Memory From a Soul

Kim is a retired academic from the Bayside, who suffered burnout and came back to art to heal a damaged and depressed soul. Kim paints in acrylics and is fortunate to have found a unique and supportive community at Arts Tree Fine Art School in Wynnum. 

Kim has suffered depression, anxiety, and panic disorder since her late teens. She has found that engaging in creative endeavours can lessen the impact of a depressive episode, helping her avoid sinking into the deep, dark depths of depression for months on end. Kim credits her understanding husband and family, as well as painting regularly and being supported by a compassionate art community, with keeping her alive.

‘Memory From a Soul’ is inspired by a photograph by French visual artist, Franck Gerard. It was a challenge to paint my first portrait; something I dreaded and avoided because I believed I wasn't a good enough artist. Yet I was determined to overcome this obstacle, and in so doing, re-write the narrative I had told myself. I attended a workshop to improve my drawing, persevering through many uncomfortable moments. I am delighted with the end result: the colour, glow and my use of gold leaf. This painting never fails to make me smile with pride; both in the finished piece, and the determination it took to fight negative self-talk, stay the course, and trust that good things waited for me on the other side.