Media: ink, watercolour paint, watercolour paper, coloured graphite

Artist's Statement from the Onion Reality Exhibition

I have been doing bits and pieces over the years, but I had not made a body of work since 2001 at the National Art School. Being part of the Emerge program at Front Up has given me the confidence and inspired me to make work again. The Front Up team have nurtured our creative process through encouragement without pressure within a relaxing and enjoyable environment.

Visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales was a great part of the Emerge experience because I was exposed to work and artists' practices that I had never seen before. I particularly connected with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection.

I especially loved the work which used contemporary materials in new and playful ways whilst also maintaining strong ties to the artists living cultures. I found the survival inherent within the artwork to be very powerful.

There is spirituality in my work – it's part a healing process. There is a part of my work that feeds back to my soul. I need it in my life to grow and to learn. Even the colours are therapeutic.

When I’m drawing the lines – it's a meditation. I go into another zone.

Bleeding Heart, Weeping Flowers, by Kim Graham, 2018, was exhibited at the Onion Reality exhibition at Front Up, 9 – 11 Rowley Street, Seven Hills, NSW, from 27 February to 3 March, 2018. Kim was a participant in the Emerge 2017 program supported by Ability Options, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Accessible Arts. It is funded by Ability Options, the Packer Family Foundation and Crown Resorts Foundation. The program is focused on supporting practicing artists with disability.

For more information on the work of Kim Graham, please contact Front Up.

© Kim Graham

Photo: Accessible Arts