Nikkole Weightman's Unicorn Lane exhibition Dying to Heal is about the stages of grief

Weightman said turning back to art, which had fallen by the wayside during her nursing studies, helped during time off work, following a breakdown.

Her own struggles and her experience helping families through grief were combined into her exhibition Dying to Heal.

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"[The trees] resemble growth and personal growth, as well as trying to heal again," Weightman said. "The first one starts at absence, there is nothing there so you can feel quite lost and dark. "

Weightman said putting her first solo exhibit together was nerve-racking and exciting.

"I've come past so many times too and seeing people there, it's really surreal."

Weightman said she hoped to keep teaching art through her disability support service work and use her certificate in art therapy to help people deal with different emotions.

The public gallery, on Unicorn Lane off Sturt Street, will showcase her artwork until May 23.

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