‘I’ve had a varied background as Community Artist, Playback Theatre practitioner, Facilitator and Wellbeing adventurer, exploring the notion we are all authors of our own stories. Through no fault of my own I have experienced homelessness both as a single mother, and in recent times, as an individual. Stories inspire my creative expression and sharing stories allows us to find meaning, connection and belonging. This artwork has dared me to step outside my comfort zone to explore other mediums and use my creative voice to break the silence, bring attention to societal issues and gain community awareness and support, because people’s lives matter…
– Sandra
- Title: It Ain’t No Picnic
- Artist: Sandra
- Year: 2024
- Medium: Mixed media, appliqué and clothing on fabric
My artwork is a combination of two halves on a single bed doona cover foundation. The safe, cosy bed we all long for. A hessian bag represents coarseness, abrasiveness, making do, of durability. The green ‘spine’ of blanket stitching joining both sides indicates a strength of character is required. All but a few items, are recycled and repurposed. All are tentatively pinned or blanket stitched to represent impermanence, transience, and the necessity for adaptability.
The top half indicates the daily effort required to stay afloat while homeless. The bra cups are set out as a calendar routine with no logical sequence because daily life is a conundrum. Each cup has a reminder note from the To Do List. Bra cups are a symbol for a pouch, a shelter, a container, an empty cup, an empty belly and womanhood. The handbags, made from recycled paper supermarket bags, carry messages reflecting the diverse mix of a day in the life of a homeless female and how food is always an issue during the impermanence of homelessness. Most importantly they hold gratitude for those kind souls who possess the ability to see beyond their own nose. They are some, but not all, women from service provider organisations giving more than their job description – as I have had some bad experiences Others are compassionate strangers, I met through chance encounters.
The bottom half reflects the wonderful security dream we sink into during very challenging times. Heart shaped, red, sparkly earrings bring attention to the relief, appreciation and joy of others’ kindness. The wooden keys are placed beside the signs that real estate agents place outside properties when selling or leasing. These keys are a symbol of the front door key to my own home that I dreamt about when I was homeless. The flowers and trees are my fantasy of being happy and free, not feeling imprisoned and exposed to the elements by homelessness.
We all need Hope, right! Hope looks like this: a big garden, comfortable homes, enough healthy food, pathways to a good life, stability and contentment. Meaning, Connection and Belonging.’
– Sandra