Postcards of community: using art to express what community means to us

‘Those who plant trees never enjoy their shade’ 

My postcard shows that community is evident in pride and shared traditions and values. The sun that rises behind the tree is the new opportunity that comes with every new day. The sense of belonging helps them stand firm in times of ridicule and trouble. It shows how being part of a community provides comfort and resilience, making it easier to handle challenges. By standing together can affect decisions made by politicians and change the course of the future. It’s about how communities adapt and grow together, holding on to their shared traditions while figuring out how to face new challenges as a group, showing the power of being united. 

My drawing represents the theme of community through a vibrant tree with multicoloured branches growing atop a globe. The tree symbolises life, growth, and interconnectedness, while the diverse colours of its branches represent the unity of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Placing the tree on the globe signifies that our strength as a global community lies in embracing diversity and working together harmoniously. The clear blue sky conveys hope and positivity, while the text 'Our unity is our strength' reinforces the idea that collective effort and solidarity are essential for thriving as one world. 

My family is the most valuable thing for me, so I made this card with love. I have my mum, I have 5 kids, I'm a wife. I look after my family. They are my treasure. Family and home mean peace for me. They are my community.

Community, for me, is the freedom to be unapologetically myself—a space where my quirks and background are not just accepted, but truly celebrated. My postcard, painted in a hopeful yellow, features two branches: one vibrant, one worn, both embraced as part of nature’s cycle. This imagery reflects the sense of belonging I found in Glasgow, where diversity is welcomed and every story matters. The phrase “you are free to be you” sits at the heart of my art, inspired by the acceptance I’ve experienced. I hope my card brings a sense of peace and reminds others that community flourishes when we cherish each other, imperfections and all. In this space, I have found the freedom to express myself, and I wish for others to feel the same warmth and acceptance—a place where everyone is nourished and allowed to flourish, just as nature thrives in its diversity.

"Connect, Attune and be healthy" 

Nature is loving to ALL. 

Nature is non judgemental. 

Nature embraces every living creature. 

Nature is good for you. 

Nature is my community. 

The postcard design features joined hands of people from diverse cultures and communities around the world, all adorned with same styles of body art. It highlights the unifying power of henna, celebrating how this shared tradition connects different communities and transforms diversity into something beautiful and meaningful.

‘Connected with people who are around the city' 

This represents the strength and beauty of mental health communities. Interconnected people who are around the city symbolise support, growth, and resilience. The design aims to break stigmas surrounding mental health, promoting a sense of belonging and understanding. By sharing this visual representation, I hope to inspire conversations, foster empathy, and encourage individuals to reach out for support. Together, we can cultivate a supportive community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Let's nurture a culture of compassion and understanding, one connection at a time.

For flowers to grow, you need the sun, the water, the air, and the soil. For a beautiful, strong flower to thrive and blossom, it needs someone to look after it. It's like in a community; if you work together, what you're working on will grow beautifully and strong, and it'll be something that you are proud of.  

When I was living in Wigan, the community would come out every year and plant bulbs in the ground so that we could have blossom in summer. When summer came, we had nice flowers blossoming all over our local park. It involved all the community to make our park beautiful. And that's what community is for me. 

Sarmed Mirza is a multidisciplinary, award-winning British Asian visual artist and filmmaker based in Scotland. His work explores identity, healing, and human connection through portraiture, abstract painting, and storytelling. Bridging cultures and experiences, his practice speaks to emotional resilience and personal transformation. Sarmed regularly collaborates with community groups and wellbeing organisations, using creativity as a tool for reflection and empowerment. His work is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and meaningful engagement.