Seville Grove artist Gracey is continuing his campaign to highlight depression and mental health issues via art and in the lead up to Anzac Day created a piece with a military message.
Gracey, the artist behind the Art vs Depression campaign, served in the New Zealand Defence Force from 1993 to 1994 and his family has a military history.
Some have post traumatic stress disorder.
The piece, being donated to the Armadale RSL, is based on a game of chess.
On the top level pieces are standing on a board to represent the strategy behind military campaigns but below that scattered chess pieces, trails of blood and poppies highlight the impact war has on soldiers.
Gracey himself fell into depression during his time serving but not because of active combat – he missed out on deployment twice during the Balkan conflict after two injuries.
“We were the first company to be deployed to Croatia, it was New Zealand’s first tour since Vietnam and I actually injured my knee the day before we flew out,” he said.
“That was pretty much the first time that I went through depression for being left behind.”
Gracey said he fell into depression again after he was medically discharged but for some of the other soldiers in his company once they returned home it was a lot worse.
“What I learnt from the first tour was that our boys came back damaged, my mates were damaged,” he said.
“There was no systems in place at that time in the unit to take care of the brothers when they came home.”
Gracey said the mission of his art piece was to raise awareness and bring attention to the mental health problems military personnel suffer.
“I’ve lost uncles that served who have taken their lives and I’ve seen brothers that have gone down that path,” he said.
“What we don’t expect is to lose brothers in noncombat periods.”
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance or support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For more information about depression or PTSD call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, visit beyondblue.org.au or call SANE on 1800 187 263.
