Art collection raises adoption awarness
Thu 09 March 2006
Jenny Hammer, Journalism
Strokes of paint on canvas represent much more than creative splashes of colour for Sunshine Coast artist Victoria Fitzpatrick.
Her latest collection of work titled ‘From Fragmentation towards Wholeness’ currently on show at The Little Morgue Winery, reflects her emotional journey upon discovering she was adopted. 
The essence of what she has experienced as an adopted child has been created by using a mix of oils and acrylics, rich with texture.
Mrs Fitzpatrick has used art to portray her emotions, and in doing so, hopes others will gain a greater understanding of how an adopted child feels.
“I would like my paintings to give people a sense of hope and to feel that they are not alone, as many adopted people feel disconnected, as if they do not belong,” Mrs Fitzpatrick said.
Mrs Fitzpatrick’s paintings are a beautiful expression of an adoptive child’s journey, set to inspire someone on their own journey of self discovery, or simply lovers of art.
Her exhibition at the Yandina winery is the second showing of her emotive artwork. Mrs Fitzpatrick’s first exhibition was in August 2005 at the Pacific Gallery at Currimundi.
“The response to that showing was fantastic and very encouraging. Many people said they now had a better understanding of what it is like to be adopted,” she said.
In creating her artwork with a particular message in mind, Mrs Fitzpatrick is looking to raise awareness for adopted people and hopes to develop a support group on the Sunshine Coast.
She feels this service is needed on the Sunshine Coast and other adopted people she has spoken to agree.
“There is a strong feeling from adoptees that a support network on the Coast would be beneficial,” she said.
With about 50,000 adoptions occurring in Queensland since 1910, there are many people who would benefit from such groups.
Mrs Fitzpatrick said there are many adopted adults in Australia now searching for their birth parents. Thankfully there are a number of services available to assist in them in their search. Queensland Department of Communities.
Information for people who have been affected by adoption can also be found at Local and Post Adoption Services Unit. Here adoptees can be assisted in accessing information about their birth parents. Mothers who have put their babies up for adoption can also find relevant information.
The unit can provide both non-identifying information, and identifying information to birth parents and adults who were adopted, provided there has not been any objection to identifying information being disclosed.
Image(s) designed by Victoria Fitzpatrick
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Submitted Comments
I would love to purchase digital copy of one of her pieces, how do i contact her please?
Christie
Great article on a topic that doesn't seemed to be discussed a lot. I found the statistics particularly interesting, seems hard to believe that there has been 50, 000 adoptions in 96 years. I'd love to see Victoria Fitzpatrick's art, she seems very talented.
Raehana Ross