South Australian watercolour painter Katie Sandison’s latest exhibition is very close to her heart.
She dedicated the exhibition to her late mother, Charlotte Francis Champion de Crespigny OAM, while raising funds in her honour for palliative care.
Katie loves to create artworks which connect to land through colourful splashes and illuminating composition, and her latest exhibition is a true reflection of that, while she drew inspiration from her loving mother.
Katie and her mum Charlotte.
“My mother was a Professor of Nursing at Adelaide University and spent her whole life giving to others, even receiving an Order of Australia,” Katie explained.
“She passed away after a long, rare illness that left her completely disabled without being able to move, except at the end to smile and look into our eyes.
“She was very brave and never complained or asked for help – always looking after everyone else.”
In her final days, Katie’s mother was fortunate to find solace and care at Laurel Hospice, a place that offered her the comfort and attention she deserved.
Overlooking the serene landscape of Adelaide and the distant sea, she was enveloped in a peaceful environment that provided both physical and emotional relief.
“My mum received expert nursing care and after being in a home for two years, this was a great relief and I felt she was finally cared for in a way she deserved,” Katie said.
“I watched her smile her last smile, looking up at a wonderful nurse just before she fell into her long sleep, before leaving this earth.”
Wanting to give back in honour of her mother, Katie organised an exhibition to celebrate life through the concept of ‘Pollen, the food for life with expressions of flowers and birds’ featuring the art of Kathy Doley, Amy Jane and herself.
‘Pollen’ photo by Emma Brasier.
She created the SALA exhibit based on the floral composition and still life with flowers. On opening night, she raised $1,339 for Laurel Hospice through The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Palliative Care.
“Pollen was born in April this year after my mother passed. Time stood still, and those moments left a significant memory of standing above the trees while the most important love transitioned,” Katie said.
“I wanted to celebrate and give back to The Hospital Research Foundation Group by exhibiting beautiful floral and bird imagery representing life.
“I approached two female artists I admire through Kathy and Amy, whose painting practice resonated with this theme.”
Chris Picton MP opening ‘Pollen’.
Katie’s exhibition was officially opened by SA’s Minister for Health and Wellbeing The Honourable Chris Picton MP on Sunday 4 August.
“I had met Minister Picton in my former career teaching art to secondary students and he opened a SALA exhibition I hung, so I asked him to support my concept and exhibition with the door prize filled with original art and art products,” Katie explained.
“He spoke wonderfully about art and wellbeing through The Hospital Research Foundation Group, and it was a wonderful afternoon.
“I was grateful to be able to share it with my little artists from my children’s art school, as well as many more friends of mine, the artists and my mother.”
Thank you so much Katie for raising funds and awareness for palliative care through your incredible art exhibition!
If you would like to find out more about Katie and her artworks, visit Katie Sandison Fine Art via her website www.katiesandison.com
