Silenced by trauma, this is a story of the voice of a child emerging through the written word, dance and visual art. It draws from the lived experience of vulnerability, violence, fight-and-flight and artistic expression. It is this creative expression that gave a portion of relief and fostered resilience.

Delve into the mind of an adult with lived experience of childhood trauma who found her voice through art. Treat yourself to a presentation akin to a virtual exhibition, as Jill shares her stories and expressions of inner turmoil through her visual art. This personal and vulnerable story is one you can grab and take with you—a tangible dive into the life of a family steeped in intergenerational trauma, where family and domestic violence were the norm.

 

It starts on the picturesque coastline of South Coogee in NSW, where Jill’s ancestors carved a tear shaped ocean pool into the rock-bed at the bottom of the cliff top where her father was raised, in a pre-fabricated  house. This very land now holds the iconic ‘Coogee Castle’ and the pool her family excavated by hand is now known as The Ivo Rowe Rockpool. Pretty on a external glance, with much to be hidden within; just like Jill’s art.

 

This presentation is an example of how art, and the meaning we make of it, can be transformative, and facilitate a steadily paced healing and recovery. Creative expression also has the power to reconstruct narrative and move an individual from a frozen state to movement. By physically expressing emotions as they arise—brushstroke-by-brushstroke; colour-by-colour; dive-by-dive—a freshness of perspective often emerges, and emotions stuck in story and the past can be released and find voice.

 

Artistic expression through various forms—visual arts, music, dance, writing, and performance—provides a non-verbal path for children and adults who have experienced childhood trauma, to communicate complex emotions. This is especially beneficial for those who find traditional communication inadequate for conveying, understanding and articulating their emotions. Through art, these complex emotions can be expressed through colour, dance, story and  performance without ever having to name them. And yet they are named, embedded deep within the art for viewers to either see or not see. But the creator—the survivor—the child—sees, perhaps for the first time, in the real-time act of creative expression itself. 
 
Works of art birthed by trauma can offer a new perspective, revealing beauty from chaos; a rebuilding from destruction, growth from parched landscapes and hope for the future. Rivers of creativity can nourish the inner needs of the child that longs for expression, but feels stuck in silence and fear, oftentimes well into adulthood. With art, the creator can both hide and express their feelings concurrently! They can create a work of art to keep and ponder on, revealing mysteries and creative transformation.

 

This presentation highlights the unique role of art for children trapped in situations of family and domestic violence, especially those who cannot verbally express their distress. Through creative expression, these children may find a silent but powerful outlet to communicate their inner struggles. This is particularly important for neurodivergent children, who often mask their trauma effectively, making it difficult for teachers, caregivers, and others to recognise signs of abuse. Providing these children with artistic tools gives them a vital means to express themselves, offering hope that their experiences can be acknowledged, even when words are out of reach.

 

Ultimately, this presentation underscores the need to ensure every child and adult has access to creative tools that allow for safe self-expression, encouraging a path to healing and resilience.