Highlands and Islands MSP and artists depict personal struggles of mental ill health at arts exhibition in Inverness

A Highlands and Islands MSP and a group of artists are using their own experiences to depict what the struggles of mental ill-health can look like.

SNP politician Emma Roddick has joined renowned pop surrealist Michael Forbes – whose work has attracted celebrity supporters such as singer Madonna, comedian Ricky Gervais and Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam – and artists Rona Kant and Lisa Poulsen for an arts project, Art in Mind.

Along with two users of services provided by the charity, Centred Scotland, they have created artworks using six mannequins which are being exhibited as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.

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The mannequins were acquired from the former Debenhams store when it closed in the Eastgate Centre in Inverness.

Centred asked people to use the models to create their artistic interpretation of mental ill-health to help raise funds for its vital work in the Highlands.

Completed works are now being exhibited at Eden Court Theatre until October 24.

The festival will move to Thurso November 10 while in December, the Art in Mind mannequins will be exhibited in the Eastgate Centre, where Centred is based, before being auctioned off to raise funds for the charity.

Ms Roddick, a former minister for equalities, migration and refugees, has had personal experience of mental health issues and championed the reform of mental health services.

Michael Forbes was admitted to Craig Dunain Hospital in Inverness aged 10, with his parents given various reasons for his behaviour.

It would be another 32 years before he was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

His mannequin, entitled The Busy Mind, depicts a figure bound by tape emblazoned with the word “fragile” and a head made up of a diverse range of household and other items.

“As someone who has struggled with mental health all their life, I was delighted to have the opportunity to create this piece,” he said.

“I feel fortunate to have found a path through life that suits me and enables me to manage my issues through art.

“I believe that when imagination is harnessed and directed into an art project, it can be a powerful tool. However, it can also be destructive if not directed positively.

“My overactive mind can spiral into a whirlwind of negative and self-destructive thoughts.

“Over the years, I’ve learned tricks and practices to limit the negativity and calm the spiralling whirlwind.

“Mindfulness is a useful tool that can be learned easily but takes time to master.

“I created this piece for those who might understand what it feels like to have an overactive mind, as well as for those who might want to understand what a loved one might be going through.”

He advised anyone identifying with his sculpture and recognising it in themselves and wondering to do, to talk.

“Don’t suffer in silence,” he said.

“Talk, talk, and talk. Ask for help and contact your doctor.

“There is a way through with the right help and support.

“You can receive medication (which can be helpful) and learn coping strategies.

“This piece depicts a mind in crisis so please know that if you’re there now, it will pass.

“As much as it may seem impossible, it will pass.”

Rona Kant is an acclaimed Scottish contemporary landscape artist inspired by the area where she lives in the Cairngorms.

“Living in the Highlands, sadly I have witnessed the lack of mental health services available within our communities,” she said.

“Therefore, I am delighted to be using my art to support this campaign by Centred to raise awareness and funding to bring desperately needed mental health support to our region”.

Lisa Poulsen’s award-winning work with textures of stone found on the north coastline explores ways nature supports mental wellbeing.

Centred Scotland chief executive David Brookfield said the Art in Mind project brought together voices from across the Highlands to explore and express experiences of mental ill-health through visual art.

“Six individuals, each with personal experience of mental health challenges, have transformed blank mannequins into striking works of art that reflect their unique journeys,” he said.

“These depictions of mental health are truly fascinating.

“We hope they encourage people to think about what mental health means to individuals and communities, and to talk more openly about it.”

Donna Murray, project officer for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland, said: “Centred’s ability to empower people with mental ill health to start living a more independent, fulfilling and rewarding life aligns perfectly with Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland’s ethos in providing a platform to create, share and make connections across our communities.”

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