artislife.ca

arts // no. 12 theotherpress.ca

 

 

ARTISTS USING THEIR ART TO RAISE AWARI

» From misery to self-love

Sonam Kaloti
Arts Editor

A is a way to express yourself, heal deep traumas, understand others, connect with nature, and so much more. On top of that,
art is universally one of the best ways to start a conversation, and when it comes to health (mental, physical, or emotional) raising
awareness and reducing stigma is best done when viewers can receive a glimpse into the lives of those who have suffered. Art is a
window into other people’s lives and souls, and when you step into their shoes, empathy follows much easier.

 

 

“Saint of Suicide,” and “Bathe in my own Misery” by Shawn Coss

Shawn Coss is an artist from Akron, Ohio, and his art focuses on mental illness. Self-described “artist for those who are broken,”
Coss’ artwork digs deep into the beholder as his skeletal and ghoulish characters feel unnerving, yet all too familiar. His mental
illness focused artwork derived from an inktober series beginning in 2016, which opened him up to creating more art that
encouraged viewers to have open conversations about mental health. Coss has even worked for clients such as Stephen King!

 

 

The ansicly monster is small enough to sit
on its victims shoulder and whisper things in
to their unconscious, eliciting fearful thoughts
and irrational worries “The ansicly monster

f is often seen as weak in comparison to others.
but it is one of the most common and is very

hard to yet rid of!

i Vhey oflen carry small objects linked to
i their viclims anxieties such as clocks which

i ines (hat: ilehl meverahay vena Nemec
; ever cout he (aco cl He arid monte an

always wears a skull as a mask

  

peas 4 Ft . pea onaeet

Toby Allen

fighting against.

 

represent a common but irrational fear of

mental condilions and is a lifelong companion, some-

 

Living in the UK but working worldwide, Toby Allen works on video games and children’s books as a freelance illustrator. He created
the “Real Monsters” project in hopes to spread awareness and reduce stigma about mental illnesses that are lesser-known or
misrepresented. Allen puts a face to the invisible monsters that cause so many people turmoil, but in doing so, makes the illnesses
feel less threatening—as though they are characters we can work together with rather than a concealed enemy we have no chance

Just like its effects. the Autism monster comes in
many forms with different impacts on those it
touches It carries an ever-changing lens that can
distort and present a different view of the world
than what others see. This can lead to trouble un-
derstanding social interactions, difficulties when
communicating and leaves the affected person's senses
in overload, However, this unique view can also
impart positive qualities such as an intense focus and

allention to detail, a remarkable memory or a

heightened intelligence and imagination,
Vhe Autism monster is more friendly than most

times becoming a valued parl of everyday life to

those who are aflected by it