in my life to go on this journey with me. This painting really is a statement: this happened. This CAN happen. Life can change for the better.
My Recovered Futures artist statement for 'A Celebration of Lights'
"I’ve always had a particular adoration with the city and it’s lights. So having the privilege of travelling to Tokyo of all cities and seeing scenes like this with my very eyes was nothing short of magical. But it was also such a monumental accomplishment. Just 5 years ago, taking a trip like this and doing it alongside a man I’m head over heels for… it was just not even remotely conceivable. Life can and will surprise you."
Anyway, if you happen to be in Brisbane next week between the 3rd-8th of October, I'd love to invite you to come along to the Recovered Futures Exhibition. Not only will my two artworks be displayed (and available for sale) but so so many other artworks with stories similar and different to mine will be too.
Hope to see you there!
Liz :)
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