Blacktown mother to create an art book inspired by her son’s cardiac surgery

BLACKTOWN mother Melissa Chaney is creating starting on an art book dedicated to her son Morgan who was born with congenital heart disease.

Melissa Chaney has won a grant to produce a book of prints inspired by her son’s cardiac surgery. Pictures: Peter Kelly

A BLACKTOWN mother is eager to get started on an art book dedicated to her youngest son born with congenital heart disease after she was granted $1500 by Blacktown Council.

Melissa Chaney was one of 45 applicants seeking a share of $97,120 from the Creative Arts Fund offered by the council.

The fund was launched last year and has already seen a 15 per cent increase in the number of applicants.

Ms Chaney applied for a grant to produce a series of hand bound artist books using printmaking techniques that will explore the theme of the human condition and more specifically childhood disease.

“I really applied to further my art-making practice but at the same time this is very close to my heart as well and it’s a very important issue to create that awareness,” she said.

MMs Chaney will produce a series of hand bound artist books using printmaking techniques.

Ms Chaney’s 18-month-old son, Morgan, had open heart surgery for defects immediately after he was born.

“I really want to sort of show how his heart is different because he was born with extra veins, and he later had a blockage after his first surgery as well,” she said.

“It won’t necessarily be a narrative (of my son) but it’ll be a series of images inspired by events in his life.

“It kind of helps you consider what he’s been through and reminds me how strong he is.”

The single mother of four already has her hands full but says she’ll definitely be working on her project in any spare time she has.

A total of $45,000 was allocated by the council for the 2017 fund, $5000 for administration and marketing costs and $40,000 for 20 applicants — open to individuals and community groups.

INSIDE BLACKTOWN’S GARAGE BARBERSHOP

OTHER RECIPIENTS

■ George Tilliankis, of Blacktown, was awarded $2000 to develop a video performance installation investigating ways in which men deal with pain and loss.

■ Michelle Vernot, of Toongabbie, will receive $2000 to develop and produce a collection of grand ball gowns constructed from found objects titled Mother Nature’s Wardrobe in the Anthropocene Epoch.