ART IS
Dear reader ,
in keeping with this issue ’ s theme of art as ex- pression , I wanted to share the importance of using art as a form of self-expression with you and explain how it has helped me .
We humans often engage in a variety of creative activ- ities , whether that be painting , drawing , photography , knitting or even baking , simply because we take pleas- ure in doing them . But often , unknowingly , these artistic endeavours prove essential in maintain- ing a healthy relationship with your mind .
During the pandemic , as the word “ lockdown ” slowly incorporated itself into our vo- cabulary , many people struggled with their mental health . I was one of those people .
The pandemic was a blur of monotony . Everyone ’ s lives were put on hold , held together by the repetition of each passing day . Plans were postponed , exciting trips away were cancelled , lectures were taught remotely ; the four walls of my home became an unwelcome familiarity .
As lockdowns extended their grip on the country and indeed the world , our lives were enlarged by its microscopic grip . Our choices questioned , our thoughts consumed . But during this unprecedented time of worry , I found solace . Along- side my passion for knitting , I began to draw .
I often doodled to pass the time , finding inspiration from the nature in my garden , the TV shows I ’ d been watching and old photographs of treasured mem- ories . I revelled in the prospect of spending quality time at home to explore my artistic ca- pabilities , in stark contrast to the busyness of life I would repeatedly find myself enveloped in
CATHARTIC
KAREN BROWN KAREN BROWN
BY SARA BAALLA
I spoke to A-Level art student Maddie God- sell-Tagg , mental health advocate Pip Rudge , and catering assistant Karen Brown about how art has helped them through the challenges of life . .
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