Tell us how your artwork addresses this year’s theme ’We Belong’:
This artwork portrays my father from a unique perspective, reflecting the important role family plays in creating a sense of belonging. Growing up as a Deaf person, feeling connected, understood and supported by family has been an important part of my identity. By drawing my father, I wanted to celebrate the relationships that help shape who we are and remind us that we always have a place where we belong.
Tell us about the ideas or themes your artwork explored with the theme ‘We Belong’:
My artwork explores family, connection and identity. It reflects the bond between a parent and child and the sense of comfort and belonging that family can provide. The unusual perspective invites viewers to see my father through my eyes and highlights the importance of relationships that support, guide and accept us. The artwork represents the idea that belonging begins with the people who know and love us for who we are.
What type of art have you submitted and why:
This artwork is a realistic portrait created using charcoal and charcoal pencils on paper. I used charcoal to build contrast, depth and texture while capturing facial details and expression. I chose this medium because it allows me to create strong tonal values and realism while conveying emotion and character. Charcoal’s versatility helped me empathises the unique perspective of the portrait and create a striking visual representation of someone important to me.
Anything else you’d like to add?
This artwork was originally created as part of a portrait series exploring expression, perspective, and human connection. The portrait depicts my father, a person who has played an important role in my life. Through the unusual viewpoint, I wanted to capture both his character and my own perspective as his daughter. As a Deaf artist, visual storytelling is an important way for me to communicate experiences, relationships and identity.
