Lockjaw

“Lockjaw” started being painted just a couple weeks before I joined the “Hold the Line” exhibit, a fundraising exhibition supporting Lifeline Loddon Mallee. As soon as I started the painting, I knew it was meant to be part of that exhibition. This exhibition’s focus on mental health gave this piece a deeper significance. 

While creating this piece, I reflected on a question from the exhibition organiser: How has art helped your mental health? Through working on this piece I meditated on that question. I realised that one of the most important steps towards healing is opening our mouths and asking for help, especially from God, who is always present and ready to listen.

The painting depicts a jawbone secured with a lock and accompanied by a key. These symbols represent the struggle many people face when they feel unable to speak about their emotions or inner battles. The key became a metaphor for finding the courage to break that silence: reaching out, asking for support, and allowing ourselves to be seen and heard.

“Lockjaw” is a reminder that healing often begins with a conversation.