Solidarity

The pandemic has played a major impact on our communities and our mental health, as a Visual Arts educator and House Coordinator at an all boys secondary college, I have witnessed arduous events through family and friends and even my journey as a mother. Collaborating with health professionals with young people and the elderly on their mental health fascinates me, my profession gives me an understanding of how I can establish relationships and respond to diverse emotional intelligence and cognitive behaviours. During my practices, my creative mind wonders how the brain works, how memories are formed and what the mind looks like when an individual is experiencing happiness, anxiety, grief, trauma, and depression. As the pandemic took hold, time seized and the impact on the elderly slowing deteriorated. The connection of another body, mind and soul is imperative for someone that is vulnerable and I wonder how an individual soul of the elderly would live on their own suffering mental health concerns. I dedicate this painting to the vulnerable, especially the gentlemen that have been involved in building the Men Shed. The Men Shed of Apollo Bay aims to build a positive community where men can connect and enhance their love of trade skills and sharing others if their knowledge of techniques, in doing this the nation builds a strong mindset to promote positive mental health for men in the community.