Raising Awareness and Building Community Through Art: My Journey in 2024-2025
At Oh, Doctor! Designs, my mission goes beyond creating beautiful and functional products. It’s about raising awareness and building a supportive community around disability, chronic illness, and neurodivergence, as well as providing space for all of the emotions that go along with these experiences. I don't shy away from rage, nor from humour - though most of the time, I'm just tired.
In this, my first blog post, you'll find a summary of some of the things I've been up to over recent months, including the program that led to me starting this business!
1: Participation in the Accessible Arts NSW Equip Leadership Program
Between June and December 2024, I was thrilled to join the Accessible Arts NSW Equip Leadership Program. This unique program has provided me with invaluable mentoring and support, helping me grow both as an artist and as an advocate for disabled artists. With guidance from the mentors at Creative Plus Business, I was able to launch my business, Oh, Doctor! Designs, featuring products that not only serve as functional art but also promote conversations around disability, chronic illness, and neurodivergence. The skills I’ve gained here will shape the way I approach my work and how I connect with others in the community.
https://aarts.net.au/news/equip-leadership-participants-announced/
2: "What did they tell you?" Exhibition at UNO Studios, Sydney
One of the highlights of 2025 so far has been my participation in the 'What did they tell you?' exhibition at UNO Studios in Sydney. This exhibition was organised by the energetic powerhouse that is Sydney-based artist Em Hatton, and brought together artists whose work explores personal narratives of medical trauma and mysogyny. I presented two ceramic pieces, ‘Chronic’ and ‘Hold it together a little bit longer’, both of which explore my experiences with invisible illness. You can find more information on these, and the rest of the exhibition, in the online catalogue.
https://issuu.com/emhatton/docs/exhibition_catalogue_-_what_did_they_tell_you_
3: ADC Special Makers Market
Another exciting milestone was participating in the ADC Special Makers Market in Sydney, held from 28 February to 1 March 2025 at the Australian Design Centre in Sydney. This market brought together a range of talented makers, and it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase my designs. In addition to selling products, I had the chance to speak directly with customers, sharing my story and the deeper meaning behind the pieces. You can also find my maker profile on the Australian Design Centre website, where I’m honoured to be included among a community of talented Australian artists.
https://australiandesigncentre.com/object-digital/interview-with-olivia-hamilton/
4: Inclusion of Adhesions in the Qendo Endometriosis Art Prize
I’m also proud to announce that one of my designs, Adhesions, was selected for inclusion in the QENDO EndoMEtriosis Art Prize. With this design, which is available as a poster and on select products, I wanted to make something pretty, that takes on a more disturbing meaning when looked at with knowledge of its inspiration. Adhesions is an abstract design inspired by endometriosis - a disease that affects approximately 1 in 7 women in Australia. In endometriosis, tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus occurs in other parts of the body, causing chronic pain, fatigue, and sometimes infertility. Multiple surgeries to cut or burn the endometrial tissue can also leave scarring, causing organs to adhere to other tissues. Having my work featured in this art prize allows me to connect with others who experience similar struggles and amplify the voices of those affected by this debilitating condition.
Conclusion
Every step of this journey is a part of my commitment to using art as a tool for social change. I believe that by raising awareness and fostering a supportive community, we can all make a difference in how invisible illness is understood.
But I wouldn't be me without a little nod to the importance of feeling all the feels. As much as this is a social cause, it's also a personal one. My art practice is a way for me to express the rage, fear, pain, love, hope, despair, gratitude, attitude, loneliness and comfort - all the ups and downs - that is this chronic illness life.
I invite you to explore my collection of products that support this cause, and join me in raising awareness about chronic illness. Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to reach out to share your thoughts and experiences.