I made this embroidery piece after completing an intensive therapy program to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The process involved working closely with mental health professionals who guided me to face my memories of trauma rather than avoid them.

Through that process, I realised that I had shown courage, and stayed true to my values, even during the hardest times. I also came to understand that the voices of a few workplace bullies—at a time when my mental health was already fragile—did not change who I was inside or lessen my worth.

Stitching these cotton ‘medals’ onto calico helped me consolidate those discoveries. It became a way of acknowledging that I am worthy of healing, and that I can recognise and validate my own strengths. 

Each artwork I make helps me process my lived experiences. It gives me joy to share those works and to connect with others as I continue my path of recovery.

This photograph captures the detail of my beaded embroidery work, ‘Sanctuary’, the third piece in my series ‘Tox Off!’ which explores healing from workplace bullying. 

Experiencing bullying while living with PTSD delayed my recovery, but making this artwork has been part of my healing journey. It is about knowing myself and finding the people who can see my intrinsic worth.

In the centre of the piece is a quirkily-coloured ‘egg’, cradled in a little gold nest. This is me - resting, healing and completely free from pressure. I am allowed to be my true self in this sanctuary. Around me are swirls of the colours I love, representing the community I have found that holds and nurtures me - including fellow mental health consumers. The hand-embroidered text above reads ‘still free to be me’ in my own handwriting.

Each artwork I create helps me process my lived experiences. Sharing these works brings me joy as I connect with others on this ongoing path of recovery.

This piece of painting shows the peaceful nature which influences our emotions, the bright blue sky, the mirror like surface of ocean the red single fishing boat, the rocky but smooth path toward future which indicates life is not easy but still so beautiful, don’t ever loose hopes , there are always something, some way , some view make you feel alive and with joy.

This one shows the hiking and star watching gives you so much insight into how much you have been enjoying the nature of university and life. There are so many great places in our planet, go and travel around, you will find the world is worthy of our love, the life is worthy of our existence, small but real.

'Where Lived Experience Becomes a Masterpiece" - For me it is amazing on how i have grown intensely since prior 20 years ago To a personality of lots of full colours. To demonstrate my Lived Experience i have b voted in as appointee in a Grow mental support group position

I have painted myself Dancing in my national costume, which I am hoping to do when I am better. As I am still on a road to recovery, the art is therapeutic and inspirational-i hope to be Dancing soon and celebrating my Croatian-Australian and bipolar Identity!

Acrylic on canvas. This painting is of a dear friend Kerry who has fought for 40 years to get answers to what happened to her brother Randall who was placed in Pearce House at Wolston Park Hospital at age 18. Kerry is surrounded by the Headstones of 2089 past patients of Wolston Park Hospital. None of the Headstones have a name on them they all simply have A (for Asylum) and a number. Sadly the disrespectful way patients were treated even in death makes it very hard for families now to find closure for there relatives who died in Wolston Park Hospital. They will never be forgotten Again.

Acrylic on canvas. This is what I saw every day for 6.5 months. Long days spent outside rain or shine. We were all caged in a yard. And walking up and down the fence line backwards and forwards was all we had to pass the day. And remembering what freedom felt like. As it was on the otherside of the 10 foot fence.

"Beauty Within" is a mixed media artwork with 3D elements and stitching. Stitching for me means mending the soul. Learning to love and accept all parts of myself and seeing the beauty within.

Helen's house is a mixed media artwork that includes Lino and Mono prints, illustration, hand stitching and embroidery. It contains images of comfort from my life. Animals = unconditional love. Jigsaw pieces= different parts of life joining together. House= security. Art= resilience. Nature= growth, beauty & life.

Immediacy of application of brushwork and themes of being mindful and present within a centre of calm in spite of troubling worries and concerns about life.

Sound of water flowing calm our mi d body and soul to reduce the stress in us and brings a positive out come.

Faith sustains my hope for recovery, for a time to look forward to creativity and energy to embrace life.

Mixed media, acrylic. Was going for a bold, lush look, reflective, in hindsight, of my blooming passion for life, in my 'twilight' years. (I sparkle in the sunlight.)Moving out from the darkness of the tunnel, I find treasure in my pockets, and a mind positively riddled with neurodiversity. Yay, it's all starting to add up. Nature nurtures, and flowers bring joy. Creativity begets flow, flow is time-out, time-out is healing. This is competition an opportunity to wear my heArt on my sleeve. Be seen. It reflects an ever expanding and exciting journey of self-discovery and mastery. 'There is a crack, in everything, that's how the light gets in', Leonard Cohen.