MENTAL HEALTH DAY: MY CREATIVE SANCTUARY

How art and wellbeing go hand-in-hand . . . for both the artist and the viewer.

Photo Credits: (c) Neil Cannon

World Mental Health Day

This year it seems more important than ever to recognise World Mental Health Day given the unparalleled thought processes we've all had to work through in 2020. The pandemic has introduced a lot of unsettling change for every single one of us in some way or another.

Personal Battles

My personal challenge this year has been trying to set up my own self-employed business. It has been the most emotionally exposing experience of my life; through the joys of seeing my work and skills progress, to the frustrations/anxieties of not knowing how to do certain 'business' tasks or not enjoying areas that don't come natural to me, to the sadness and feeling of worthlessness knowing that whilst people are appreciative of my art, they aren't buying it.

The harrowing struggles of self-doubt and worry I've worked through over the months have always been repaired by my time at the easel and out walking amongst nature in the countryside. Both of these activities bring me firmly into the present moment. The build-up of stress and tension headaches evaporate like mist and I become absorbed in my senses of the here and now. Thoughts of the past and future become irrelevant.

Deeper Meanings

Like many artists, my brain is wired for creativity, expression and imagination. I'm able to articulate in visual format a message beyond what is simply conveyed on the paper. My heart and soul manifests into the image in a personal interpretation of feelings and meanings. My work is not merely a depiction of a lion or a zebra. Each carries with it a deeper story; from the emotions of inner battles to embracing personal identity and uniqueness. 

The message always highlights the duality of life. For every negative, there is a positive. The hope is for my artwork to inspire and motivate through life's tough moments. Viewing the artwork acknowledges that there is always hope. There is always an alternative thought, the opportunity to re-frame and look at the same image (or scenario in life) with new eyes to form a different outcome.

Witnessing my artwork that I've visualised in my head as it starts to come alive on the paper is wonderfully rewarding. As each layer of detail is added, the animal's character begins to breathe and its voice and message revealed. This is why the title and written explanation of my work is so important to me. If I simply named the work 'leopard' with no description it would be just like any other generic picture. The expression of my feelings and identity in my work is the conduit to add value and connection to others. The viewer can relate to the deeper philosophy behind the piece and relay it to their own life and experiences.

What you see and what I see will depend on the life you have lived.

Creative Sanctuary

My gift to artistically create is what pulls me through the darker moments and guides me through to lighter horizons. It's so important to tune in and recognise when stress is triggering negative responses and find what works to lift the lid on the gloom. My art, writing, photography, country walking and appreciation of wildlife is what re-balances my perspective and emotions.

If my artwork can speak to people and bring meaning to their daily life with inspired thoughts then I feel my purpose is fulfilled. 


For further information to recognise World Mental Health Day 2020:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-day