By Melissa Barnard, part of the 2024 Scarborough Art Show team
Janelle White is a local artist specialising in detailed anatomical art interwoven with elements of Australian nature, flora, and fauna. Using this unique blend, she creates pieces as a therapeutic activity, these are aimed at helping others, and herself, cope with complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and other chronic illnesses and challenges.
Her work not only showcases her artistic talent but also hopes to serve as a beacon bringing to light C-PTSD and chronic illnesses, both of which can be invisible to others and are endured alone. She hopes her art can act as a healing medium for emotional and psychological well-being.
From where do you draw your creative inspiration?
I draw my inspiration from the human body, it is the most amazing thing. It can host an entire universe in a single cell, it really is incredible!
I also take great inspiration from nature, especially viewed up close; our native Australian flora and fauna are equally as enthralling as the body. I love combining the two in unique ways.
How do your art practice and your life intersect?
I don’t think I would be here if it wasn’t for my art practice, for it is much more than just practice for me, it is lifesaving and healing. I have complex PTSD from childhood trauma and the intricate detail of my art has enabled a unique form of meditative practice.
This trauma has led to chronic illness and through this, combined with my work as a nurse and paramedic for years, I have developed a deep knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the body. A body which I have seen broken but also sometimes miraculously heal.
I regularly escape to the bush or the sea for ‘mindful meanders’ or ‘wonder walks’, as I like to call them, searching up close for glimmers which I then combine with the human components. Therefore, healing is found both in the gathering of inspiration and the expression of it as an artform.
Can you tell us a little about your personal artistic journey?
I started doing art almost 20 years ago. This at first was used as an expression of the emotions I felt as a paramedic. The anatomy drawn at those times represented particular jobs I went to and captured some of the emotions I felt at the time. I wanted to pay homage to this amazing human body and what it was capable of in both its brokenness and healing.
As I started therapy myself, my art practice became more detailed and more mindful. I have learned a great deal from a local creative health agency called MakeShift and I now see my art as my prescription for positive mental and physical health.
I love it when people buy my art at any time, but when it is a commission, or has a beautiful story or special meaning for them it is extra magical. I recently sold a uterus with Australian Christmas bells to a woman who must soon have a hysterectomy, and a breast with Australian gum flowers and leaves to a doctor/lactation consultant.
What will you be bringing to the Scarborough Art Show this year?
I will submit five pieces to the art show this year. My art takes many long hours as it uses fine dots and stippling, lines and watercolours. All works are framed and most are A3 size. The works I will feature at the art show this year will celebrate the human body in tiny detail and contrast it in a type of juxtaposition with beautiful Australian flora.
A new and exciting addition is some Australian fauna! One of the pieces is the pancreas – to honour all those living with diabetes – that piece is naturally combined with the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) as it is the pancreas that controls blood glucose (sugar) levels. Other pieces celebrate the female pelvis, the kidney, the heart, the gut, the larynx, the ear, the skull and the hand.
I haven’t really decided which pieces to show yet, perhaps your readers can help!
What do you enjoy about the Scarborough Art Show?
I enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Scarborough Art Show, where you can connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts alike. It gives all who attend an opportunity to discover new and diverse artistic expressions and gain inspiration.
It gives me the opportunity to share my own work within a supportive community and this only adds to the enriching experience. There is professionalism combined with a personal touch. I love the community aspect of it as well, knowing that I am helping the local community. It is very inclusive of unknown artists like me submitting my work and letting us explore what others think of it.
The location is iconic and the team behind this enormous feat are just incredible!
Scarborough Art Show will be back at Scarborough Public School on Saturday, October 12th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, October 13th (10am-2pm). Admission: $5 for adults, $3 concession, Children under 13 enter free of charge.
