A few weeks ago, I embarked on a project that pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged me creatively, and gave me a chance to contribute to a cause that’s close to my heart—homelessness. With the help of Nedd Brockmann and We Are Mobilise, I had the opportunity to combine my passion for art with my desire to make a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
The journey started with an idea: to paint an original piece featuring Nedd Brockmann, the incredible Australian runner who completed his Uncomfortable Challenge—a feat that involved running from Sydney to Perth to raise awareness and funds for homelessness. I was moved by Nedd’s commitment to such an important cause, and I knew I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way.
A Leap of Faith
I spent three days painting the artwork, capturing three iconic shots from Nedd’s challenge. It wasn’t just about creating a portrait; it was about embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that Nedd demonstrated through his journey. After completing the piece, I felt it needed something more: Nedd’s personal touch. So, on a whim, I booked flights to Sydney with the hope that I could get the canvas to him, have him sign it, and auction it off for charity.
It was a risk. I wasn’t sure if Nedd would be available, or if the whole plan would come together. But, honestly, I hadn’t been feeling like myself lately, and this project became my way of proving that I could push through self-doubt and take on challenges—both personal and professional. I knew that if I could pull this off, it would be something truly special, not just for me, but for the cause we were supporting.
The Sydney Trip & Meeting Nedd Brockmann
When I finally arrived in Sydney, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. I was about to meet someone who had inspired so many through his challenge, and I couldn’t wait to get my artwork into his hands. After a bit of coordination, Nedd and I were able to meet, and he graciously signed the original artwork. The moment was surreal—there I was, standing next to the very person who had inspired the piece, knowing that the artwork would soon be auctioned to raise funds for homelessness.
As a gesture of appreciation, I also gifted Nedd a framed print of the painting, which he was kind enough to accept. It felt like everything had come full circle, and I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with someone who was so dedicated to the cause.
The Auction & Raising Funds for Homelessness
With Nedd’s signature on the original artwork, the next step was to auction it off for We Are Mobilise, an organization dedicated to addressing homelessness in Australia. I’m proud to say that, through the auction, we were able to raise $600 to support this important cause. That money will go towards helping people who are facing homelessness and providing them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
It was an incredibly rewarding experience to see how the combination of art, collaboration, and charity could make a real difference. But the most meaningful part was knowing that my work, and the support of everyone involved, helped raise awareness about an issue that impacts so many.
A Big Thank You
To everyone who supported the project—thank you. Your engagement, your shares, and your encouragement made all the difference in bringing this idea to life. I was able to push myself to take a risk, and in return, we raised funds for an important cause. As promised, I selected three people at random to win prints of the artwork, and I hope they’re enjoying their pieces as much as I enjoyed creating them.
I’d also like to give a special shoutout to Nedd Brockmann for not only signing the artwork but for his ongoing dedication to fighting homelessness. His commitment to the cause is truly inspiring, and it was an honor to be a small part of his journey.
Looking ahead, this experience has taught me the power of combining passion with purpose. It’s given me a renewed sense of motivation and a deeper understanding of how art can be used to drive change. I’m grateful for this project, and I hope to continue using my work to raise awareness and funds for causes that matter.
Thank you again for your support!