For those that suffer, mental illness can be hard to describe and explain. For those that don’t, it can be hard to imagine and understand. Some artists are bridging the gap by exploring mental health problems through their work.
One of my favourite artists is Gemma Correll, who went to the same primary school as me in Ipswich, and is now widely successful. She’s developed several brilliant illustrations that capture her perspective on anxiety and depression.
Gemma hopes that by injecting a little humour into her drawings, she’ll break down part of the stigma around mental health and encourage others to be more open about what they’re going through.
In May this year, Gemma took part in Mental Health America’s Mental Health Month campaign, which asked people to share what mental illness feels like for them under the hashtag #MentalIllnessFeelsLike.
#mentalillnessfeelslike … for @MentalHealthAm #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHMonth2016 pic.twitter.com/37dJc5ar5W
— gemma correll (@gemmacorrell) May 31, 2016
#mentalillnessfeelslike … for @MentalHealthAm #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHMonth2016 pic.twitter.com/TVCD48izXU
— gemma correll (@gemmacorrell) May 30, 2016
#mentalillnessfeelslike … for @MentalHealthAm #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHMonth2016 pic.twitter.com/Y6DqYJpwey
— gemma correll (@gemmacorrell) May 27, 2016
#mentalillnessfeelslike … for @MentalHealthAm #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHMonth2016 pic.twitter.com/mOHuljz382
— gemma correll (@gemmacorrell) May 26, 2016
#mentalillnessfeelslike … for @MentalHealthAm #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHMonth2016 pic.twitter.com/O7ygK3yBpy
— gemma correll (@gemmacorrell) May 18, 2016
#mentalillnessfeelslike … for @MentalHealthAm #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHMonth2016 pic.twitter.com/tP6Lp9MDOL
— gemma correll (@gemmacorrell) May 17, 2016
#mentalillnessfeelslike … for @MentalHealthAm #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHMonth2016 pic.twitter.com/OcAxTnTaTo
— gemma correll (@gemmacorrell) May 16, 2016
#mentalillnessfeelslike … for @MentalHealthAm #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MHMonth2016 @littlethingsKW pic.twitter.com/0UW6sZY81i
— gemma correll (@gemmacorrell) May 13, 2016
From the series #mentalillnessfeelslike … for @MentalHealthAm#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth#MHMonth2016pic.twitter.com/ZWjFXvhUQQ
— gemma correll (@gemmacorrell) May 13, 2016
You can read more about Gemma and her art in this Metro article and find some of her official prints and other collections at the Ohh Deer shop. I’m so looking forward to the next installment from this talented, relatable artist!