Bridget finds a voice via her art

Bubbly 18-year-old Bridget Baldock is excited to be able to share her art with the world after being named Act-Belong-Commit’s youth ambassador for the Geraldton, North Midlands and Mullewa projects. Over the next 18 months, she will work with Act-Belong-Commit’s regional team to host workshops, activities, school visits and more to spread her passion for art. “Art can be so beneficial for your wellbeing and this is the message I want to share as a youth ambassador,” she said. “The workshops will be focused on art, relationships and mental health and how you can use art as a therapy.” Ms Baldock had just finished a month-long artist residence project with Act-Belong-Commit, when she was offered the position of youth ambassador. From that residency came her debut exhibition, titled Botanic, which will open at the studio space above Geraldton Visitor Centre on February 3. “Botanic is a very good way to describe my art style. I go with the flow of things, keeping it sort of minimal and natural,” she said. As youth ambassador, she hopes to connect communities and show them art can be about jumping in and having some fun. That said, Ms Baldock understands why Act-Belong-Commit is committed to strengthening regional communities. “Speaking from personal experience, I have struggled with my own mental health and art is a way that I can just put some emotions on paper,” she said. “It sounds a bit cliched but the whole process of creating artwork is therapeutic and at least gives me a reason to be happier within my own skin.” Botanic will remain on display at Geraldton Visitor Centre until March 22, before touring to The Bank Gallery in Carnamah.