Meet our Christmas card artwork competition winner

We interviewed Mandy about her winning artwork, “Peace” that appears on the cover of our 2023 tenant Christmas Card.

2023 Unity Housing Christmas card competition winner Mandy with Paul

Q: Tell us about the piece you created – what was your inspiration and what does it represent?
A: The piece of art I created was about what Christmas means to me – wishing there was peace around the world, that it isn’t just about receiving presents. I didn’t want to create any religious aspects either, as we all have different meanings of Christmas.

Q: What is your background in art?
A: I have always loved art and it was my favourite subject at school, I was constantly drawing in my spare time. I didn’t enter my first art competition until I was in my 30s as I didn’t have the confidence or believe my artwork was good enough. My first art entry was at the Robe Southern Ocean Art Exhibition and that is where I sold my first piece.

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Out there… I draw cartoons and I can also draw and paint deep and meaningful art, my range is broad.

Q: What do you enjoy creating and why?
A: Art is a great release of all my pent-up feelings and emotions. My opinions are also expressed through the art I create, which is my voice instead of my words.

Q: How did you become a tenant with Unity Housing?
A: I was originally a tenant in Kingston and have always felt safe in the housing Unity Housing provides. I moved to Millicent in 2012 and I have always felt supported by Unity, especially with my art and when I had to relocate to another property.

Q: Is there a special message you would like to share with Unity Housing tenants this holiday season?
A: I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and, with everything currently happening in the world, reflect on how fortunate we are to be living where we do.

Thank you to all our competition entrants, Amanda, Brett, David, DM, Katrina, Linda, Mark, Rosemary, Shane, and Vicki.