Journey
By Lili Simpson-Lyttle
"Journey" is a digital artwork created by Kidney Warrior and artist Lili Simpson-Lyttle to visually tell the story of the COMPASS project. The piece has been carefully constructed using various icons that come together to form the shape of a kidney, illustrating the many different parts of the kidney journey. It highlights how Patient Navigators—individuals with lived experience who guide others through the process—connect all these elements together.
At the core of the artwork are the roads, symbolising the shared pathway that connects individuals as they move through their kidney journey. These roads also represent the role of Patient Navigators, who "walk alongside" and assist patients in navigating their path. The icon of people talking represents the Patient Navigators themselves, who act as bridges between the healthcare system and the community, offering hope, support, and guidance along the way.
The medication and heart icons represent the medical aspect of the kidney journey, an area where Patient Navigators use their own lived experience to support patients. However, the story extends beyond just the medical side. The gathering symbol reflects the coming together of people with similar experiences—both navigators and patients—while the meeting place symbol represents the different paths individuals take in their journey, which may require travel away from home to the big city for treatment. Having the support of a Patient Navigator has shown to make this journey less frightening.
Icons representing South Australia and the Northern Territory represent the Patient Navigator project sites in COMPASS and the widespread network of support available across multiple regions. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags represent the communities this project serves and was created by, whilst the blue and ochre color scheme reflects the unique landscapes and waters of each participating region.
Finally, the group of people icon symbolises the kidney community—patients, families, and healthcare staff—who come together to share their stories, support one another, and help create a network of care. Together, these icons form the shape of a kidney, reminding us that the journey is about much more than the disease. It’s about the connections we make, the wisdom shared by those who’ve lived through it, and the strength that comes from navigating this path together.
“Journey” is a visual celebration of the people who have walked the kidney disease path, particularly the Patient Navigators whose lived experience allows them to light the way for others.
About the artist
Lili Simpson-Lyttle is a Bine woman. Her mother was born in one of the costal villages of Papua New Guinea sharing kinship and culture as part of the ‘GUDA MALUILIGAL’ and ‘KULKALGAL’ of the North Western and Central Torres Strait Islands. Lili’s family group is Badu-Suki, and her ancestors come from Badu, Western Torres Strait.
Diagnosed with kidney failure in 2010, Lili's dialysis journey began in 2012, but by the end of that year, her kidneys miraculously started working again. After a decade of no kidney problems, Lili is now back on dialysis and working toward a transplant, continuing to embrace life with resilience and creativity.
Lili’s passion for art began at a young age—she started drawing at 4 or 5 years old, and by Year 12, the encouragement of supportive art teachers led her to experiment more with different artforms such as animation. She has also explored portraiture and other traditional forms of art, but it was during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic that she found new inspiration. Purchasing an iPad allowed her to embrace digital art, which provided a more flexible medium and a broader palette of colors to express her imagination.
As an early learning educator and NDIS support worker, Lili has a deep love for children and a natural inclination to help others. Her work in these fields allows her to connect with people from all walks of life, and she finds joy in creating environments where others feel comfortable, valued, and understood.
Family plays an integral role in Lili’s life, and she shares a strong bond with her sister. Outside of her creative pursuits, Lili enjoys travelling and glamping, always seeking new adventures to fuel her spirit.
For Lili, art is all about color, imagination, and the energy that comes from creative expression. With her work “Journey”, she hopes to spark imagination of viewers and encourage reflection, especially for those navigating their own kidney journey. Her artwork carries a personal message, highlighting the many different aspects of the kidney journey —not just the medical, but also the emotional and personal. Through this piece, Lili emphasises the essential role of Patient Navigators in helping connect and guide others through the journey.