During my time as Artist in Residence at The Alfred Hospital Psychiatric ward - an acute mental health facility I explored paper tapestry weavings. The weft and warp of the weavings depict the ebb and flow in the ever-changing landscape of mental well-being. The artworks are representative of resilience and strength within this non-linear journey. I used weaving as a visual narrative to express renewal, regeneration and ultimately becoming stronger. Like patchwork where individual stories come together to make a whole the tapestries represent the notion of us as humans being layered, nuanced, complex and multifaceted - not to be simply defined by conditions and diagnosis. In the creation of the weavings there was a freedom in making art that would ultimately be ripped apart. This played on the impermanence of all states and the joy of expression without being precious about the end result. There is difficulty in the reconstruction as there is also labour and time required in healing. When the paper is weaved back together the tapestries takes on a new notion, life and story. There is light, dark, hope, joy and beauty in the unexpected results referencing the shared humanity, vulnerability and connections between consumers, peer workers and health care providers.
A series of Seascape oil paintings on board
Oil pastel wildflower artworks from my River of Sand 2022 Exhibition.
The pastel works are imagined, curated collections of some of the 600+ native species of wildflowers I experienced along the Larapinta Trail.
Details of the exhibition below..
May 2022, I embarked on what I could only describe as an ‘otherworldly’ experience. Time spent hiking, rambling and traipsing through the Larapinta trail of Tjoritja, Arrernte country.
It’s difficult to describe the landscape I encountered - instantly inspired by the colours surrounding me - the unrepressed, rich, red dirt; the voluminous and often vibrant blue skies; the drama within those grandiose, lofty ranges; the stark white ghost gums and the softest of soft lilac of the mulla mulla. There is a glow in the land that’s like no other…
As a Peregrine Falcon flew over head, I couldn’t help but ponder how supremely lucky I was to walk under this intense sun. The same intense sun beaming down on the quartzite metamorphic rocks that house thousands of years of history and indigenous culture. Learning, listening to the landscape. The most precious gift.
“River of Sand” is a collection of my meditations, of my love, respect and appreciation of the the Arrernte country I traversed and painted on.
Oil painting and watercolour works seek to exemplify the beauty of this wild, ancient and vast land the First Nation’s people call home.
“She captured the spirit, danced with it, painted it, and then let it ripple out to everyone” Tina Bruce
Landscape Oil Paintings from my River of Sand 2022 Exhibition.
Oil painting and watercolour works seek to exemplify the beauty of this wild, ancient and vast land the First Nation’s people call home.
Details of the exhibition below..
May 2022, I embarked on what I could only describe as an ‘otherworldly’ experience. Time spent hiking, rambling and traipsing through the Larapinta trail of Tjoritja, Arrernte country.
It’s difficult to describe the landscape I encountered - instantly inspired by the colours surrounding me - the unrepressed, rich, red dirt; the voluminous and often vibrant blue skies; the drama within those grandiose, lofty ranges; the stark white ghost gums and the softest of soft lilac of the mulla mulla. There is a glow in the land that’s like no other…
As a Peregrine Falcon flew over head, I couldn’t help but ponder how supremely lucky I was to walk under this intense sun. The same intense sun beaming down on the quartzite metamorphic rocks that house thousands of years of history and indigenous culture. Learning, listening to the landscape. The most precious gift.
“River of Sand” is a collection of my meditations, of my love, respect and appreciation of the the Arrernte country I traversed and painted on.
5% of every River of Sand sale was be donated to Pay The Rent - contributing to reparation for the First Nation people of this land.
“She captured the spirit, danced with it, painted it, and then let it ripple out to everyone” Tina Bruce
View and purchase available works here
Dahlia and poppies mural for boutique florist Ramble located in Caulfield North Victoria
Oversized orchid residential mural
'Redbank Gorge Refuge/ Rwetyepme' Watercolour on Paper.
Collection of select oil pastel original artworks
In August 2024 my book Art Class Flowers and Foliage : Creating Contemporary Botanical Art was published by Thames and Hudson.
