Home » News » Overcoming trauma through art

Overcoming trauma through art

After losing her son in a fatal car crash in 2009, Attwood resident Karen Robinson turned to painting and photography to express her emotions.

Thirteen years later, Robinson is opening a solo exhibition at the Broadmeadows Town Hall in honour of her son, Ben Robinson.

Robinson said after her son was killed in a single vehicle car crash, she turned to creative writing, painting, and photography as a way to maintain her mental wellbeing.

“When my son was killed I did a lot of paintings, and nine of those paintings are at TAC,” she said.

“I found that painting was a solitary endeavour, and it didn’t get me out connecting with people.”

It was this realisation that led Robinson to explore the medium of photography further.

“Photography became a family endeavour, and helped rebuild the family after the tragedy,” she said.

“I have been able to include my husband, daughter, and granddaughter on my photography adventures, and I’ve reengaged with them by being out enjoying nature and taking photos.”

Robinson’s exhibition will showcase a collection of limited edition archival prints featuring landscapes, seascapes, woodlands, autumn images, birds, and flowers.

“I hope to inspire the viewer to experience and appreciate the natural wonders within the Melbourne Metropolitan region and throughout country Victoria,” she said.

Robinson said she hopes the works serve as a reminder that we are caretakers and nurturers of the natural world, and we owe it to future generations to come to preserve it.

All of Robinson’s prints will be available to purchase and proceeds will be donated in full to Amber Community, a not-for-profit organisation contributing to the safety and wellbeing of road users.

Robinson’s exhibition, ‘Portraits of Nature’ opens on Tuesday, November 29 and runs until Sunday, February 5 at the Town Hall Broadmeadows Gallery.

Details: https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Residents/Things-to-See-and-Do/Arts-and-Culture/Galleries/Photographic-Portraits-of-Nature-Karen-Robinson

Digital Editions


  • Ground broken at The Boulevard

    Ground broken at The Boulevard

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 527066 Ground has broken at The Boulevard town centre in Thomastown, marking the beginning of the streetscape’s revitalisation. Whittlesea…

More News

  • Shopping help for heart health

    Shopping help for heart health

    The Heart Foundation and the nutrition platform No Money No Time have launched a new partnership to help residents in the northern and western suburbs manage rising grocery costs while…

  • Major works to cause delays

    Major works to cause delays

    Major infrastructure projects will cause significant travel disruptions across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs throughout the autumn months as construction enters key phases on several road and rail removals. Commuters…

  • EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has lost patience with companies that fail to show how they are reducing packaging waste, warning they risk significant penalties if they don’t comply with…

  • AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    Loneliness and social isolation are now recognised as major public health threats, prompting governments to explore technological solutions. Research from Monash University argues new AI ‘digital companions’ marketed as a…

  • Pingers lucky break

    Pingers lucky break

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 442418 All the scenarios were in play for Epping in the final round of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield, but the Pingers…

  • Talent League fixture released

    Talent League fixture released

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 471376 The Talent League seasons will kick off in late March. The boys season will kick off on the weekend of 21 March and…

  • Eagles’ new challenge

    Eagles’ new challenge

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 497759 Many of the key pieces have returned but it will be a new look Craigieburn Eagles line up for the Big V women’s…

  • Footscray folk farewell

    Footscray folk farewell

    Luminaries of Melbourne’s folk music scene will be farewelled at ‘Footscray Folk: A Singout!’ on Saturday 7 March. The concert at Bluestone Hall at Borderlands Cooperative will celebrate Footscray based…

  • Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Local sporting clubs across Victoria are encouraged to apply for a fresh round of funding grants launched by the state government. On Wednesday, Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced that…

  • Step into the dark

    Step into the dark

    A different way of being entertained is coming to Werribee in March with Transmission – into the dark. The sell-out hit of Melbourne and Adelaide Fringe involves audiences embarking on…