Personal trauma can be something that defines us or destroys us. I count myself lucky to have gone through a traumatic time in my life when I was 20. It was at this age I underwent a type of chemo to treat a chronic illness I had, this round of chemo lasted six months and almost ended my life. The adverse reaction I had to the medication sent me to a place of pure darkness in my own mind where I truly got to understand the mental resilience we all hold deep within us. Chronic pain, chronic fatigue, anorexia, insomnia, depression and uncontrollable rage is the state in which lived for the duration of the chemo, all side effects of the drugs I was prescribed. It is with the memory of this that I created this piece to shine a little light on that darkness and pay tribute to those who are fighting their own battle, one of which being Kerby Brown pictured in this image. Kerby is one of Australia’s top big wave surfers and recently suffered a horrific injury breaking his back in six places while surfing a very remote big wave. I will be donating one third of the profits from the first sale of this piece to the Brown”s family to help in his recovery. Ill leave you now with a quote from Kerby and encourage you to always remember that no matter how dark it gets there is always hope for recovery……
Kerby Brown - “ having recently gone through a life changing injury my perspective on this has shifted. It made me realise more than ever just how precious life is and how lucky I am. The power of mother nature is undeniable, one thing that will never change is my love and respect for the ocean”
