The Power of Pigment

We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring at Thortify HQ, as opportunities to open up our new art hub to even more lovely visitors will increase as the evenings get lighter. In the meantime, we have our first two artists moving into their chosen workspaces and event dates are filling up on the calendar.

Number nine in our series of blog posts, which link art and creativity to our general wellbeing, features an artist I have wanted to talk to for a long time about how well creating arresting artworks supports her own mental health. Mel Graham has always been candid about her struggles with the dramatic ebbs and flows of anxiety and depression, a conversation we feel is important to help widen society’s understanding of the complexities of human wellbeing.

It’s hard to miss Mel’s striking big box canvases. Each one is a bold statement, an immersive experience. Whether you are gazing into one of her brilliantly dramatic seascapes or surrounding yourself in a vast landscape, there’s a sense of spiritual peace to be had in each one.

I am reminded of the quote by Frank Lloyd Wright,

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

The solitary tree, often a subject of Mel’s scenic pieces, for me represents a place for deep reflection. The tree has long since symbolised strength and a sense of connection. It is this depth to her paintings that I appreciate most.

I was delighted then, when Mel agreed to share her experiences of the restorative power of art.

Picking up the paintbrush

“It was 2012, and I had organised a Macmillan Coffee Morning at my house, to raise funds in memory of a special friend we had lost that year. At the same time, I was trying to find a way to dampen anxiety and depression and find some calm in my life. Someone suggested painting.

“I hadn’t painted since my teens, but I thought why not give it a go? So, I popped to the local art shop, bought a few oil paints, an A4 specialist art paper pad and gave it a go, on the kitchen table. I began painting, blending colours, painting simple seascapes.

“The calm descended, it was an instant therapy. The brushes took away the angst and worries and this was channelled onto the paper. I think I painted about five pieces for the coffee morning. I framed them up and they all sold for £25 each. This was where it all began. Friends subsequently asked me to paint them pieces. My confidence and enjoyment of art grew. The A4 canvas spiralled to metre long canvases, I bought my first easel, more oil paints and moved my work to the attic space.

“That's when I realised how important painting was for me. It became a sanctuary, a therapy. I have since moved to a garden studio, as I outgrew the attic!”

Experimenting with colour

“I have tried oils, acrylics, watercolours, pencil, charcoal, whatever there is really. I have settled on acrylics because they are cleaner than oils. I love the pigment vibrancy, the variety of body and textures available, but most of all the fact that they are quick drying suits me best. I work fast and with energy, so oils didn't quite suit my mediocre levels of patience.”

Favourite piece

“Honestly, I don’t have one. If I really had to pick one it would have to be two! For vibrancy and mood, Chasing the Rainbow (left) and for energy and power, Splash of Teal (right).”

Each is an example of my work in its purest form. Art literally from the heart. No pretence, no cliche. They simply happened. I didn’t think, oh what shall I do today… I got the canvas, I put the music on. I went with whatever my mood desired. This is when the best work happens. No pressure. No stress to achieve anything.”

Art for wellbeing

“Without art, I would be even more depressed! It is honestly something I have to do. Painting enables me to find solace and peace and gives me time out to sing really badly, as I always have the music blaring. It’s great for Mel time as I think I am a slight introvert. It is therapy to help process the struggles in life and once I have completely worn myself out in the studio, I feel clearer and can continue onwards.”

Just begining your creative journey?

“Don't procrastinate.

Don’t look at what others are doing.

Don't worry about the end result.

“Art is pure and simple. It is not a competition, or a worry about views and likes and comments. Go and do it. Let your emotions out onto the canvas, paper or whatever. Let it flow. It is so rejuvenating and exhausting at the same time, but it helps. Keep it personal and from the heart, then you will produce your art and nobody else’s.”

Self-care strategies

“Drink water. Breathe. Spend lots of time with my doggie, family and special friends. Cycle and hike lots in nature. Be outdoors as much as possible. Other than that…

Ask my therapist.”

We believe Mel’s words and works demonstrate the power of art as therapy, and are so grateful for her time here. You can find more of her large artworks as well as smaller prints and greetings cards on her website Original Fine Art by Mel Graham.

Let’s consider art as an important way of communicating, of expressing who we are, what we notice, how we think. We paint, we write, we sing and dance…

All in the name of creative expression.

If making art can help us to share and shape our understanding of the world, we can clearly see its intrinsic value. So, why not all make art?!

How would you choose to express yourself through creativity?

Peace and paintbrushes

Debra Thortify