About the book:
Learn how to draw, sketch and paint beautiful botanical art. No experience necessary.
Join artist Sarah Hankinson as she takes you through over 20 exercises and projects to create your own contemporary botanical art. In this book you’ll find:
• Simple exercises to begin a creative practice
• Gorgeous, frame-worthy projects
• Practical information on paper, paint, pencils and more
• Inspiring photographic references and step-by-step imagery.
With a focus on appreciating nature and making time to play, this simple introduction makes the beloved style of botanical art accessible to all.
Buy prints and original art works from the book HERE
Images by Becca Crawford
Watercolour landscape painting of the rolling hills of Toora, Vic
Ink artworks featuring arrangements of some of my favourite botanicals.
Mural for the rear fence of a residential property along Elwood canal.
I was inspired by the many flowering gums in bloom along the canal as well as Hellebores from my garden. Hellebores are commonly known as ‘winter rose’ as they bloom during the colder months when most other flowers are dormant.
Oil Pastel on Kraft artwork inspired by the Arrernte lands, at Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and surrounding areas of the Central Australia region of the Northern Territory.
Whilst I was the Artist in Residence at The Alfred hospital I worked on a mural in the gender-sensitive ward at the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit.
Recognising the importance of fostering a sense of tranquility and positivity within the space, I embarked on creating a mural that served as a source of comfort and inspiration for those in the ward.
I painted to Tulips to represent growth, renewal and resilience.
Watercolour artworks from my River of Sand 2022 Exhibition.
Oil painting and watercolour works seek to exemplify the beauty of this wild, ancient and vast land the First Nation’s people call home.
Details of the exhibition below..
May 2022, I embarked on what I could only describe as an ‘otherworldly’ experience. Time spent hiking, rambling and traipsing through the Larapinta trail of Tjoritja, Arrernte country.
It’s difficult to describe the landscape I encountered - instantly inspired by the colours surrounding me - the unrepressed, rich, red dirt; the voluminous and often vibrant blue skies; the drama within those grandiose, lofty ranges; the stark white ghost gums and the softest of soft lilac of the mulla mulla. There is a glow in the land that’s like no other…
As a Peregrine Falcon flew over head, I couldn’t help but ponder how supremely lucky I was to walk under this intense sun. The same intense sun beaming down on the quartzite metamorphic rocks that house thousands of years of history and indigenous culture. Learning, listening to the landscape. The most precious gift.
“River of Sand” is a collection of my meditations, of my love, respect and appreciation of the the Arrernte country I traversed and painted on.
5% of every River of Sand sale will be donated to Pay The Rent - contributing to reparation for the First Nation people of this land.
“She captured the spirit, danced with it, painted it, and then let it ripple out to everyone” Tina Bruce
View and purchase available works here
Banksia and Butterfly mural created in my residency at The Alfred Hospital In Patient Ward.
Nature's healing properties can contribute to improved mood, increased relaxation, and enhanced overall well-being. By incorporating nature into the wards I hoped to promote a sense of tranquility and calm.
A community art based project celebrating the healing power of art and nature
During my time as Artist in Residence at The Alfred hospital I created a series of nature themed murals for the High Dependancy Unit Courtyard in the Inpatient Psychiatric Warf.
Before beginning the mural’s, a quote from one of my favourite books sat with me – the feeling of being a small tree in a hurricane. Feeling out of control within oneself. I wanted the mural to utilise and play on the calming benefits of nature to aid in anchoring the body and mind through peacefulness, tranquillity and serenity. My intention was to not fill every space on the walls and instead add botanical elements harmoniously with breathing space between. I played on enlarging flowers, dragonflies and foliage to exaggerate the feel of being part of, engaged with and held by nature in a cocoon like sense.
