Leading Highland artists and an MSP are using their own experiences to depict what the struggles of mental ill-health can look like.
They are joining users of services provided by the charity Centred Scotland in an innovative arts project, titled Art in Mind, to highlight the issue.
Centred acquired six mannequins from the former Debenhams store when it closed in the Eastgate Centre in Inverness.
It asked people to use the models to create their artistic interpretation of mental ill-health to help raise funds for its vital work in the Highlands.
Completed works are now being exhibited as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, from 29th September until 24th October.
The festival will move to Thurso from 10th November.
In December, the Art in Mind mannequins will then be exhibited in the Eastgate Centre where Centred is based before being auctioned off to raise funds for the charity.
Renowned Black Isle-based pop surrealist Michael Forbes and artist Rona Kant have created the first pieces.
Others will be produced by artists Lisa Poulsen, MSP Emma Roddick and two Centred service users.
Rona is an acclaimed Scottish contemporary landscape artist inspired by the area where she lives in the Cairngorms.
Lisa’s award-winning work with textures of stone found on the north coastline explores ways nature supports mental wellbeing.
Emma is a SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands and a former minister for equalities, migration and refugees.
It means the exhibition will feature works from all areas where Centred operates and from different peoples’ perspectives of mental ill-health.
Michael Forbes was admitted to Craig Dunain Hospital in Inverness aged 10, with his parents given various reasons for his behaviour.
It would be another 32 years before he was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
His mannequin, entitled ‘The Busy Mind’, depicts a figure bound by tape emblazoned with the word ‘fragile’ and a head made up of a diverse range of household and other items.
He said:
“As someone who has struggled with mental health all their life, I was delighted to have the opportunity to create this piece.
“I feel fortunate to have found a path through life that suits me and enables me to manage my issues through art.
“I believe that when imagination is harnessed and directed into an art project, it can be a powerful tool.
“However, it can also be destructive if not directed positively.
“My overactive mind can spiral into a whirlwind of negative and self-destructive thoughts.
“Over the years, I’ve learned tricks and practices to limit the negativity and calm the spiralling whirlwind.
“Mindfulness is a useful tool that can be learned easily but takes time to master.
“I created this piece for those who might understand what it feels like to have an overactive mind, as well as for those who might want to understand what a loved one might be going through.
“If anyone looking at my sculpture identifies with it and recognises it in themselves, wondering what to do, I would advise them to talk.
“Don’t suffer in silence; talk, talk, and talk.
“Ask for help and contact your doctor.
“There is a way through, with the right help and support.
“You can receive medication (which can be helpful) and learn coping strategies.
“This piece depicts a mind in crisis, so please know that if you’re there now, it will pass.
“As much as it may seem impossible, it will pass.”
Rona Kant added:
“Living in the Highlands, sadly I have witnessed the lack of mental health services available within our communities.
“Therefore, I am delighted to be using my art to support this campaign by Centred to raise awareness and funding to bring desperately needed mental health support to our region”.
Centred Scotland CEO David Brookfield said: “
Centred is proud to announce a powerful new creative arts project, Art in Mind.
“The project brings together voices from across the Highlands to explore and express experiences of mental ill-health through visual art.
“Six individuals, each with personal experience of mental health challenges, have transformed blank mannequins into striking works of art that reflect their unique journeys.
“The project also features contributions from three acclaimed Highland artists, Michael Forbes, Rona Kant, and Lisa Poulsen alongside MSP Emma Roddick and service users from Centred.
“These depictions of mental health are truly fascinating.
“We hope they encourage people to think about what mental health means to individuals and communities, and to talk more openly about it.”
Donna Murray, project officer for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland, said the event is delighted to be showcasing work to raise awareness of the work carried out at Centred.
She said:
“Centred’s ability to empower people with mental ill health to start living a more independent, fulfilling and rewarding life aligns perfectly with SMHAF Highland’s ethos in providing a platform to create, share and make connections across our communities.”
