Time to talk again

Today, Thursday 6th February is Time to Talk day.  This is a day particularly set aside to think about mental health.

This is what the Time to Talk website says: Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. Time to Talk Day is taking place 6 February 2025 and is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op and delivered by See Me with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), Inspire and Time to Change Wales. We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health.

I have written about mental health at different times: in 2018, in 2019, in 2020 and in 2024.  There are probably other posts but that will do for now.

 
Recently I have been researching Kintsugi. In particular, I'm interested in the philosophy that by repairing something broken with the gold, it can make the piece more beautiful than it was originally.  I think this feeds into my textile work on Identity.

Whatever you may think of AI, I have found it particularly useful for doing research.  I've been using Claude.ai and in about 18 minutes I can get around 18 months of research.  Amazing.  So I asked Claude about the human need to be seen, recognised and valued.  This is part and parcel of our identity and the lack of 'being seen' can often be a root of depression.

I got all sorts of information about psychological and social aspects and then I asked Claude about being seen through creative expression.  So much was found, but I'll just share this bit:

The Paradox of Creative Expression:

- Many artists create from a private, even lonely space, yet their work serves to connect them with others

- The act of creating can be healing in itself, even before sharing with an audience

- Some find it easier to be "seen" through their art than in direct personal interactions

- Creative work can serve as both a shield and a window - protecting while revealing

Impact on the creator:

- Developing a unique creative voice helps strengthen sense of identity

- The process of creation often leads to deeper self-understanding

- Receiving recognition for creative work validates both the art and the artist's experience

- Creating alongside others (in workshops, classes, collaborations) provides community and mutual recognition

The Risk and Reward:

Sharing creative work requires courage - it's an act of trust to put one's inner world on display. But this vulnerability often resonates deeply with others who recognize pieces of themselves in the work, creating meaningful connections and the profound experience of being truly seen.

Then I asked about Textile Art and Textile Artists in particular.  I was given so much to read through - too much to share here.  Try asking Claude yourself.

However it convinced me that creative expression can be a source of healing particularly for mental health issues.

I will continue to investigate identity and find ways of expressing this through my textiles and mixed media pieces.

Watch this space!

Thanks for joining me today
Bernice