THE therapeutic benefits of creating artwork is a notion not lost on Narrandera artist and Wiradjuri man Owen Lyons.
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Mr Lyons came to creating artworks later in life, using it as a method to help him cope with his son's schizophrenia.
Born and bred in Narrandera, much of the Wiradjuri country surrounding his home town is the inspiration for the artworks he creates.
Melding traditional indigenous painting techniques and icons, with more modern imagery, the unique blend of style means his artworks reflect a deep connection with both the land, community, his family and other influences.
"I'm one of 10 kids and we lived in Narrandera at the bottom of the area known as the Sandhills," he said.
"The Sandhills and the Murrumbidgee River is an important, memory filled place for me."
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Mr Lyons married at 27 and has two daughters and a son, as well as two grandchildren. He had a kidney transplant around five years ago.
"My son's mental illness is what really led me to my career in art," he said.
"I had to find a way to cope with my son's schizophrenia and art became my outlet to deal with the chaos and havoc that it bought into our home."
Owen found the music of Eminem to be particularly relevant during this time when his son was living at home, and is the basis for artworks that have been created using traditional techniques and imagery of the musician and his songs.
Mr Lyons said he was passionate about helping people. One of the ways he does this is by running art workshops at his Wiradjuri Art gallery located in Wagga.
The independent art workshops he runs are aimed at being a safe and welcoming environment for people who may have mental illness or be in recovery from substance abuse, to assist them in focusing on making art as a creative outlet.
He also has workshops for people caring for or living with those who suffer from mental illness or who are in substance abuse recovery, running them an artistic relief for carers as well.
Mr Lyons' artwork has been increasingly sought-after in recent times, with some corporate commissions being created, including for a prominent doctor in the area.