Framing the Phoenix: A Mental Health Art Exhibition
For the 2nd year in a row, on May 4th, the mindyourmind.ca Street Team attended and interviewed artists at Framing the Phoenix: A Mental Health Art Exhibition. The exhibit displayed artwork created by artists whose lives have been affected by mental illness. The venue was the same as the year before, at The Art Project in London, Ontario, with The Mental Health Promotions Committee, being the sponsors.
In following with tradition, Lucy Ogletree, a well known folkartist, entrepreneur and mental health advocate, from the Thamesville / Chatham area, was the featured artist once again. Take a look at the videos to learn more about Ogletree and the other interviewed artists.
| Tony My name is Tara and I interviewed Tony at the “Framing the Phoenix”. His picture captured the mind of someone who has dyslexia. Tony uses art as a time-out when dealing with stress. Click on the image on the left to see the video
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| Mino I also interviewed Mino. He was so excited to show us his artwork! He described his artwork as ‘an abstract window of light’. Click on the image on the left to see the video. | |
| Aaron Aaron’s art, unlike other pieces, was an original poem. His advice to youth going through tough times is to latch on to something stress-relieving and something that’s FUN!!! Art, golf and poetry helped him get through some rough times. Click on the image on the left to see the video. | |
| Nicole My name is Leigh and here I am interviewing 6 year old Nicole. She was the youngest artist to have her piece submitted into the “Framing the Phoenix” Art Exhibit and from the looks of it even the really young use art as a way to relax and have fun! Click on the image on the left to see the video. | |
| Scott Here, I am interviewing Scott. This was his second time being in this exhibit. Scott demonstrates the importance of having a strong support system in your life and that family (as well as the collective unconscious) serves as his major source of inspiration. Click on the image on the left to see the video. | |
| Cathy Cathy explained how art as well as meditation and calming music helps keep her grounded. Her advice that she gave MYM regarding the negative stigma surrounding mental health was not to be quick to judge others. She felt the biggest enemy for people dealing with a mental illness was dealing with the looks they receive from other people. Click on the image on the left to see the video. | |
| Debra Hi. My name is Andrew, interviewing Debra. The source of inspiration for her work comes from a spiritual place. Talking to her, this seems to be an important aspect of her well-being. Click on the image on the left to see the video.
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| Katherine Andrew again, this time interviewing Katherine. Her contribution stood out as different, being a woven piece. However, she is an artist of a range of mediums, which serve as her preferred method of expressing herself. Her responses seem to reflect the importance of breaking through stigma. Click on the image on the left to see the video. | |
| Elizabeth I’m Christina and I interviewed Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s piece of art is significant because it was the second drawing she has ever created. She uses art as a way to express her emotions. Elizabeth’s advice is to find enjoyment in the small things in life. Click on the image on the left to see the video. | |
| Lucy My name is Christina and I interviewed Lucy. Lucy’s piece was important at the “Framing the Phoenix” Art Exhibit, because it is the international symbol for mental illness and used by the mental health profession. This picture also represents the Phoenix referred to by the Art show title, “Framing of the Phoenix”. Click on the image on the left to see the video. |
