Teresa Franks is not only an award-winning artist and children’s book illustrator - she is also a mother, the smiling face behind the counter at Bayberry’s Café at Robina Hospital, and a powerful advocate for supporting mental health through creativity.
Teresa’s journey as an artist is intertwined with personal struggle and resilience, and her success speaks volumes to the healing power of art.
Teresa grew up in Gunnedah where her grandparents were multi-medium artists, nurturing in her a love for creative expression from a young age. After early successes - winning a painting competition in 3rd grade and selling her first piece in 7th grade - life took her on a winding road. Teresa endured childhood and teenage sexual abuse, and her trauma led to anxiety, depression, and a struggle with self-worth.
It wasn’t until after leaving a difficult marriage and raising her daughter as a single mother that Teresa reignited her passion for art. At 48, she earned a Diploma of Graphic Design and Commercial Art, sparking a fresh chapter in her artistic journey.
From freelance design to teaching art alongside her sister at their airbrushing art studio, Teresa’s art was a vibrant part of her life - until the pandemic hit, challenging her creatively and emotionally, when they lost their beloved business.
But through her painting - and practices like yoga, meditation, and laughter - Teresa found a way to nurture her mental health and reclaim her spirit.
“Art for me is a form of meditation,” Teresa shares. “I can get lost for hours in one piece. I find it very good for my mental health".
“If more people were creative, there would be less anger in the world, and people would have a way to get their feelings out instead of keeping them bottled up,” Teresa said.
Her studio once welcomed students facing their own challenges - mental, physical, or emotional - and Teresa witnessed firsthand how art became their therapy too.
“Art helped them more than you could know. Colour and creativity is so healing and makes people feel happy and proud,” she said.
For those hesitant to pick up a paintbrush, Teresa encourages embracing imagination over talent.
“You do not need talent to create art, you just need imagination. And now, with digital tools, there are even more ways than ever to express yourself.”
Teresa has some wonderful achievements under her belt – including winning the 2024 Robina ArtBeat Exhibition and illustrating three children’s books (with a fourth underway) - but it is her daughter she is most proud of, who has carved her own path and is living her dreams abroad.
Teresa reminds us to stay true to ourselves and embrace our own journeys, no matter where they might take us.
“I am a firm believer in manifesting what you want” Teresa said. “I feel very lucky to have walked the path I have because now I get to not only create my art, but I also get to change people’s lives through my art and through the journey I have taken.”.
Through vibrant colours, layered stories, and a resilient spirit, Teresa Franks continues to use her art not just as a creative outlet, but as a lifeline - a source of healing, connection, and hope.
Teresa will have artwork on display at both Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital as part of the ArtBeat 2025 Music and Arts Festival.
ArtBeat is Gold Coast Health's annual event, aligned with Queensland Mental Health Week, that showcases the artistic talents of mental health consumers and provides a platform for creativity, self-expression and awareness.
Be sure to pop down from 7 - 31 October 2025 to view these amazing works.
