The Art of A New Partnership
Partnerships offer an amazing support for growth, friendship and creativity. That is why I have teamed up with the amazing non-for-profit organisation Creative Arts Therapy Australia (CATA).
I founded AJ Lawson to be able to support Australian artists and share their original talents, and now through my partnership with CATA, I am doing just that and more. During my journey, I have begun using art as an outlet for creativity and peace in my own pieces. It is a chance for me to take a step back from daily stresses and get lost in my own imagination. This is just the type of therapy CATA promotes to support many people suffering from mental illness.
CATA's mission is to use Creative Arts Therapy processes to shift thinking to positive and healthy mindsets. CATA works with children, adolescents, families and communities braving physical, psychological and emotional trauma with a huge focus on supporting those suffering from mental illness. I never imagined such an inspiring organisation may exist so close to home and as soon as I found them, I immediately knew that I had to be a part of it in any way.
My husband is my best friend and soul mate and has suffered from mental health in the past. He is extremely strong and resilient and has learnt to face his illness head on. He inspires me every single day and encourages me to be a better version of myself.
More and more people are suffering in these hard times, and it is having devastating effects. In this current COVID-19 climate where lockdowns are sadly almost becoming the normal way of life, I have also found myself trapped in an emotional and endless whirlwind bringing new struggles and demons to the surface.
The thought of helping others with mental illness is not only a way to help myself but a way of giving back and doing that through the healing of art is almost a dream come true. That is why I have partnered up with CATA to help raise awareness and funds for their mission and do that through my love of art.
Some of our artists' artwork is on exhibition and available for purchase at CATA's HQ in Fairfield, along with many other artworks by contemporary Australian artists to help fundraise for CATA's free-for-service programs.
I cannot wait to see where this partnership leads and look forward to working with such beautiful and inspiring people to bring some happiness in such difficult times.
Visit CATA at www.cata.org.au to read more about the incredible work that they do.
I hope you all stay safe and keep smiling.