Spirit Bird backstory - On Christmas Eve 2012, Xavier Rudd's album was playing in the family car - Lawson loved it! He planned to buy his own copy, but fate intervened the next day, flipping his life upside down in a skateboarding accident. The Spirit Bird album continued to play in the car for another two years, and included the daily commute to hospital during the longest months of our lives - the coma months. Some of Xavier's songs became more like a prayer as we grappled with the trauma of Lawson's medical condition, and inconsolable grief from being informed that we were losing him. 

A year later, Lawson was home and able to hold a paint brush - he survived!

There were major hurdles to overcome. Healing from a brain injury is painfully slow, arduous, frightening, and isolating, but also deeply rewarding if blessed with signs of progress. It was a significant moment when Lawson painted his first wonky line, considering that he couldn't move a muscle when he was discharged from hospital in May 2013.

Lawson's first experimental paintings began when a canvas was held within reach from his wheelchair and he was handed a paint laden brush - would Lawson know what to do? Ten years on, these early paintings embody the Spirit Bird Collection and mark a major milestone in Lawson's recovery. The sixth painting, Full Circle (Circle of Love), was created during a celebratory moment in the company of Lawson's friends for his 22nd birthday. He appeared to paint a circle-like shape for each person in the room, including our neighbour, Dean, who called by at the last minute saying, 'Paint one for me, Laws!'  We all watched in awe as Lawson added another circle to the canvas, confirming that his comprehension really had improved. 💛 10/11/2014