News
Emma’s New Beginning Through Art and Community
At 47, Emma has already faced countless challenges. She began losing her vision when she was just 21, and over the years has undergone multiple eye surgeries, including cornea transplants, cataract surgery, and repairs that ultimately did not restore her sight. “None of my doctors told me how I could survive with no vision. Once they were done with me, they moved on to the next patient. I was just left to fend for myself,” Emma recalled.
Despite these challenges, Emma has found hope, independence, and community through Guide Dogs Queensland. “When Guide Dogs came into my life it gave me so much hope. It was like a new day for me. I was finally meeting my people,” she shared. Through mobility training, occupational therapy, and regular support from Clinical Psychologist Dr Janet Cheong, Emma regained confidence and a sense of belonging. “Learning to use my white cane and being able to talk to Janet every six weeks saved me. I realised I wasn’t alone.”
Emma’s creative journey began 18 months ago, somewhat unexpectedly. With a background in science and teaching, she never thought of herself as artistic. “I think my default style is impressionistic just because I can’t see,” Emma explained. “I take pictures of my art and then zoom in on my phone, so I can put my face close and see what I’ve painted. That way I can make something that looks less impressionist. It’s exciting because I’m still learning and changing.” Her style has been compared to the work of Odilon Redon, though she admits she had never heard of him until a friend mentioned the similarity.
Emma’s artwork is vibrant, full of hope and life. One piece she donated to the Townsville Guide Dogs office is a large mixed media canvas titled A New Day. Featuring a sunrise, a beautiful tree, and a profusion of flowers, the work reflects her desire to embrace colour and positivity. “My inspiration was simply to use as many colours as I could, and for them to match well together. There’s nothing better than flowers and trees when you just want a splash of colour.” For Emma, donating her artwork was deeply personal. “I didn’t think about it being on display, I just wanted to give something back, especially to Janet, who first encouraged me to try painting. I’m very honoured that my art is on display and can be enjoyed by others.”
Through her journey with Guide Dogs, Emma has come to see how creativity, community, and giving back are deeply connected. “This community gave me my creativity. It showed me that it’s not the end of my useful life. I can still give back. Donating a painting just felt right, because without this community, I’d never have started painting at all.”
Emma also co-runs the Facebook group Vision Impaired/Blind Artists Queensland, alongside Katherine and Sarah. The group provides a supportive space for low vision or blind artists across Queensland to share their work, learn from one another, and find inspiration. “It’s just a wonderful place for people in Queensland who are artists and can’t see too well.”
For Emma, art has become more than a hobby. It’s a way to express hope, rediscover herself, and contribute to the community that helped her reclaim her independence. Her story is a powerful reminder that challenges can be transformed into creativity, connection, and joy.
