LIFELINE : BLACK DIAMOND GALA
ALL THAT GLITTERS :
FINDING LIGHT IN THE BROKEN PARTS
SOLD AT AUCTION :
RAISING $8500 for LIFELINE WA
THE WORK :
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of kintsugi - an embracing of the flawed or imperfect.
Not only is there no attempt to hide the damage, but the repair is literally illuminated.
The concept of taking our broken pieces and bonding them with gold is an acceptance of the broken parts with all of us. None of us is perfect – in embracing all of our parts, the whole and fractured - we give permission for golden light to illuminate our souls, renewing HOPE.
94CM X 94CM ACRYLIC PAINT, ROSE GOLD FOIL, GRAPHITE, OIL PASTEL, CHALK, PENCIL, ON STRETCHED CANVAS, BOX FLOAT FRAMED IN BUFF WHITE
: PAINTED EXCLUSIVELY FOR LIFELINE WA by AURELIO COSTARELLA :
As every thought we think leads us to the next, so to my mark-making.
Beginning with a blank canvas, guided by feeling, each deliberate and heartfelt stroke leads me to the next. As in life, the destination an unknown until I've travelled the path and arrived at the moment.
The creative process and mental un-wellness have shaped my life in ways I'd never imagined.
From early childhood, adolescence, into adulthood and throughout my fashion journey, I lived with and concealed the pervasive emotional distress. Silently and in fear.
I know the darkness, and I feel blessed to have survived the feelings of not being able to go on,
not wanting to be here.
I stepped away from a 34-year design career to collect the broken pieces that had become my life, dusting them off and piecing them back together. My mental health journey has not been linear.
Becoming a Lifeline Ambassador and speaking publicly about my battle in July 2015, I have continued to advocate for mental health, suicide prevention, and patient safety for the last six years while living with my ongoing mental health challenges.
Suicide prevention is an issue very close to my heart - my own lived experience of suicidality, the loss of friends, and my connection with bereaved families and partners of beautiful souls lost along the way drive me to fight for awareness, change and healing.
Lifeline WA's mission is to prevent suicide, support people in crisis and reduce the stigmas,
which can be a barrier to people seeking help. Giving back to an organisation providing vital services in the suicide prevention space is an important part of my mental health advocacy work. Illuminating the path is something we can all be a part of.
