UNSEEN: Unheard: by artist with disability Denise Beckwith 2021

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Artist with disability Denise Beckwith Denise brings her canvas to the UNSEEN Arts Hub to invite the public to sign as an expression of a commitment to understanding the diversity of people and their experiences in the world and to think about how who becomes homeless and why. By participating in this collaborative artwork we are recognising that we are all part of the problem and part of the solution of ending homelessness and housing insecurity.

'The blue in my painting is water - the brown in my painting is the dirty water that consumed my home, and the red is representative of the stress I experienced navigating dealing with insurance company to get support. Below is the story that shaped my painting:

It is so hard to share story because I never thought I would become a statistic anymore that what I was already - being a woman with physical disability - cerebral palsy. I never dreamed I would experience homelessness, as growing up my family homes were safe havens - providing security, surety, and support. Then everything changed - on 8 February 2020 - dirty flood water entered my home due to a building construction flaw. The dirty floodwater consumed my home taking with it objects of sentiment and memories. The flooding of my home - my place of rest changed the way I see water. Water was relaxing and cleansing. Water was once a substance of opportunity and freedom because I was an Australian Paralympian swimmer having competed in the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

Water unwelcomingly entering my home changed everything - it process meant I had to advise, explain, and justify my disability access needs in relation to arranging accessible accommodation every time I contacted the insurance company - as I was simply a name and claim number - not a person with individual needs. This part of navigating the bureaucracy of the insurance company continually stripped me of my dignity and humanity. Every time I contacted the insurance company about my need for accommodation - I had to inform the different insurance company representatives that I needed a small walk-in shower with solid walls, not glass because of my poor balance. My disability and helplessness were magnified repeatedly. The COVID-19 pandemic added another lay to my experience of homelessness as I was isolated and could not call on my usual networks for assistance due to the need to socially distance. COVID-19 also resulted in repairs taking longer to be done.  

' - Denise