How art helps this mother and son spend valued time together

Leo was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour at just sevenmonths old, beginning a five-year journey of hospital stays. This is what is now he and his mum’s “lifeline”.

Leo, right, and his mum Michelle at their home in SA. Picture: Ben Clark

The colourful paintings strung around the Bawden family home are more than just decoration — they’ve been a lifeline.

For Adelaide mum Michelle and her son Leo, 20, who lives with an acquired brain injury, art has been therapy for nearly two decades.

A recent survey by New Corp Australia’s Growth Distillery with Medibank found 22 per cent of Australians spend time on hobbies or passions when their mental health dips, and 13 per cent turn to meditation and breathing exercises.

The pair regularly paint or create “soul pages” together, mixing paint, magazine clippings, and

even leaves to boost their mental health and bond.

“It’s a form of mindfulness we do,” said Mrs Bawden, a creative arts therapist.

“There’s a lot to be said for sitting side-by-side in stillness, painting together – I see a peace

come over him.

“Creativity is so important for our mental health, and we just make art – I don’t do the arts

therapy process with him as he’s my son.”

The tradition began after Leo was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour at just seven

months old, beginning a five-year journey of hospital stays.

At age of two, Mrs Bawden started bringing watercolour paints and paper to his hospital bed, and he would “make a great big mess”.

“It made him really happy,” she recalled.

The mother and son appreciate the time they have together. Picture: Ben Clark

The duo also meditates regularly, and she says he opens up to her when he’s not feeling “quite right”.

“We have a lovely relationship where I am very safe for him,” she said.

“We are working to give him a little bit more emotional language around why is that, what does it mean.”

Art has been a lifeline for Leo. Picture: Ben Clark

Leo said creating art with his mum was “very therapeutic and calming”.

“It helps me to understand how my body is feeling and what is going on for me,” he said.

Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, helping Australian families better tackle mental wellbeing. To follow the series and access all stories, tips and advice, visit our new Health section.