The body as evidence

Helana Goodman’s practice explores trauma, resilience, and the body through copper etching and printmaking. The series began after an invasive surgery to remove eight wisdom teeth. Etching became a way to process and reclaim this experience. Teeth and skulls appear throughout Goodman’s practice as vessels of pain, memory, and transformation. The copper plates reflect the precision and violence of surgery, while the acid’s bite mirrors the lingering sensations of healing. Within the context of Lismore’s resilience, these works invite viewers to consider the invisible aftermaths we carry and the slow, determined act of rebuilding.

Goodman is the recipient of the 2025 Verge Award, in partnership with Southern Cross University.