Through her art, Teresa heals, inspires and connects with others
19 Sep 2025
She is also a passionate advocate for mental health, using creativity as a tool for healing and connection.
Teresa’s journey has not been easy. Growing up in Gunnedah, she was inspired by her grandparents, both artists, and showed early talent, winning a painting competition in Year 3 and selling her first piece in Year 7. However, she endured childhood and teenage sexual abuse, which led to anxiety, depression, and struggles with self-worth.
After leaving a difficult marriage and raising her daughter as a single mother, Teresa reignited her love of art. At 48, she earned a Diploma of Graphic Design and Commercial Art, marking a new chapter in her life. She worked in freelance design and co-ran an airbrushing studio with her sister, teaching art to students who were facing their own challenges.
When the pandemic forced the closure of their studio, Teresa continued to focus on her wellbeing through painting, as well as practices like yoga, meditation, and laughter.
“Art for me is a form of meditation. I can get lost for hours in one piece. I find it very good for my mental health,” Teresa said.
“If more people were creative, there would be less anger in the world, and people would have a way to get their feelings out instead of keeping them bottled up.”
Teresa encourages people to embrace creativity, regardless of skill:
“You do not need talent to create art, you just need imagination. And now, with digital tools, there are even more ways than ever to express yourself.”
Among her achievements, Teresa won the 2024 Robina ArtBeat Exhibition and has illustrated three children’s books, with a fourth underway. Despite these successes, she says her proudest accomplishment is her daughter, who is pursuing her dreams abroad.
Through her work, Teresa continues to use art as a source of healing, hope, and connection. Her pieces will be on display at Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital as part of Gold Coast Health’s ArtBeat 2025 Music and Arts Festival, which runs from 7–31 October 2025. ArtBeat, held in conjunction with Queensland Mental Health Week, showcases the creativity of people living with mental health challenges and promotes self-expression and awareness.
Source: Gold Coast Health
