Artist's work fills the halls that shaped his recovery

PAUL Walsh knows the corridors of Epworth Geelong better than most and now his work is helping to change how they feel.

His series of native Victorian fish studies, developed over more than a decade alongside his own recovery, is now on display throughout the hospital’s public spaces, lining the same hallways he once moved through during rehabilitation.

Walsh began the series during visits to his family’s beach house at Tideway Bay in Sorrento, working in French Conté pastel and often completing pieces in a single sitting.

Walsh began working on his French Conté pastel representations of fish for more than a decade. Photo: Nathan Rivalland.

What started as a creative outlet gradually became intertwined with his experience as a patient, over four years of treatment and multiple knee and hip surgeries.

He said the artwork he encountered during rehabilitation stayed with him – not for what it was, but for what it offered.

“Usually, you’re here for a few weeks and as you’re hobbling around, the artwork takes your mind off the pain and gives you something to focus on,” Walsh said.

“Being in a hospital is not exactly the nicest place to be, but doing this brightens up the days of those who need it.

Installed across Epworth’s public spaces, Paul Walsh hopes the collection will bring moments of optimism to the hospital’s patients. Photo: Nathan Rivalland.

“Water and art is so soothing and is a great rehab tool for any ailment. It calms their nerves down and helps them to recover. The ward is full of art for this purpose.”

Now exhibiting his own work in the space, Walsh hopes to offer that same sense of distraction and calm to others.

The collection is a vivid exploration of native Victorian fish, brought to life through layered pastel, reflective surfaces and careful detail.

The artist has exhibited across Victoria, including in Hamilton, Port Fairy, Ocean Grove, Collingwood and Portarlington, but said this installation carries particular meaning.