Artist Statement

My artwork pushes to have mental health become a conversation no one is afraid to have. Using mark making and photography to create these book covers, I wanted to draw the reader to the book. The photography focuses on the textures of the marks. The marks are colorful, expressive, and high contrast, but changing from book to book. They are designed in this way to show the beauty in the world even though it may currently feel dull to the reader. Hopefully by the end of the book they will be feeling that there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is a book for Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Eating Disorders, and Schizophrenia. The intention was for the covers to be inviting, not dark or depicting sadness which is often how books about these topics are depicted. In this way, the reader would be comfortable to read the book in view of the public. Mental health needs to be a topic we can discuss without feeling ashamed. With a pandemic and an upcoming election many are struggling with these feelings. Now is a better time than ever to have that conversation, it could even save someone’s life. Feeling heard and not alone gives someone the power to continue reaching out for help. “Stigma alone prevents 40% of people with anxiety or depression from seeking medical help” (CAMH). It is time to end the stigma of mental health and assist people in finding the help they need. 

“Addressing Stigma.” CAMH, www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/addressing-stigma.