Mates, for life

'Mates, for life' by Ian Cook was among those shortlisted for the inaugral 2018 Napier Waller Art Prize and was the winner of the People's Choice Award. Cook provided the following artist statement about his work:

"I am not an artist; I am a soldier. I bleed green.
I served with pride.
I fought and I thought.
What did I see? What did I do?
I tried alone. I cried alone. I died inside.
Why won't that black dog stop barking at me?
They don't get it. No-one will miss me. I'm sick of pain
He was there with me but how could he help now?
He knows my pain. That first step is the biggest.
We can do this ... you must do this ... I will do this.
My mates are still with me. I'm more at ease.
I can serve with pride again; with my mates.
My mates, my life, for life.
Mates for life.
Mates, for life."

The Napier Waller Art Prize aims to promote artistic excellence, the healing potential of art for military personnel, and raise a broader awareness of the impact of service on the individual. In its inaugural year, the Napier Waller Art Prize attracted over 100 entries.