The transformative power of art

One of six children, each of her siblings had a creative outlet which was actively encouraged by their parents.

"Our family was working class but my mum and dad were always making something" Mary Lou said.

Each child grew up to pursue their passions professionally.

Her siblings include CEO of musical development company Global Creatures Carmen Pavlovic and founder of Modular Records Stephen Pavlovic.

Mary Lou was no different.

She completed her undergraduate degree at the Canberra Institute of Arts which formalised art practice.

The undergraduate degree later led to a PhD in visual arts which focused on beauty and viable politics.

She said the subject of beauty was controversial among her peers but it was one she had a great interest in.

"Beauty was associated with a commodity rich people could afford or the elite had," Mary Lou said.

This led to a trip to Bali for Mary Lou where she fell in love with the island's natural beauty.

Mary Lou said this was the result of an Australia award, which allowed recipients to undertake research overseas.

The award allowed Mary Lou to look at how her art practice was influenced by Bali.

"I won't forget the email," Mary Lou said.

"It said successful applicant in the subject line and I knew what it was for - it was a once in a lifetime opportunity."

On arrival was stunned by the natural beauty of the country and in particular its water and flora.

She was also impressed by the beauty of the Indonesian people and their spiritual connection to the water.

Mary Lou came across several people which included member of the Bali Nine, Renae Lawrence.

"A friend of mine who works in television in Bali suggested I meet her," she said.

"I suggested at the time we did some art together but she wasn't quite ready to do it."

Renae had several commitments with the prison but eventually the pair partnered up to start an art program.

The two taught participants skills such as drawing, painting and wood carving.

It was through this that Mary Lou witnessed the transformative power of art.

"I can't speak highly enough of art programs in prisons now," Mary Lou said.

"The impact it can have in a place where you can't move very far and your time is suspended is transformative."

In addition to this, the program had several personal benefits for Mary Lou.

"It's given me a sense of non-judgemental towards people in that situation," she said.

"It also gives people a shared purpose and values."

At the end of the art program, participants made a mural together which now sits in the prison's kitchen.

The mural served as a reminder of the personal and technical progress of participants.

Since her trip, Mary Lou has moved to Mittagong and has set up her own small business called The Flower Artist.

This is largely an online business however, several of her items are on show at the Sturt Gallery in Mittagong.

Her collection features homewares and jewellery predominantly with Balinese flowers set in resin.

While this serves as a reminder of her time in Bali, it is an experience she will never forget.

To see more of Mary Lou's work go to www.theflowerartist.org