Three images commissioned by an individual writing about her experiences with mental health and recovery.
9 x 12", Prismacolor colored pencils on toned paper
"Part I: Darkness Descends"
Heavy darkness, piercing sorrow. Clutching threads of hope in a tangled mind.
I read, I consider, I draw. I set down my pencils. I think: I have seen myself - and too many others - here, in this moment, in this darkness that I've drawn. I wonder where the story goes next.
I set the drawing aside - And turn a new page. Part II.
"Part II: "Flickering Light"
Time passes; healing begins. Some days, healing is joy; other days, it's just work. It's a thousand tiny choices - choosing joy, choosing hope, choosing forgiveness. It's grueling and gritty and unforgiving and overwhelming and beautiful.
The knots unravel; the tears dry. The sharp edges soften. I open my pencil box a little wider, and I dig a little deeper. I lean a little closer. There's more to the story. More color. More light. More life. Part III.
"Part III: "Hope Emerging"
This one had a life of its own. I got lost in the looping, swirling lines and the story of hope - and this drawing became so much more than I had intended or imagined.
This one had a life of its own. I got lost in the looping, swirling lines and the story of hope - and this drawing became so much more than I had intended or imagined.
I deeply admire this author's courage in sharing her story, and it was a beautiful experience watching these drawings unfold.
This is for everyone who fights back and finds a way - you are seen. You are loved. You are strong.
These drawings were a story in three parts, but there is always another page - And there is always hope.
