United Climb
Artist Statement
Painted for the 2025/26 Hilltop Hike
(Huon Valley)
This painting highlights mental health and how a strong and united community can come together to save lives.
The winding pattern running through the centre of this piece represents the Huon River. It also symbolises our small yet resilient country town community. It illustrates the importance of connection and creating an environment where both others and ourselves feel safe to speak up and open up about our mental health struggles. The river is a symbol of safety and shelter in times of despair; a place where it is okay to not be okay.
The flowing green and white patterns that fill much of the piece represent the rolling hills, mountains, and the visible and hidden beauties of the Huon Valley. They also serve as a visual representation of our internal battles, reflecting how we’re all connected in some way. Anxiety and depression can make us feel like we’re stranded on an island, where the turmoil in our minds becomes our new reality. But the truth is, we’re not alone. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation, whether that’s with a loved one you trust or a professional who’s right for you.
The dotted white lines connecting all the elements in the painting symbolise our mental health journeys. The earthy-toned circular patterns represent us, as individuals and as a community, navigating our paths to mental wellbeing. These patterns highlight people at different stages in their journey and emphasise how many of our struggles are shared by others in our community. We are not alone!
Help is available, we just need to trust ourselves enough to reach out in times of need. Whether it’s family, friends, colleagues, or a professional, support is there. When your self-esteem and confidence are low, it’s hard to find the courage, but know that asking for help could be the best decision of your life. This too shall pass. Pain isn’t forever.
Artist Statement
Painted for the 2025/26 Hilltop Hike
(Huon Valley)
This painting highlights mental health and how a strong and united community can come together to save lives.
The winding pattern running through the centre of this piece represents the Huon River. It also symbolises our small yet resilient country town community. It illustrates the importance of connection and creating an environment where both others and ourselves feel safe to speak up and open up about our mental health struggles. The river is a symbol of safety and shelter in times of despair; a place where it is okay to not be okay.
The flowing green and white patterns that fill much of the piece represent the rolling hills, mountains, and the visible and hidden beauties of the Huon Valley. They also serve as a visual representation of our internal battles, reflecting how we’re all connected in some way. Anxiety and depression can make us feel like we’re stranded on an island, where the turmoil in our minds becomes our new reality. But the truth is, we’re not alone. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation, whether that’s with a loved one you trust or a professional who’s right for you.
The dotted white lines connecting all the elements in the painting symbolise our mental health journeys. The earthy-toned circular patterns represent us, as individuals and as a community, navigating our paths to mental wellbeing. These patterns highlight people at different stages in their journey and emphasise how many of our struggles are shared by others in our community. We are not alone!
Help is available, we just need to trust ourselves enough to reach out in times of need. Whether it’s family, friends, colleagues, or a professional, support is there. When your self-esteem and confidence are low, it’s hard to find the courage, but know that asking for help could be the best decision of your life. This too shall pass. Pain isn’t forever.