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Denise Cross
Rising Above Adversity
Acrylic paint on canvas
Life hasn’t always been fair.
The World has been cruel; a dark place at times.
Throughout it all one marvels at your strength, your resilience, your poise.
The magnitude of what it truly means to be a single mother.
Such selflessness, such self-sacrifice,
Filled with your fair share of struggles, pain, heartache, and loss.
Many nights crying silent tears.
There have been joyful moments,
Moments that provide a sense of relief, a sense of satisfaction, a sense of hope for the future.
Moments that light up your room.
This moment being one of those.
A day of celebration,
A day that brings a sense of accomplishment,
A day to feel proud.
As a mother and son journey requiring continued love, energy and support.
A moment of reaping the rewards of raising a young man has come.
A future leader who will bring positive change to future generations.
Size: 125 × 95 cm
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About Denise Cross
Denise has been a secondary art teacher for 24 years, completing a BFA and M.Ed. She is also progressively working towards a Master’s in Visual Art through Griffith University, South Bank. Denise's teaching has always been accompanied by her personal art practice. She has been selected as a finalist for highly competitive art competitions, such as Queensland Figurative Awards 2026, Percival Portrait Awards 2018, Brisbane Portrait Awards 2023, Brisbane Portrait Awards Salon des Refuse 2024, and Redlands Art Awards 2024. She has also regularly been a part of solo and group exhibitions within Queensland and Bangkok.
