On a scale from 1 to 9, how's everything going?

This exhibition explores how we conceptualise well-being and the tools we use to measure, monitor, and improve it. The artwork integrates philosophies, models, and experiences from Ashleigh Vermaak's five years as a Mana Ake well-being practitioner for children and families in Canterbury schools.

The title On a Scale from 1 to 9, How’s Everything Going? is influenced by a researched assessment tool used to monitor children’s sense of wellness. It is used to help practitioners track the necessity and impact of their involvement; however, it is undeniably reductionist—especially when attempting to capture a sense of "everything". Herein lie the challenges: How do we measure objectively a matter as subjective as well-being? Is it helpful to reduce it to tools and frameworks?

These artworks invite the audience to reflect on their own understanding of wellness and what matters to them. At the same time, it questions where the pursuit of wellness begins to tip - where does helpful self-awareness shift into relentless self-consciousness, perfectionism and the desire to avoid emotional discomfort entirely.

How might well-being be defined and actualised as a sustainable practice of care - one that acknowledges the shortcomings and suffering inherent in our humanity, while also honouring our capacity for growth?

As part of the exhibition, Ashleigh asks visitors to partake in an anonymous survey.

Artist's Biography

Ashleigh's background is in primary school teaching, but worked as Mana Ake worker from 2021 until 2026, working for both Barnardos and Stand Tū Māia during that time. In this role, she had the privilege of working alongside skilled colleagues, brave families, and dedicated school staff. The team worked collaboratively to support children navigating challenges with anxiety, grief and change, friendships, self-confidence, and emotional regulation.

Ashleigh wanted to re-engage with art for several years, with the figures in her artwork originally sketched out in 2021. Knowing that her time with Mana Ake and in Christchurch was coming to a close —with a move to Wellington and enrolment in Postgraduate Counselling Studies—it felt like the perfect moment to translate her experiences into a physical medium.

Ashleigh booked the exhibition space and started painting—a personal challenge to focus on the process and present whatever the outcome. To stop thinking about the ideas and start acting on them. While the artwork explores themes of wellness, the act of exhibiting is also a reminder that practice and mistakes are stepping stones on the path of creativity and learning—just as they are in relationships and any area of growth.

This exhibition is dedicated to the children who allowed Ashleigh to witness their mistakes and encouraged them to keep trying. It is also a thank-you to all those who have witnessed her mistakes and encouraged her to keep trying.