Paintings and mental health

Paintings and Mental Health
By C. Halsall-Jolley

Art and ordinary life have become tightly interwoven, both influencing our lives in unique ways. Art is more than just a two-dimensional object or something that exists on paper or the canvas; it also goes beyond that. From discussing the undertones or themes of others work to creating and expressing ourselves in our own pieces, the impact of paintings can never be dramatized or overvalued.

Painting and drawing are more than just leisure activities, for others, they are a method to escape and unwind. Being creative and artistic can create a sense of comfort and a barrier against life difficulties, assisting someone in navigating the intricacies of work, social interactions, and financial concerns.

Gavin Goodwin explores the meaning behind the connections of art and they act of being creative and the way it impacts life and day to day emotions of someone who suffers with anxiety. He presents it in the most philosophical but yet simple way: ‘whereas the anxious mind is scanning for threats, the creative mind is searching for possibilities’ (Goodwin, p. 30).

To add to this, the significance of art is diverse. A creative approach can be a lifeline for persons struggling with serious health issues by providing a means of expression or communication. With an artistic distraction, mental illnesses or physical limitations that prevent a return to normal life can be less dramatic.

Escape and Expression

Art connects us to our internal dialogues and emotions, making our difficult feelings and challenges more accessible and readable. This expression of significant mental problems can be seen in the majority of paintings that mark every culture's history. Take, for example, 'The Lady of Shalott' by John William Waterhouse or 'Christina's World' by Andrew Wyeth. Individually, these paintings demonstrate how art can convey a wide range of feelings. From melancholy and loneliness to a sense of accomplishment.

Consider Van Gogh, who accurately expressed his mental health issues and battles in his paintings. In one viewer's eyes, his drawing may show a straightforward look into his subconscious, but in another's, it may act as a reflection of their own.

Wyeth, A. (1948-1949) Christina’s World, Tempera on panel. 81.9 cm x 121.3 cm

Waterhouse, J. W. (1888) The Lady of Shallott, oil paint on canvas. 183 cm x 230 cm

Paintings can act as a starting point for important discussions to be held.

Creativity is more than just a form of self-expression; it also helps to break down stigma and general awkwardness surrounding mental health. We can address the difficulties the artist may have been struggling with or experiencing while painting by giving ourselves the opportunity to observe, analyse, and discuss certain pieces and their underlying messages and meanings with others or on our own. Promoting a constructive debate.

There are numerous exhibitions across the country that focus on the issue of mental health that provide opportunities for this to occur. The 'Institute of Mental Health: Nottingham' and the 'SIY Gallery' both have art displays that showcase a variety of pieces that truly elevate ideas surrounding the topic.

Artist Edwina Kung explores the intricate interplay between the body and mind in her exhibition titled 'Inner Rooms' (December 2022-March 2023). She emphasises how our minds can be used to explore personal experiences by incorporating nuances from places, memories, and people.

van Gogh, V. (1889) Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, Oil on Canvas. 60 cm × 49 cm (24 in × 19 in)

Another group exhibition, 'Art of Healing' (2022), delves into art's profound capacity to encapsulate the memories and moments of people dealing with mental health issues. The exhibition depicts the transformative journey of healing as well as the inherent difficulties in the process. Importantly, it is a powerful tool for combating the stigma and discrimination associated with this cause.

The way of exploring emotions through art goes beyond just viewing them or creating them as an emotional outlet; it also acts as way of escapism. It is a therapeutic avenue that enables indivduals to ignore or rather forget about their physical constates that has effected them so deeply in their everyday lives- positively impacting their well-being.

The most noticeable people that use painting in this way are individuals that are facing paralysis. Ryan Rosario uses a remarkable method of painting to help him escape the physical boundaries that traps negative thoughts within his mind, allowing him to be freed. Following a tragic car accident resulting in paralysis from the neck downwards, Rosario, feeling a lack of purpose in life, taught himself how to paint. This pursuit into creativity not only acted as an expression of his feeling and emotions but it also played a crucial role in helping him overcome and aid his severe depression.

Another representation of painting being a form of escapism are two sisters called Emily and Olivia. They have recently shared their journey on social platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram. Using pottery and painting, they process the mental repercussions that one of the sister’s paralyses had caused to both. This paralysis, due to spinal complications now requires her to use a wheelchair. Not only does this turn to art help them on their own and each other but their story has inspired many others on social media that are facing similar challenges and has even spread awareness of the mental tolls of paralysis.

Overall, reflecting on the statement that was shared by Goodwin earlier in the article ‘whereas the anxious mind is scanning for threats, the creative mind is searching for possibilities’ (Goodwin, p. 30), we can see the way in which creative outlets can not only save someone’s life or quality of life but it can also be a way to spread awareness and open up conversation.

Art is not just a decoration that exists in the background, it is much more than that and the process of making art or painting, or in fact anything that includes somewhat of a creative skill, can help someone massively.

Artists up and down the country evolve this idea in their exhibitions.

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References:

“‘art of Healing’ A Group Exhibition Exploring the Intersection of Art –.” [n.d.]. Siy Gallery <https://siygallery.com/collections/art-of-healing-group-exhibition> [accessed 4 December 2023]

“Exhibition: Inner Rooms, Inner Minds.” 2022. City Arts (Nottingham) <https://city-arts.org.uk/event/21001/inner-rooms-inner-minds/> [accessed 4 December 2023]

Goodwin, Gavin. 2023. Creativity and Anxiety: Making, Meaning, Experience, 1st edn (Switzerland: Springer International Publishing)

Tate. [n.d.]. “The Art of Slow Looking,” Tate <https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/richard-dadd-130/art-slow-looking> [accessed 4 December 2023]

“TikTok - Make Your Day.” [n.d.]. Tiktok.com <https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelygoodceramics/video/7281757420223778081?is_from_webapp=1&web_id=7290183728863807009> [accessed 4 December 2023]

[N.d.]. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFqAKp6xmLg&t=2s>

Painting References:

Waterhouse, J. W. (1888) The Lady of Shallott.

Wyeth, A. (1948-1949) Christina’s World.

van Gogh, V. (1889) Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear.

Exhibition Images from:

“Exhibition: Inner Rooms, Inner Minds.” 2022. City Arts (Nottingham) <https://city-arts.org.uk/event/21001/inner-rooms-inner-minds/> [accessed 4 December 2023]