Bush Scape

Joy is a Queensland-based artist whose creative work is inspired by a long career in nursing, where she supported patients navigating the mental health impacts of illness and trauma. Her experiences have shaped a deep empathy and understanding of the emotional layers that accompany physical suffering. 

Through painting and mixed media, Joy explores themes of care, resilience, and the human spirit. Art has become a way for her to honour the stories of those she has cared for, transforming emotion into beauty and reflection. Her practice continues to be driven by compassion, curiosity, and a desire to create moments of peace - for herself and those who view her work.

I created this bush scene as a reflection of the calm and strength I’ve found in nature throughout my nursing career. After witnessing the emotional toll illness can have on patients, I often turned to the natural world for peace and grounding. The Australian bush - with its quiet resilience and gentle beauty - reminds me of the human spirit. Each tree and shadow in this work represents the stories of those I’ve cared for and the healing power of stillness.