Gold Coast Health’s annual ArtBeat music and arts festival showcases the creative talents of mental health consumers and provides a platform for creativity, self-expression and awareness.
The opportunity to exhibit artwork or perform for the community can have a profoundly positive impact on participants, all of whom are past or present mental health consumers.
Jemma and Robyn, a delightfully eclectic mother-daughter duo, are feature artists in this year’s ArtBeat art exhibition at Gold Coast University Hospital.
Jemma recently accessed the Robina Crisis Centre for assistance when dealing with mental health struggles surrounding grief and loss and was informed about ArtBeat by her mental health care practitioners. Jemma and her mum, Robyn, jumped at the chance to participate.
Robyn has painted all her life, even teaching some art classes during her career, so it’s no surprise that Jemma has followed in mums’ footsteps.
“I’ve always turned to art to support my mental health, because of mum’s influence. She enrolled me in different art classes from a young age, so it’s always been something that I go to throughout the years. I’ve always painted - it’s my time out. You literally focus on each brush stroke, and that’s where your heads at. You don’t focus on all the other mess going on around you.” Jemma said.
The amazing benefits of art for mental health and well-being is well documented, and Jemma has also done her own research into mood-boosting techniques.
“I have an allied health background, so research is really my thing, and I discovered that having more greenery inside the house is important for good mental health. It’s a colour that resonates with people for calmness and so I thought, this is bloody great isn’t it - I’ll bring plants into the house.”
“At that point in time I had two cats who decided to eat the plants and play in all the dirt. It was a disaster. So instead, I started painting greenery, and it’s been great. Obviously if you can have real plants that’s a lovely thing, but it doesn’t matter, as long as there is greenery, you’ll reap the benefits.” Jemma said.
Robyn and Jemma are inspired by their travels, the natural environment, and even their own gardens. The walls of both artists houses are adorned in works inspired by nature’s beauty.
“The botanical theme is strong. It’s really lovely. You just get a good feeling looking at them”. Robyn remarked.
Robyn and Jemma are creatives at heart and have tried their hand at an impressive array of creative art forms –painting, sculpture, mosaic, and jewellery making to name a few - but it’s the community connection they’ve discovered through their artistic pursuits that has been the most rewarding.
“Being part of the community and gathering with like-minded people, even though you might all do different things, is really valuable.” Says Robyn.
The duo is excited to feature in Artbeat 2024 and not only to share their art, but also to connect with others in the gold coast community who have faced similar challenges, and also use art as a healing tool.
“I find that talking to people about their lives and what they’ve done, the difficulties they’ve faced, it’s just so helpful to be a community – to help each other, talk to each other, and not necessarily in a clinical setting”. Said Jemma.
“Opportunities like ArtBeat, where people come together for a purpose – for art, to talk, making new connections, and to just be yourself and be open - it’s very healing”.
Join us at ArtBeat 2024
Robyn and Jemma's art will be available for sale at the ArtBeat art exhibition in the foyer of Gold Coast University Hospital, from 8-31 October. Pop by to check out an amazing array of artwork.
Don't miss out on the ArtBeat festival on 11 October, 11am - 2pm, at the Gold Coast University Hospital parklands. You can register here.
