Art exhibitions
Xanthe has had two solo art as therapy exhibitions, both made possible by mentoring of local artists. A grant paid for art materials and gallery fees (see bottom of page for more information about grants).
Her first exhibition, Spinning Orbit, in 2018, was a 'ridiculous' goal, to give a reason to stay alive. This was when she was struggling with a severe mood disorder (bipolar disorder) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from trauma.
Her second exhibition was in 2020, called Speak. She has also taken part in local community group exhibitions (she built sculptures made from repurposed materials).
Her first exhibition, Spinning Orbit, in 2018, was a 'ridiculous' goal, to give a reason to stay alive. This was when she was struggling with a severe mood disorder (bipolar disorder) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from trauma.
Her second exhibition was in 2020, called Speak. She has also taken part in local community group exhibitions (she built sculptures made from repurposed materials).
Spinning Orbit, painted without a paintbrush, inspired the goal of an art exhibition
sPeak exhibition
Xanthe is not intending to do further solo exhibitions since Speak (it's very stressful plus she faced her fears doing the process twice). Visitors to both her exhibitions said her painting style had progressed and developed (after experimenting, she prefers to paint with acrylics on canvas).
Media article from the New Zealand Herald, 2020
learning to fly
Learning to Fly was the final painting for Xanthe's Speak exhibition. Name chosen from the Pink Floyd song title (listened to that song writing this portion). Point of view is the viewer as a bird flying into the glow of the sunset (over the prickly blackberry bushes of romance). Also symbolises the intensity of the artist legally changing her name. All her artworks tell stories.
Learning to Fly was adopted out (apparently was a gift for a teenage girl).
Learning to Fly was adopted out (apparently was a gift for a teenage girl).
Several of the paintings in the Speak exhibition had bird and flight themes. Xanthe destroyed some of the paintings after the exhibition but most flew to good homes (sold some, gave the rest away).
Wingin' it sculpture
Wingin' It was Xanthe's contribution a community art exhibition, Creepy Crawlies, with art made from repurposed materials. Wingin' It, a colourful bumble bee, flew in a 5.7 magnitude earthquake captures on the gallery security cameras, near midnight. Some parts were repurposed from other sculptures (completely different themes and sculptures). Wingin' It has been adopted into a loving home.
first solo exhibition for mental health
Media article from Stuff National, 2018
Funding in New Zealand for local arts projects
If you are in New Zealand, there are grants available for creative arts and culture (which can make participating in the arts in the community possible for those on low incomes). Enquire with your local council about partnerships with funding for creative projects (whether as an individual or a group,- visual arts, performances etc). Xanthe chose the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS).
