During our holidays we cherish spending time with our daughter. After losing two friends to suicide last year we chose to simplify our lives, work less and make everyday life more like a holiday. We chose to enjoy more laughter on the swings. Life has its ups and downs like a swing and even holidays come to an end which is why I wanted to show fun and sadness in two contrasting pictures. My daughter dearly misses her dad after a holiday and while he has reduced his work hours the weekends and holidays never seem quite long enough together.

For several years I worked as an art therapist in aged care, sitting with people in the final chapter of their life, listening to stories and reflecting on what matters most. I learnt so much. My greatest lessons were taught to me by sitting with people with dementia. It was about the fleeting nature of life, embracing the moment, savouring a good cup of tea, just being with. So, for me, that is what matters most. This is a portrait, a reminder of the transience and beauty of life.

Holidays are when families can get together and reconnect.

It’s a power of three, my sister, my mum and me. Within a year we both moved, me to Australia first and my sister later on to the UK. The day she flew to move my boyfriend planned for us to spend the day of her stop over in Aus together. But I could only see her through glass and talk through the phone. We also video called our mum. It’s been 9 months of virtually being together. These calls minimise the distance, especially on Christmas Day. That’s what matters during the holiday season, to me.

My artwork is a reflection of my life, and my life experiences. Family is so very important to me and the memories I treasure most was to watch my husband and daughters ride off together to check the cattle when home on the holidays. The sunsets I have seen during our travels were so inspiring and I like to reflect his in my paintings. My acceptance of my mortality made me realise how special my life was and how I cherished the holidays we all had together as a family.

LOVE LIFE AND TIME What matters most during the holiday season? I believe that Love, Life and Time matters during the holiday season. Being thankful is important and love of self, being connected to family (including pets), friends, neighbours and community. Being present in life, in the here and now, laughter, music, story telling and peace. Love is core to all that matters and having connections so that one is not alone is crucial while having time...time to love, time to reflect and just time. Deborah Avery 2018