Gary Hayes
Tell us a little about who you are and what brought you here.
52 year old who has been on quite a journey over the last few years after the lose of both my legs during 2021. A simple cough lead to a whole series of events that lead to a massive battle to survive. The incredible medical professionals and staff at Fiona Stanley hospital didn’t give up on me and my scars are a testament to their hard work and how we are are all stronger than we think in situations you would of never have been able to imagine yourself in.
What invisible or visible part of your story do you wish more people understood?
The journey isn’t always easy but surrounding yourself with the right people and keep looking forward and not dwelling on the past because I’m still here. Even when things looks easy as an amputee it doesn’t mean that it is, generally you just keeping pushing to find a way that works for you.
How did it feel to be photographed as part of Desire Lines?
It felt an honour and a privilege to be part of a project with so much meaning but capturing different journeys of strength and resilience.
This art is not for sale.
People’s pain and hardship cannot be commodified in this space. This space exists simply to inspire anyone who is struggling to cope or searching for a way through.
The art is a gift from myself and every participant. These images capture a moment in time that allowed us to realise that our pain has given us something priceless:
Wisdom and resilience.
They form the desire lines we walk as we move through each new storm we face, again and again.
marilyntuna.art 