We Are Not Alone - artwork
About this artwork
Jenaya Marchbank, Artist
"This artwork represents my personal journey through miscarriage and pregnancy loss, recognising that behind every statistic is a deeply personal story.
The little footprints honour the losses, acknowledging each little life and the lasting place they hold within my story. Although their journeys were far too short, they were real, deeply loved and will always be a part of who I am.
The mountains represent the ups and downs of grief and loss. Their different shapes and heights reflect the days when grief feels overwhelming, like a steep mountain to climb, and the days when we find the strength to take another step forward. They represent the ongoing journey of healing, acknowledging that grief is not a straight path and that some days are harder than others.
The rainbows sit alongside the mountains, at the same level, to represent hope that exists even while we are still going through the hard parts. This placement is intentional, reminding us that we do not have to reach the end of our grief before we can feel hope. Hope can walk beside us through every mountain, even when the journey feels difficult.
The spirit baby is held within a small circular space, surrounded by love and connection. This represents the lasting place each little spirit holds within my story and the love that continues beyond physical life. The butterfly touching the spirit baby’s space symbolises spirit, guidance and the connection we can find through nature. It reflects my understanding of how nature can offer comfort, hope and healing, and how connection to spirit and Country can help us feel supported through loss.
The parents in the middle are surrounded by community, illustrating how the community and kin come together to support the parents in their time of grief and also speaks to how such a loss can impact the wider family and community as well.
Through an Aboriginal perspective, the flowing lines, repeated patterns and connected elements reflect the importance of Country, family, community, spirit and one another. The artwork brings together the mountains, rainbows, footprints, spirit baby and butterfly to create a visual representation of a journey that holds both grief and hope.
The connections between these elements reflect how loss is not something that has to be carried alone, but can be held through love, culture, community and connection.
The artwork aims to destigmatise miscarriage and pregnancy loss, creating space for these experiences to be spoken about openly, without shame or silence. It recognises the shared experiences of women, men, families and communities, while honouring the deeply personal nature of each loss.
Ultimately, this piece is about remembering, healing, connection and hope. It is a reminder that every little life matters, every story matters, and WE ARE NOT ALONE."
About the artist
Jenaya Marchbank is a proud Darkinjung woman living in NSW and working on Dharawal Country. Through her business, White Lily Dreaming, Jenaya creates canvas paintings and digital artworks that reflect her connection to Country, culture and story. Her creative practice is grounded in honouring Country through Aboriginal art and craft, with each piece made with spirit, story and connection. Through her work, Jenaya shares her perspective, celebrates culture and creates artwork that carries meaning and connection.