Healing Hands: Crafting Connections Through Finger-Knitting
08 Sep 2025
Melissa is known for her finger-knitted artworks, which use bright, colourful text to explore life as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) – someone who experiences emotions and sensory input more deeply than most. The exhibition includes 20 original textile pieces and a documentary film, representing almost four years of work.
“I’m excited to share this exhibition in the hospital so people feel seen and heard,” Melissa said.
Finger-knitting, or knitting without needles, is central to Melissa’s art and wellbeing. She finds it therapeutic and accessible, and enjoys sharing the technique with the community to create a sense of calm and connection.
Melissa recently ran workshops during the Creative Health Hub’s C.A.R.E. Day, helping patients living with persistent pain try finger-knitting. She said even small creative achievements can boost confidence and wellbeing, especially in a healthcare setting.
“‘Sensitive’ is a superpower. It doesn’t mean weak – it means seeing the world in a unique and beautiful way,” Melissa said.
The exhibition was first displayed at Tweed Regional Gallery. Bringing it to GCUH allows patients, families, visitors, and staff to experience contemporary art in a hospital environment. Laura Strange, Principal Project Officer at Creative Health, said:
“Exhibitions like this show how everyone experiences the world differently, and provide the benefits of art to people when they might need it most.”
The exhibition will remain on display at GCUH throughout September. In October, the Creative Health Hub will present ArtBeat, the hospital’s annual showcase for people living with a mental health diagnosis, coinciding with Queensland Mental Health Week (5–13 October).
For more information about Creative Health Hub programs, contact the Creative Health Hub team.
Source: Gold Coast Health