During my time as Artist in Residence at The Alfred Hospital Psychiatric ward - an acute mental health facility - I used the flannel flower as a subject and focus for art play and experimentation. Flannel flowers are a Australian native bush flower that has been chosen by the Mental Health Council of Australia as its emblem due to its ability to adapt to new and different circumstances. Shaped like a bright star the flannel flower is the first flower to bloom after the ice melts. It survive's the harsh landscape and extremes in weather of the Australian bush including droughts, bushfires and floods - growing wild thanks to its strength, endurance and resilience. The flannel flower goes through struggle and tough conditions reflective of people who have experienced trying times and who live bravely with mental health issues. I used flannels in my artworks en masse as a motif of how common mental illness is and to demonstrate that sufferers aren’t alone.
I was lucky enough to be a part of the Waste of Space - residency and exhibition - a showcase of art and materials made from waste.
‘Dancing Grevillea’ embodies the movement of the Australian native flower the Grevillea representing the beauty of the natural world and its fragility. The piece was created using ink in a colour I formulated on handmade paper repurposed from old artworks and paper waste.
The Grevillea’s sway serves as a reminder of nature's resilience and the need to protect our environment. The simple linework captures a moment of fluidity and growth, emphasising the delicate balance between preservation and change.
I designed the ink to be an earthy green, the colour of eucalyptus like the leaves, the green of nature and Australia. The ink, created from recycled printer cartridges, and the delicate disposition of the recycled paper highlights the beauty of sustainability and symbolises renewal and the cyclical nature of creation.
Through this piece, viewers are invited to reflect on the interconnectedness of all life forms and the significance of conservation efforts.
Details of the residency below -
“In the past month, we extended invitations to more than 30 talented artists for a special project at Alleyoop Waste of Space, Space of Waste. Our aim was to create a personalised batch of recycled Dodgy Paper and a unique Lousy Ink colour. Each artist was requested to bring paper waste with them to transform into a fresh batch of recycled paper right in our Dodgy Office. Guided by The Pulp Professor, they delved into the paper-making process, actively crafting the sheets that would later become the centrepiece of our exhibition. Following their paper-making adventure, our artists ventured into the Lousy Lab, where they collaborated with Oli, our Lousy Technician, to concoct a one-of-a-kind ink colour using recycled printer cartridge materials. With freshly crafted paper and a unique ink hue in hand, the artists were tasked with creating original artworks on their sheets, utilising the colours they had formulated. These artworks made from waste will be showcased alongside their custom Lousy Ink Color and Dodgy Paper Batch, all of which will be available for purchase during our upcoming event”
The residency and exhibition was hosted by Dodgy Paper and Lousy Ink.
Botanical silhouette mural in Balavlava
Oil Pastel Artwork on Kraft Paper
Cosmo artwork in pastel
Poppies Coloured Pencil Folio Artwork
A collection of Still Life oil paintings on board
Form & Flora is a group exhibition at Brunswick St Gallery that explores the relationship between botanical arrangements and their vessels. In this exhibition, the infinite aesthetic combinations that come from the act of floral arranging are on show, harnessing the joy that comes from bringing the outside in.
Through the introduction of a flower, a vessel–whether a conventional vase or not–is given a function beyond the decorative, and through the marrying of these two elements life is brought into a space.
My pieces depict the flora of Wilsons Promontory in clay vessel’s representative of the rugged metamorphic rocks cliffside of Mt Oberon. It’s a wonder to see the juxtaposition of the delicate fragile flowers contrasted with the harsh yet beautiful rock while hiking the mountain. I was surprised to see so many Orchids including the rare Eastern Spider Orchid blooming - something that appears so exotic yet which is native to the area. In the artwork I have consciously paired Orchids with the more typical natives of Flowering Gum, Banksia and Flannel Flowers to play on the duality of surprising yet harmonious much like the combination of clay and flora.
A collection of ink created pieces
Wall mural for co-working studio TWW
Soft Pastel Artwork on Moereki Beach in New Zealand
Anemone and Flowering Gum in Cornflower Blue
Oil Pastel on Kraft Paper
