Knit One, Heal One

Kate is a Brisbane-based artist whose life has always been influenced by creativity, yet it is only in the last decade her practice has taken on a more healing and expressive role. During this time, Kate began experiencing a serious mental illness and spent long periods in hospital, where art became both therapy and distraction. When she had to step away from the profession she had studied for, art also filled the unexpected space in her life.

Nowadays, painting has become central to Kate's wellbeing. She spends much of her time working with her favourite medium - watercolour - and was recently supported in hosting her first solo exhibition, a significant milestone in her creative journey.

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Before identifying as an artist, I saw myself as a crafter, with knitting a favourite pastime. During hospital stays, I often sat in the courtyard knitting, even when unwell. The repetition and creativity offered me a sense of healing. This painting reflects that process: the colours represent my place on the mood spectrum, while the holes in the fabric symbolise moments of 'losing it', such as during psychosis. More than anything, it stands for progress and the strength found through creation.