Demi Marino
Project title: When the wounded healer has imposter syndrome: a trainee art therapist’s heuristic enquiry of self-doubt through self-portraiture.
Demi Marino is a multidisciplinary artist and emerging art therapist whose work explores the intersection of personal experience and creative expression. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking from Griffith University, Demi has long been passionate about art and music, dedicating much of her spare time to these pursuits. This led to a role at an art studio, where she supports adults with disabilities in their artistic practices.
Demi’s interest in Art Therapy began during high school, inspired by her own experiences with the therapeutic effects of art. This fascination led her into the University of Queensland’s Art Therapy program. However, the journey was met with struggles of imposter syndrome and burnout, which led to a significant break to address her own mental health and develop a robust self-care routine.
In her art, Demi frequently draws from everyday experiences, using oil paints to explore the human form and negative space. Currently, this work focuses on self-portraiture, capturing the emotional landscape of the research journey. The paintings serve as a visual diary of Demi’s evolving understanding of both the research process and personal growth. Each piece reflects a snapshot in time, revealing how art-making can externalise internal struggles and self-doubt.
Demi finds painting to be both a cathartic and enjoyable practice, with each artwork offering a window in to her experiences. Through her work, she aims to demonstrate the profound healing potential of art and to communicate the nuanced narratives of self-discovery and professional development.
Demi’s current research explores the concept of wounded healers with imposter syndrome. The phenomenon of the wounded healer has stemmed from ancient times, with mental health clinicians often having a higher percentage of mental health conditions compared to the average population. Impostor syndrome however does not discriminate across professions. Using a heuristic self-enquiry model, Demi explores this phenomenon, gaining deeper insight into the nature of imposter syndrome as an emerging art therapist.
Acrylic and Oil on Canvas
50cm x 40cm
The start. The most difficult passage to pass. Often this is due to self inflicted limitations. The white landscape depicts the burdening and overwhelming experience of a new project.
Acrylic and Oil on Canvas
50cm x 40cm
This piece signifies the submission to the process with an embrace into the new research territory. Vines envelop the scene, not yet interconnected, symbolising the fledging state of understanding.
Oil on Canvas
50cm x 40cm
Her descent is both fragile and defiant, symbolising the tension between fear and surrender. This artwork captures the visceral moment of letting go.
Oil on Canvas
40cm x 40cm
Clouds bathed in soft sunset hues depict the balance between tranquility and the inevitable transition back to research tasks. While clouds themselves are ephemeral, the painting freezes them in time, capturing a moment of temporary stillness.
Oil on Canvas
40cm x 50cm
This piece captures the essence of distraction as a means to avoid tasks. The relaxed posture and abandoned book symbolise the internal struggle between the desire for productivity and the lure for diversion.
Oil on Canvas
40cm x 40cm
The interplay of colours contemplates the dualities of life, reflecting the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The clouds symbolise ever-evolving possibilities, rather than concrete resolution. This artwork is a meditation on the balance of hope and grief, and endless potential for the future.