Bridge of hope
“I wanted to create something that expressed the struggle of getting help dealing with a bad mental health. It’s a very long journey to get there. If you believe you can make it, you can.”
Art
Don’t Let Chances Pass You By
“All of the figures in my drawing represent me and my many thoughts, sometimes overwhelming me. The figure being lifted up reaching for the stars symbolizes hope.”
Insurrection
“I was inspired by what I felt on the day of the January 6 insurrection. Watching the extremists march into the capitol building and walk over our democracy with that much hate was surreal.”
The Head the Heart
“I think more times than not deciding the verdict for a court case is made using someone’s biased views, that someone’s emotions (the heart) are used to decide someone’s fate or to judge actions.”
Musical Retreat
“With music as one of the most important things in my life, “Musical Retreat” depicts how I am grateful for music in my life.”
Memories Of a Girl and Her Cat
“What I am grateful for is my cat, Ora. She has been with me through thick and thin. I love my cat and I’m grateful for her being by my side all these years.”
the little things we don’t think about
“I decided to make a piece about my dog. I am grateful that I have such a playful, cute, bundle of joy. He is someone in my life that is there for me when I’m upset or sad.”
Your Own Stories
I have a friend who is always upbeat and radiates positivity; she is a person who makes everyone around her feel good. She not only supports and consoles me but also those friends around her when they are unhappy; in my eyes, she is a mental health hero who will always be there to encourage and listening to everyone. But one day I recognized that my friend, the sweet girl who was always smiling and happy, was not as strong and positive as she appeared to me and other friends. I eventually realized that her wonderful attributes and cheery demeanor were all masks she had made to disguise the darkness inside of her. My friend is currently suffering from depression and is undergoing psychological treatment. Now, her condition has improved, and she is beginning to open up more in sharing her struggles with friends and me.
Words of Hope
I wanted to create an artistic portrayal of how words can empower people and encourage them to persevere through difficult circumstances. People say that actions matter than words, but I think that words should not be underestimated in how powerful they can be. When I was creating this artwork, I wanted to juxtapose sadness and relief to tell this person’s story: unhappy at first, but as they glance at the phone lying beside them and see the messages they are receiving, they feel relief knowing that there are people that are concerned for them and that are willing to listen to their troubles. I feel that everyone going through tough times deserves to receive those messages. Whether it’s just “Are you okay?” or “Do you want to talk about it?” all of it matters. Those kinds of messages can fill people with the hope they need to persevere through their situation.
Dreamfall
This piece represents my mental health hero in multiple ways. Within my piece I wanted to show the feeling of being alone without the realization of someone waiting to catch you. At the top of the page my character has to wake up to the struggles of reality. As my character falls she becomes intertwined with the words of others, but as she continues to dive downward, patiently awaiting below is the warm hands of my mom. The increase of clothing represents the growing comfort and safety I feel when I’m with my mom. The artwork I’ve created is both original and personal. I hope you also find this piece to be relatable to your everyday life.