Recovery

RecoveryRyan Avery is a self taught artist who primarily works with acrylics and mixed media. Creative from a young age, much of his childhood was spent drawing. As an adult, painting has become an essential part of Ryans journey with mental illness offering both expression and release. Many of Ryans artworks reflect his personal experiences with mental illness, with nature often emerging as a central theme. For him, the natural world has played a vital role

stigma causes people to view those struggling with mental illness as weak or dangerous

partly shaped by hallucinations

Multi-faceted in nature

but we grow around it as we carry on

Michelle Byrne has lived with a mental illness for many years

but unsure how to truly live

I inherited a hand-painted vase from my mother

She represents the ‘inner self’

I also explored with seeds and leaves as my brushes

The restless flycatcher flits energetically through the trees

she finds a tranquil place inside herself

Drew Davies is familiar with using his creativity in a work setting