Carissa Paglino - Artist's story - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Website

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Carissa Paglino – Artist’s story

The Healing Journey artwork by Carissa Paglino

Carissa Paglino created the artwork Healing Journey (to the right), which is used throughout this website.

Carissa was born and raised in Newcastle, which is Awabakal country. She is a descendant of the Wanaruah people from the Upper Hunter Valley in NSW. She currently lives in Medowie, NSW, which is Worimi country.

In 2004, while studying for a Diploma in Graphic Design, Carissa started work as a graphic designer with Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre. After completing her diploma, she began full-time work with Miromaa, where she helped develop Miromaa Design, a high-quality graphic design service.

Her freelance work includes:

  • designing Aboriginal-style tattoos
  • Aboriginal artwork canvas prints
  • designing clothing label designs and Aboriginal fabric designs.

Carissa practices many different forms of art, design and craft in her spare time, including painting, collage, mixed media, drawing, scrapbooking, photography, fabric design, origami and pottery.

Contact Carissa at carissapaglinoartist@gmail.com and view her work on LinkedIn.

 

Carissa PaglinoThe story of Healing Journey

The start of this journey (bottom left) is cluttered and busy, representing the trials and hardships experienced by the individual and those around them when someone is unwell. A pathway is depicted with meeting/resting place symbols scattered along the way, portraying the struggles and high points along the journey.

The circles get sparser as you move along the pathway showing the healing process as struggles and hurdles become less and less. The colours also get brighter as you move along the pathway showing happiness.

The artwork shows that a healing journey can take place with positive thinking, healthy living and the support of family, friends and health care workers.

The silhouettes in the background represent the people; they are all connecting with each other, dancing happily and helping each other heal.

The artwork has a flowing pattern and direction representing peace, happiness, harmony and healing. The journey and pathway also refer to the cycle of life, which is vital in Aboriginal culture.

Healing Journey is a 600mm x 700mm acrylic painting on canvas.

Colour Meanings

Purple – wisdom, dignity, ambition. Purple evokes peace of mind.

Red – strength, vigour, willpower, courage. Red is an emotionally intense colour.

Orange – encouragement, determination. Orange produces an invigorating effect and stimulates mental activity.

Yellow – joy, happiness, energy. Warming effect; arouses cheerfulness and stimulates mental activity.

White – goodness, purity, safety, cleanliness. White has a positive association.

Black – used in artwork for highlights and contrast purposes.