The Carers Journey Mosaic Labyrinth has established Sheridan as a contender for Major Projects both in the corporate and community sectors.

Thirty-four Carers aged between 9 and 87 years, have been involved in creating this mosaic.

Almost all of us will be a Carer, be cared for, or both, at some time in our lives. This mosaic labyrinth represents the Carers journey.

The mosaic was designed and created by artist Sheridan Stewart. The background of sky – morning to night, represents the 24 hour nature of the Carers’ role. The labyrinth is a symbol of entering an unknown path where new challenges impact on the Carer creating new insights and life lessons. The Carer enters knowing nothing of what the journey itself will hold and emerges from the labyrinth changed forever by their experience.

In October 2008 Sheridan became the Artist and Director of The Carers Journey Mosaic a major project for The Carers Support & Respite Centre of SA, creating a mosaic labyrinth using 15,000 tiny hand cut tiles, working with 34 Carers and 6 staff member most of whom had never made a mosaic before.

Working with technician Greg Hose, the pair facilitated fifteen workshops where 34 Carers, former Carers and Junior Carers came together, along with 6 staff members from CSRC to learn how to cut, adhere and grout a mosaic.

“Without a doubt this is one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever worked on,“ says Sheridan. “Our challenge was to design a piece that many inexperienced people would create, learning along the way, and to engineer it so that everyone had a rewarding experience AND produced a work of art that they could all be proud of! The Carers are the invisible hero’s and heroines of our society. It was a true privilege to work with these incredible individuals.”

It was an excellent idea to involve Sheridan in this project, her interpretation of the carers’ role is brilliant and to involve carers in a new skill was excellent. We can all feel proud and we appreciate Sheridan and Greg’s guidance and their work in putting it all together.
                Tom Williams, Former Carer, 87

Enjoyed the company and great instructors. It’s interesting to see it all come together whilst learning a new skill.
                   Elizabeth Lover, Carer 70s

(It was) really enjoyable and relaxing. Sheridan and Greg were most welcoming and easy to work with. I was amazed by the time and efforts both have put into this project and cannot speak highly enough of them.
Muff Gilbert, Carer 50s

Very interesting, I had no idea how intricate (and time consuming) it can be. It was good to be part of something special and have made a contribution to something that will be displayed to others for years to come.
                         Jason Hicks, Carer, 39

A most intriguing concept – beautifully organised by Sheridan with technique skilfully taught by Greg. (The) Mosaic was a great idea to draw attention to the Carers World as well as drawing Carers together, totally satisfying experience.
   Beryl Duncry, Carer, 70s

The Carers Journey Mosaic Labyrinth was launched at the beginning of International Carers Week in 2008 and now travels to various public venues including councils, libraries and parliamentary offices to highlight the plight of carers in our community.

To find out what support is available for Carers in S.A, contact the Carers Support and Respite Centre 08 8379 5777.
For all states www.carersaustralia.com.au is a good place to start.

Carers Journey main image Courtesy Sue Hedley www.risingstar.com.au