Art Touches Hearts

May 19, 2023

“When animals express their feelings they pour out like water from a spout. Animals' emotions are raw, unfiltered, and uncontrolled. Their joy is the purest and most contagious of joys and their grief the deepest and most devastating. Their passions bring us to our knees in delight and sorrow.”

Marc Bekoff

For me, this quote sums up Flotsam and Jetsam 2023 ’Tribute to the Animal Kingdom'.

I believe artists, just like animals, can deepen humanity’s connection to nature and through their art they can transform the lives of others. But it’s not until I actually witnessed it myself that it truly touch me.

Bringing art and ocean clean up together for a unique and inspiring exhibition has found a deeper space in my heart. The stories, conversations, tears and laughter I have heard during this years Flotsam and Jetsam makes all the hard work, year after year, so worth it.

I love all the stories that come with the artworks from the artists. From ‘My uncle’s truck is so cool. I wanted to make it’ to ‘My world was turned upside down in January when I had to say goodbye to my best friend JoJo. She was a much loved and well traveller girl who’s seen so much of WA and probably been on more camping trips than most. JoJo loved walks along the beach, helping me collect rubbish along the way. We shared a deep bond….’ Art really can transform the lives of the community and on a deeper level transfer the lives of the artist themselves.

Something in the spirit of the creativity and in the process of making art touches our heart. Can we put a finger on it?, no, do we really want to? no, but it’s undeniable that it takes us on a journey to a better place.

Since we headed to the Islands on Clean up Australia Day to collect the debris on the islands and cleaning up the home of our pearl farm to now, nearly at the end of our 2023 Exhibition… it’s the people that come together that make this event so much more.

It’s been the belief, trust and warmth of our community that lets us all grow into the fullness of what we share today. We are committed to the support of arts and culture in the community.

My team and I thank you deeply for your support over our Flotsam and Jetsam 2023 journey. Our lovely dedicated volunteers, our amazing sponsors and all of the incredible artists, thank you.

If you haven’t yet seen the exhibition, you better be quick, ends on 27th May. On display at Latitude Jewellers, 169 Marine Terrace Geraldton.

Learn more about Flotsam and Jetsam by Latitude Jewellers here.

Some of the incredible artworks.