Community
6 August, 2025
Art for aged care
A LOCAL artist has been commissioned to paint eye-catching designs which can help residents at the south west’s new state-of-the-art aged care facility feel a little more at home.
Glenormiston artist Jess Fowler said she has been “overjoyed” to be involved in the formation of the aesthetics of Camperdown’s soon-to-be-opened aged care facility which replaces the existing Merindah Lodge.
Mrs Fowler, who had painted a mural for South West Healthcare during the construction of the facility back in March last year, has also recently completed three paintings for use within the facility.
The artworks focus on one Australian flower, each with its own colour scheme.
The works include an orange banksia, a purple bottlebrush, and golden wattle – each of which designates a different area within the facility which can help residents keep track of where they are.
“Janine Dureau-Finn, the aged care redevelopment manager, had talked to me about incorporating wayfinding in to the designs,” Mrs Fowler said.
“It’s the creation of identifiable features so residents can easily find their way around the place without having to read a sign – it’s easier for them to navigate.
“The idea was to have three separate paintings that had different colour schemes and I suggested different flowers.”
Mrs Fowler said she has been “overwhelmed” by the opportunity to be part of the project.
“I just count my lucky stars. I’m so lucky and blessed to have been asked,” she said.
“It was so exciting to go and see them up and to see the different ways they used the images within the facility.
“I’m just very excited for it.
“This is an absolute pinnacle of my art career and journey so far, and I’m very thankful for South West Healthcare for asking me to do it.
“I hope the residents enjoy it.”
The new artworks are not the first time Mrs Fowler has loaned her talents to the project after completing a mural at the site in March last year.
She said working on the mural had been a highlight after having the opportunity to spend time with Merindah Lodge residents and students from Camperdown College’s Year 10 art class, who assisted with the project.
“It was super cool because the residents would come out and talk,” Ms Fowler said.
“That kind of led into this, which makes it really special.
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