After four miscarriages, a Pinay artist finds solace and healing through art

Benette Hernandez and her husband of twenty years once dreamed of becoming parents, but life had other plans. They were overjoyed when they learned of their four pregnancies, only to be devastated when their pregnancies turned into miscarriages.

'I was polycystic, every time I'd go to the Specialist, I would see the eggs (that looked like circles) and then I would always ask; Why baby, why can't you grow in my womb? The circles have become very symbolic to me. I promised myself, I will make something beautiful out of those circles.' Filipina artist Benette Hernandez on how Mandala Art helped her cope with the grief of all four miscarriages. Credit: B Hernandez

Key Points

• Benette rediscovered her creative side while finding ways to deal with her sorrow.
• Benette Hernandez volunteers in her local community teaching art; particularly to those who have suffrered loss.
• Mandala art became a symbol of her unborn babies, where every circle symbolizes the egg.

LISTEN TO

After four miscarriages, a Pinay artist finds solace and healing through art

SBS Filipino

15:52Filipino

If someone you know needs help, you can contact Beyond Blue by calling 1300 22 4636 or visiting beyondblue.org.au for more information on anxiety, depression, and mental health concerns.

'You know grief has no timeline, but one day I woke up feeling really light and grateful. I realised it is not really a reflection of losing babies but what remains after the loss.' Benette Hernandez, on how she found the courage to rebuild her life after her failed pregnancies. Credit: B Hernandez

Bennet Hernandez rediscovered her creative side while dealing with the pain of four miscarriages. Today, she volunteers her time in her local community in Geelong, giving art workshops to support those who have suffered loss. Credit: B Hernandez

Daily art journals helped Benett face her grief; she rediscovered her creative side by baking again, creating jewellery, and devoting her time to plants, and then she found Mandala art. 'I discovered that my creative process was a big part of my healing journey. It is important to find our passion and do what we really love to help us heal, body, mind and soul.' Credit: B Hernandez

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