Rebekah Wall

Project title: The Many Faces of Grief

'Trust in the process’ is a mantra I have come to live by as an artist and emerging Art therapist. It did not come easily or without work, as does anything involving trust, however art has given me the tools to navigate through life whilst remaining present and connected to self.

I am extremely fortunate to have grown up in a close, loving family who have always supported me in my endeavours. My Mother being one of my biggest inspirations and the reason I fell in love with art in the first place, has taught me to always have confidence within myself. This translated to my art making, always experimenting, unafraid to try new things, all in the name of creativity. The childhood I was given was one that I cannot take for granted and is what fuels my passion to give back and support others.

My professional background began in the fashion and styling industry which took me to Europe working for Condé Nast – Vogue. Upon my return from my travels, I began my undergraduate study in Psychology and developed my art business ‘The Artistry Counsel’. As a predominant portrait artist, this platform has allowed me to create art for others whilst providing me with my creative fix.

I moved into the mental health industry around five years ago working mainly with youth. My placement this year has been within DV and child protection, and I feel is exactly where I was meant to be. My research is a heuristic study of the impact grief and loss has on personal and professional self-identity, using self-portraiture. I chose to explore this due to the substantial amount of grief and loss I have experienced personally and it being an area I wish to specialise in. Through this research, I wish to gain deeper insight and understanding within myself and ultimately expand my capacity to assist others.

These artworks represent a collection of multifaceted self-exploration. All symbolic of revealing aspects throughout my research journey. The creation of these pieces was confronting and at times uncomfortable as I had never completed a self-portrait/representation before, always keeping in mind not to come across as vein or self-consumed. Once I committed and let go of judgement, the experience was liberating.

My major research finding: Vulnerability Equals Empowerment.