When words fall short, 13-year-old Logan Ivory paints. His art speaks of resilience, identity, and mental health, creating stories that stir emotion, start conversations, and remind us that even the youngest voices can change the way we see the world.
“I use all the colours and shapes, but have a hidden message behind it about the mental health of people,” Logan explained.
“Art can be a way that you can express those feelings and also help other people through art.”
Representing Catherine McAuley College, Logan first won the Mackay University Now to Next award before going on to secure 1st place in the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation’s (QATSIF) Creative Arts Competition for the same piece. Out of 196 state-wide entries, he was the only Mackay winner.
Describing his winning artwork, Logan said “It had a nice feeling, but also a negative feeling at the same time… anger, sadness, happiness… all of them.”
This year, Logan has also been shortlisted for the Children’s Rights Queensland Award for Outstanding Contribution and Commitment to the Promotion and Advocacy of Children’s Rights in Queensland by a young person or a group of young people.
Despite being diagnosed with autism at age two, alongside anxiety and sensory challenges, he attended therapy three days a week until the age of five, when his speech developed enough for him to enter mainstream schooling.
“He’s always created artwork from around the age of two or three… it was how he could verbalise a feeling,” his mum Corissa said.
“The detail in his drawings started from the age of three or four… we’ve kept heaps of his books over the years… we're very proud.”
Rather than being limited by challenges, Logan has turned them into fuel. He served as a school leader in primary school before stepping up as Mackay’s youngest Youth Council member, and even contributed immensely to initiatives such as Autism Queensland and Walk for Autism.
“I know people that struggle with mental health,” he says.
“It’s fairly hard. It can be a bit difficult… but you just have to stay strong.”
To Logan, art is a universal language.
“It kind of gives them creativity… it warms them up… and that’s how they can also express their feelings to people,” he said.
His dream is to create spaces where art is free and accessible to all.
“I’d like to see people do art for free if they’re poor, so they can express what they’re feeling, then maybe people can understand that feeling and help.”
Proud of his Indigenous heritage, Logan recognises the importance of representing his history, family, and ancestors. But more than that, he advocates for children of all backgrounds to know their worth and embrace opportunities.
“This is super exciting for Logan,” Corissa said.
“It’s nice to see these artworks being appreciated and seen by many.”
At just 13, Logan is already connecting hearts across classrooms, communities, and the state. More than a canvas, his gift carries a mission, to advocate for mental health and the arts, ensuring that everyone feels seen, connected, and empowered through the universal language of art.
"Words can wound deeper than silence, echoing the pain of generations. This piece stands as a reminder that reconciliation begins with truth - in the words we choose the histories we honour, and the voices we uplift. Let us speak not to erase, but to heal." This artwork began with an array of a beautiful splash background, however as I painted the therapy of art evolved into a journey of self-hate, hurt and frustration. An immense amount of emotion was created in this piece. Can you feel it?
Logans award-winning piece. Photos supplied
Thirteen-year-old Logan Ivory uses art to express resilience, advocate for mental health, and inspire his community, turning emotions into powerful, award-winning creations. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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