Release - Sally Thompson

My name is Sally Thompson and I have suffered with poor mental health for as long as I can remember. I am not very good at writing my feelings down on paper as people suggest, instead I express my feelings through my artwork. I made the piece pictured below “Anger” because I needed to get feelings of anger, frustration and grief out of my system instead of walking around under a dark cloud. Once it was all out of my system I felt better for it, not 100% better, but I could notice the difference. I then turned the original painting into an acrylic pour piece to draw a line under the healing process. The person you see releasing the balloons is me, letting go of all those feelings of negativity. I also mended bridges with people throughout the process and have reached a place where my environment feels lighter. Just like the new painting.

I was born deaf and since a young age have had Mental Health problems, which go hand in hand with my deafness. I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Depression, Deaf Anxiety, Paranoia, and Auditory Hallucinations.

I joined Centrepieces Mental Health Arts Project during lockdown as I discovered art helps with my Mental Health. It helps calm my mind down when doing art. I am learning different types of art like watercolour, drawing, acrylic painting, and pastels. Also, I discovered acrylic pouring last year during one of the workshops. I like learning new ways of doing art, especially pouring art. I don’t have a favourite type of art. I see where my mood takes me and go on a journey to express my feelings whether good or bad. Keeping my mind busy stops the bad stuff going on in my head.