An artistic celebration of NAIDOC Week

In honour of NAIDOC Week 2018 (8-15 July), Indigenous artist, Kristen Forbes, visited Resthaven Paradise to share her culture and history through the expression of art.

Lifestyle Assistant, James Bevan, says, ‘Kristen brought a blank canvas with her, and asked residents to choose colours and patterns for her to paint on their hands that they thought signified who they are.’

‘She then asked them to lay down these handprints on the canvas, creating a wonderful, individual piece of art.’

‘Kristen then offered residents the option to try dot painting, and to learn about the meaning behind each symbol they painted.’

‘Kristen shared her amazing wealth of knowledge with us, which included bush medicines made from Emu Bush and beeswax from the Northern Territory, where Kristen’s family originate.’

‘Kristen also brought in a traditional necklace made of gum nuts, which had been hand painted with traditional ochre colours. Vibrant white, brown and orange were dotted delicately in a pattern over the gum nut.’

‘Kristen explored this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, Because of her we can, as she gave us real insight into her journey in becoming the woman she is today, and how women have started many journeys; mothers, aunties, sisters, grandmothers.’

‘It was an amazing afternoon.’

‘We are so grateful to Kristen for providing us with this in-depth look into Indigenous culture and stories through art.’

Resthaven Paradise is just one of Resthaven’s twelve high quality residential aged care homes. Resthaven provides aged care services across metropolitan Adelaide and throughout the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, lower Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, and the Limestone Coast.