Making Art not War
For the past 13 years, painting has been a source of meditation for Housing Choices resident Susan. She took up the hobby while working as a public health consultant, providing research and training on human rights and HIV across the globe. “I don’t paint for any reason other than I find it really calms me. I find it’s a place I can go where I’m really at peace,” she said. While Susan has found painting from her two-bedroom Fitzroy North home relaxing, her most recent work of oil paint on acrylic is having a far-reaching impact. The mother of one’s works often reflect devastations occurring throughout the world and her most recent painting is no different. Titled Mariupol 2022, the work depicts a damaged building in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast. Mariupol was decimated in a Russian siege, as part of the war on Ukraine, that lasted for more than 80 days and left the port city in ruins. “Every year or so there is an issue or two that happens, and I feel very passionately about it, and I have to do a painting about it,” she said. “Having been a young woman when the Vietnam War was ending, I think we thought in those days, there would be no more wars and the world would get better. And it really hasn’t. Wars continue and we now have this insane war in Europe and
Our Annual ‘Home Is Where the Art Is Competition and Exhibition’ is here!
Home is Where the Art is returns for another year and promises to be greater than ever! The Housing Choices team and resident artists have started planning this year’s annual competition, and also a first of its kind art exhibition. So far, we’ve connected with resident artists to see whether they would like to participate again or help plan this year’s events. We held a lunch where residents shared valuable experiences and ideas, and another meet up is being held soon. Competition and Exhibition Whether you’re a beginner, a professional artist or something in between, our competition and exhibition has something for everyone! Whatever your creative passion, there’s a place for you.
Getting involved with the arts can have powerful and positive effects on mental and physical well-being and be a way to express our individuality and emotions. Our 2023 competition categories include: children, young adults, fine art, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, an open category, and a people’s choice award. Residents’ artworks need to be submitted by 15 August 2023 , and will be judged by Housing Choices staff and our Resident Advisory Committee. In October, we will hold our first state-wide art exhibition in the City of Melbourne to showcase your beautiful art. Exhibition date and venue will soon be announced.
To find out more, contact the Community Development and
Engagement Team on 0427 308 006 or communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au .
6
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator