Geelong artist Stephanie Venosta’s exhibition will be open at the Sequel Gallery from August 2. She speaks with Jena Carr about the inspiration behind her artworks and how art can help promote positive mental health.
For many people, like Geelong’s Stephanie Venosta, art can be a great way to address and improve mental health.
Stephanie usually paints with acrylics and said she loved how art allowed her to take some time and focus on the world around her.
“Art is fun, and this is something that I do just for me, which I think is important… Also, for me, art is important for my mental health, because it’s me carving out time for myself,” she said.
“When I paint, I can put on some music or a podcast and hopefully create something beautiful that I’m proud of. It’s nice seeing something beautiful on the wall, knowing I created it.
“I also find walking and doing yoga extremely beneficial for my mental health. I think it’s important for everyone to find their thing that is just for them.”
After experiencing some concerns with her mental health in 2022, Stephanie said painting helped reframe her mind more positively.
“In 2024, we know that many people go through times of fluctuating mental health,” she said.
“When life gets busy or hard, we often put the things that make us happy to the wayside, which is counterintuitive to feeling good.
“I was particularly struggling a couple of years ago, and it was during that time that I was encouraged to find an activity that made me happy.
“Two things that brought me back to myself were my walks and art practice. They both gave me a sense of calm, joy and achievement as I was making something beautiful.
“I loved painting as a teenager, so I went to the art shop, bought two canvases, a basic set of brushes and a few tubes of acrylic paint and started painting as often as I could.”
Stephanie will host a new exhibition at the Sequel Gallery, on 17d Rutland Street in Newtown, from August 2 to September 1, with an opening celebration on August 3 from 4pm to 6pm.
Her exhibition, Well Planted, will feature a collection of garden landscapes based on photographs from different times and seasons.
“I remember walking through the Geelong Botanic Gardens, with the butterflies surrounding me and feeling the magic of the moment, and I wanted to replicate that magic on canvas,” she said.
“Every time I go for a walk, I try to take a photo of places that make me stop and look. I chose my favourite six of these moments to depict on canvas…and this body of work is about feeling content.
“Using both acrylic and pastel, I want to capture the wild and vibrant pieces of garden that made me stop and smile, leading me to translate that feeling onto canvas.
“The intention is for each piece to feel busy but joyous, while finding beauty in the chaos of nature and celebrating those who take the time to plant, nurture and let the flora do its thing.”
Stephanie’s works will also be available on the Sequel Gallery’s website, and people can follow her on Instagram at @stephanievenostaart.
Help is available through 24/7 support services Beyond Blue, on 1300 22 4636, and Lifeline, on 13 11 14.
