PHOTOGRAPHYmind...ful

With mental health issues on the increase, our children need an outlet to express themselves and become more creative. Jackie Hillegers shares how mindful photography and art therapy is bringing a sense of purpose to young people in our community.

Photography has always been something I have been passionate about since I was a teenager and 35 years later, I still have that same passion, if not more. My first proper camera was a Canon film camera when I was 18 –and I started out taking photos of pets, kids, families and moved onto weddings.

Back in the film day we had to wait up to a week to get our photos printed and just hope the result would be what we imagined. There were 24 photos on each roll of film (36 if you were lucky) and you had to be really careful when you placed or removed the films from the back of the camera so they were not exposed to light. So much pressure!

One of my early photography memories was sitting in a camera club meeting at the local hall, hidden up the back of the room so I didn’t have to present my photos. I would watch as everyone browsed the long wooden tables of neatly set-out and matted prints, oohing and ahhing over the sharpness of the prints.

The photo with the depth of field in complete focus, and crisp, sharp edges was awarded the certificate for ‘photo of the month’. This was when I knew that my photography was different to everyone else’s - and in true introvert style I snuck out, never to return. I nearly gave up that day!

The problem was that my photos were purposely blurred, they were angled, imaginative and border-line quirky - just the way I liked them. They were of the lone-weed wedged between two flawless flowers (because I felt sorry for it) or an abandoned rusty car in the middle of a paddock at sunset with the light pouring into its empty shell.

I now realise my style was more in line with what we now call ‘mindful photography’. I was expressing my feelings, my emotions and enjoying the process so much that every photo told a story of the beautifully unbeautiful.

Fast-forward to today, and I couldn’t be happier to incorporate mindful photography into my holistic art therapy sessions, and to say it has worked is an understatement. It has opened a whole new world to young clients expressing themselves in a more creative manner. With suicide and mental health on the increase our teens need an outlet - they need to express themselves, become more creative and have a sense of purpose in their lives. Wanting to branch out to more teens struggling with mental health, I have created a range of Online

Mindful Photography Courses.

These Courses are a must for all children and teens to get them out in nature, exploring, talking, creating and releasing emotions. I am also working on a platform to help sell their work online through commission. Work must be of a high standard and students as young as eight-years-old are already coming up with great style and creativity.

With two photography exhibitions already under our belt, I have realised that it is not just these talented students that benefit from their work being shown. The general public also take pleasure in the experience of viewing the photos and reading the meaning behind them. I am grateful I never gave up on my photography - I’ve come full-circle as I get to teach MY quirky, fun way to others.

Find out more: www.pheatherine.com

ART SCHOOL CO.

Home to the creative soul, Art School Co. is a new destination for fine art supplies and art classes. Directed by award winning artist Jess Le Clerc, Art School Co. guarantees the best priced art supplies on the Sunshine Coast.

The Zone, 32 Wises Road, Buderim Phone 0491 756 172 artschoolco.com

Jenny Hines Art

Specialising in Statement Pieces, Jenny is a painter, photographer, printmaker and mixed media artist who creates bold and colourful abstract works in oil and acrylics, often from memory.

16 Headland Drive, Noosaville Phone 0439 375 980 jennyhinesartist.com

My Salty Life

Aamie specialises in capturing photographs of the ocean and nature in all her beauty, creating family, maternity and love memories that will last forever. PO Box 1052 Coolum Beach Phone 0417 762 898 mysaltylife.com.au

Seajay Art

Inspired by the ocean and natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast, Carlie moulds and manipulates resin to bring depth and texture to wall art as well as creating beautiful and unique homewares. 80 Nojoor Road, Mudjimba Phone 0402 007 758 seajayart.com.au

Are we heading for a dystopian or utopian future? Artists and writers imagine the world in 2070.

Pure Underwater Imaging

Award winning artist and photographer, Justin Bruhn brings you a stunning collection of premium quality underwater artworks to connect you with the magic of the ocean in your living room.

PO Box 1814 Noosa Heads

Phone 0411 050 133 pureunderwaterimaging.com

Define Art

Local Artisan Collective showcasing and supporting our talented and amazing Sunshine Coast artists and creatives. Everything in our store is hand made here on the Sunshine Coast. Shop 91/1 King Street, Cotton Tree Phone 0437 141 786