Indigenous artist Lakkarai Pitt has brought her care, and craft to Westmead Hospital.
Her beautiful painting displayed in the hospital’s Reflection Room is a space for bereaved families to spend time with their baby who has sadly passed away.
The artwork, created over many hours, features the unborn child at the centre surrounded by their parents and community.
Cassandra Chivers is one of the Women and Children’s Health Social Workers who supports women and families experiencing pregnancy loss.
“Families who experience this type of grief and loss need a safe and sensitive space to spend time with their deceased baby. The reflection room is that opportunity,” Cassandra said.
“Families often get such a small window of time with their little ones, so that [Reflection] space is really important,” Cassandra said.
In November 2024, the Women and Children’s Health Social Work Team applied for Wishlist Funding which was granted approval by Westmead Hospital Volunteer Services.
The request was for an Indigenous artwork that would create a comforting and culturally safe space for bereaved families experiencing acute distress.
“We recognise that Aboriginal art is a form of storytelling. We’re hoping that the presence of an artwork may allow families to draw strength and build resilience,” Cassandra said.
The request drew on a growing body of evidence supporting the practice of memory-making with babies who have died, highlighting its positive impact on the grief process.
Importantly, memory-making must be conducted in a way that is safe and sensitive to the unique needs of each family.
The central image of the artwork symbolises a womb with an unborn baby attached.
The description of the work explains symbols around the central image representing the family’s community and extended support network during their time of grief, while the non-linear lines woven throughout the artwork represent the fluidity of the grief process.
The talented artist, Lakkari Pitt, created the bespoke artwork in consultation with the Social Work team.
Key colours such as green, purple, blue and brown were included to symbolise the cycle of life and death, hope, spiritual healing, sadness, grounding and stability.
In gifting the artwork, Lakkari described the role of women in her life and culture.
“We come from a very big Aboriginal family, I feel very honoured to be able to learn from people that have come before us,” Lakkari said.
This artwork is now displayed on the wall in the Reflection Room, to offer comfort and an artistic source of strength for mothers and families
The artwork was gifted in October, recognised globally as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.