Rethink Your Mind: Leicester artists' double success
CREATIVE CITY ARTISTS ARE PICKED FOR
POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT
TWO talented city artists have achieved coveted places in a national celebration of mental health.
Ann Crisp’s eye-catching Tree of Strength photograph and Perri Tune’s striking Dreamcatcher painting were picked to feature on the website and in a hardback book for the awareness-raising project Rethink Your Mind.
“I won a few bits and bobs at school, but nothing on a par with this,” says thrilled Leicester born Perri, 22.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” says fellow Leicester born winner Ann, 42. “It’s an amazing project and I’m really pleased to be part of it.”
Their artworks were selected by a star-studded judging panel, including acclaimed artist Gary Hodges and Leicester photographer Keith Cooper. The poetry judges panel included Jean Binta Breeze and Leicester’s Lydia Towsey
As well as seeing their work enshrined in print, the ladies will join other winners at the May 1 presentation at the House of Lords, hosted by project supporter Professor Lord Patel of Bradford OBE.
They also feature on the www.rethinkyourmind.co.uk website as well as the book, aimed at providing a valuable mental health help guide that will link up support organisations with the people who need them most.
Nationwide organisations, mental health groups and NHS Trusts, including Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, are given a free platform in the project, launched by Leicester-based community interest company SISO (Safe Inside, Safe Outside) and Citizens’ Eye.
Rethink Your Mind is the brainchild of SISO Development Worker and Refuge lead singer Peter Hirst, who hopes the project will get people talking positively about mental health.
His band Refuge and urban fusion artist Rubie Colt are also releasing CDs featuring two winning artworks and four poems turned into lyrics on July 1.
Ann, who also writes poetry and plays the guitar, snapped her stunning shot with a 12 mega pixel Samsung digital camera on a lovely sunny day.
“I liked the way the light was shining through the leaves and the texture of the bark and the branch formation,” explains the photographer, whose picture also earned a commendation at the Fosse camera club competition.
She’s an enthusiastic champion of Rethink Your Mind’s aim to raise awareness and is delighted to be featured in the self help book.
“It shares experiences, is very positive and makes people realise that they are not alone. There should be a copy available in all mental health wards for the use of patients and their families, and also in reception at out patient departments,” says Ann, who has Bipolar.
“Mental illness should be treated with the same respect and kindness from medical practitioners as somebody with a physical problem.”
Perri says her Dreamcatcher masterpiece was inspired by the project question ‘With good mental health I have...’.
“I thought well, now I actually see a future and I can dream about things I want to do,” explains the artist, who used acrylics and some emulsion on her artwork.
Perri, a Psychology and Sports Science graduate who is working as a community carer while waiting to start her Masters in forensic psychology, is also an inspiration herself.
She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder just before she turned 18. “I also self harmed, but I haven’t for a long time now,” she adds.
“I don’t cover up my scars, because I’m not ashamed of them, and so people notice them and ask. I’ve helped quite a few people with coping strategies, which is nice.
“Being open about mental health, and projects like this really make a difference. If it makes just one person stop and think, or seek help, then it’s a huge success.”
“Rethink Your Mind is all about celebrating creativity, shattering the stigmas and reaching the thousands of people who may feel like they’re suffering alone,” adds Peter, who has Bipolar.
The hardback book, which includes 20 pages of SISO recovery material and a foreword by Professor Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, will be made available to all supporting NHS Trusts.
It features words and artwork from people all over the country, including art from Michael Hudson and Joanne Newbold from Loughborough.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. For more information, please email lynne.powell@crucialpr.com">lynne.powell@crucialpr.com
2. The six winners are: Andy Gardiner , Tiverton, Devon (Rubie Colt CD cover artwork); David Holloway Bedford (B side Rubie Colt CD Poem and artwork in book); Saiqa Parveen, Halifax (B side Refuge CD Poem); Stephanie Rose, Bo‘ness, West Lothian, Scotland (A side Refuge CD Lyrics); Lucy Whitehouse, Worcs (Refuge CD cover artwork); Ella Zellaby, Rochester, Kent (A side Rubie Colt CD Lyrics).
3. There are 40 other poems and artworks selected for the hardback book. A full list can be found on the website www.rethinkyourmind.co.uk
4. The full list of judges is: Artist Gary Hodges: Poet and Performer Jean Binta Breeze; Photographer and Printmaker Jenny Escritt; Steven McLoughlin artist, Keith Cooper Photographer Poet and Performer Lydia Towsey; Poet and Performer Adam Horovitz; Artist Sally Waterman.
5. SISO empowers mental health service users to become valued, active members of their communities and works to reduce stigma associated with mental health. SISO promotes self-management, hope and optimism. For more information please log onto www.s-i-s-o.org.uk
6. For more information about Citizens’ Eye, please log onto www.citizenseye.org
