The client (AMRC) requested a poster that visualises the theme of Refugee Week this year, which focuses on multiculturalism, human rights, cultural diversity, anti-racism and the welcoming of refugees into Australia, as well as how refugees become part of, and contribute towards, the Australian community.

I really love crafts like crochet, knitting and embroidery, so I really wanted to try to use my skills in those areas to approach the design brief a little differently. My idea, which stemmed from a tagline I’d thought up ‘Threads of Hope’, was to embroider a tree, with the leaves in the shape of Australia & all multicoloured, to symbolise the diverse cultures and nationalities of all the people who call Australia home. The roots symbolise the refugees creating their roots in their new home, as well as their ‘hope’ growing and expanding.

I played around with making the background a flat fabric with no hoop surrounding the piece, but I liked the idea of the smooth taut fabric around Australia representing the safe new home, with the rippled crinkled fabric around the hoop representing the tough struggles the refugees go through to get there. It’s overall a more positive focused design, but I liked the idea of having this little added detail that still subtly recognises their struggle while still sending a hopeful & welcoming message.