Nature as a Refuge Mural by Sarah Hankinson in Melbourne

During my time as Artist in Residence at The Alfred hospital I created a series of nature themed murals for the High Dependancy Unit Courtyard in the Inpatient Psychiatric Warf. Before beginning the mural’s, a quote from one of my favourite books sat with me – the feeling of being a small tree in a hurricane. Feeling out of control within oneself. I wanted the mural to utilise and play on the calming benefits of nature to aid in anchoring the body and mind through peacefulness, tranquillity and serenity. My intention was to not fill every space on the walls and instead add botanical elements harmoniously with breathing space between. I played on enlarging flowers, dragonflies and foliage to exaggerate the feel of being part of, engaged with and held by nature in a cocoon like sense.