Show helps ease pain

By Monique Ebrington
HEALESVILLE’S Three Stories Artspace has taken the horror of Black Saturday and turned it into art.
The gallery has put on display objects changed forever by the ferocious heat of the February inferno in the hope that art can help with the healing process.
The exhibition called for people affected by the recent bushfires to display an object, memory or story that would benefit them and others who saw it.
The final result includes items that were once everyday objects – a tricycle, cups, a flute and part of a piano – that were pulled from the ashes, as well as paintings and collages.
Art space owner and creative director Ali Griffin said the inspiration for the exhibition came from her experiences of the Black Saturday bushfires.
Ms Griffin and her young family have been living at the gallery since their Skyline Road property was destroyed in the fires on February 7.
She said she was surprised at how returning to their burnt-out family home and searching for their belongings helped with the healing process.
“On Sunday we went back up [to the house] and until then I was just numb. I still didn’t believe it was gone until I saw it,” Ms Griffin said.
“As we searched for our things, instead of being sad, it was like we were uncovering ancient relics because it had formed into something new — it was still there just in a different form. They were our new treasures.”
She said she hoped that the process and exhibition was as therapeutic and positive for the other exhibitors, as it had been for her.
“I think it’s been really healing for people to come in and explain their piece or something they’ve found from the ashes,” she said.
“It gives people permission to see things in a different light. Everybody recognises it’s been horrible and an extremely stressful time, but, if we can find something beautiful and positive out of it, it makes dealing with it a little easier,” she said.
Three Stories art space will host Resurrection until Saturday 30 May at 505 Maroondah Highway, Healesville.
For more information visit www.threestories.com.au.