Art the best medicine

CATIA Dolzadelli is living proof that with the right tools, people can overcome massive adversity in their lives.

Fifteen years ago, Ms Dolzadelli was working as a teacher in the Kimberley when she suffered a nervous breakdown and was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

“What followed was years of struggles with hospitalisation, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder,” she said.

But when she stumbled on a mosaic book, art began to succeed where traditional medicine had failed.

She said art became not just a therapeutic resource but also a way of life, pushing her towards healing.

“I am largely a self-taught artist; having anxiety and panic attacks meant I was unable to take art classes, so instead I went to the library and read every art book I could find,” she said.

“In 2009 I received DADAA Arts and Disability Small Grants funding and participated in a printmaking mentorship with artist Shana James, which culminated in a very successful solo exhibition at the Freight Gallery in Fremantle.

“This gave me the confidence to join a small painting class at the Fremantle Arts Centre and I have since participated in stone carving, clay sculpture, metal work and fibre workshops.”

Ms Dolzadelli will soon have her art displayed to everyone heading to WA’s south after she was selected to paint a life-size fibreglass kangaroo that will sit on the Forrest Highway next to the new Miami Bakehouse in Myalup.

“I am really excited and pleased to be selected. It is a fantastic opportunity to create art and show it to a new audience,” she said.

“I love the idea of people travelling and KangaArt being part of the scenery. It’s an iconic journey and I am excited to be part of these iconic art pieces.”