During the isolating and uncertain times of the COVID pandemic, I found myself grappling with intense feelings of being stuck. To express this, I decided to write a poem that captured the emotional journey I experienced. But instead of just leaving it on paper, I ventured into new creative territory – turning my poem into a video, translated into Auslan, with an attempt to visually convey the depth of my emotions.

In the video, I used color and movement to reflect the shifts in my mental state. Wearing white, I represented sorrow and the weight of feeling trapped. Later, I transitioned into wearing black, symbolising darker, more dangerous thoughts. I wanted the visual transformation to make an impact and help others connect with the emotions I was expressing.

This project was my first attempt at using animation to enhance the message, and I also added subtitles to ensure accessibility for all viewers. The video became a personal reflection and a way to reach out to others who may have felt similarly during such a challenging time.

I submitted the video to the Flow Festival 2021, where it was showcased alongside other creative works. It was incredibly rewarding to see my poem come to life in a new format, and being part of the festival was a fulfilling experience. Creating this video in Auslan felt like a powerful way to merge my love for language with visual storytelling, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it with the public.