Finished artwork Connections *Mental Health

Incredibly powerful conversations were had during the meeting from our connections artwork group session, which produced these amazing artworks. Connections are so important to all of us, whether they are between our family, friends, pets, other animals, nature, places we love or have visited, or those we may visit in the future. They are vital to keep us feeling grounded, happy and with a sense of purpose and belonging.

Completed Connections Artwork by Donna

Donna - This is awesome, fantastic, strong colours. Felt-tip pens were used for her picture. She explained her connections with people, the jigsaw pieces connecting and the pins of the plug socket.

Completed connections artwork by Mandy

Mandy - produced two artworks. She felt encouraged to share with our online group and posted them too. Her first was a vision of fingers outstretched touching, it's a great attempt at an extremely difficult masterpiece, part of 'The Creation of Adam' found in the Sistine Chapel's ceiling, painted by Michelangelo! Hands are notoriously difficult to draw. The vision, with connection, was perfect and a fantastic work to begin looking at hands, even though you weren't convinced and abandoned this drawing, you committed to your second... the Gramophone. Mandy explained that she loves music and said that a record player wasn't as interesting or appealing to draw as an old-fashioned gramophone. This is fabulous with all the details! Made using graphite pencils.

Completed connections artwork by Phil

Phil - Incredibly colourful and shows a fantastic compilation of photos that include his family members, friends and support workers. Fabulously well thought out and meaningful connections for him. Phil used Google Gemini to assist him with making his artwork this week, adding in cats and costumes a lot of fun! Made using digital art.

Completed connections artwork by Noor

Noor - Decided to draw a place she connected with, a seaside. This is such a fantastic, bright, sunny beach artwork. A lot of fabulous colours, and small details, thank you for sharing your special space you connect with. It made us all wish we were at a warm beach when you talked about your idea. Noor said it made her feel very warm and happy at the seaside. Made with Sharpie pens and colouring pencils.

Completed connections artwork by Sarah

Sarah - 'Connections' - my abstract free flow work using a humble tea bag, acrylic markers, water, and then a fine liner for a few details! The teabag left an impression, where I saw my cats, who left deep imprints on me; an individual with an arm raised, painting a canvas; a Zoom meeting running on a laptop; and an area of connection yet to be experienced... Made using Assam tea stain, acrylic maker pens and a fine liner.

Completed connections artwork by Barbara

Barbara - Decided to paint a portrait of her, cuddling her beautiful cat, Mango. They have a bonded connection and have been together since Mango was a small kitten. Mango has been especially supportive when Barbara has been receiving treatment for Cancer, providing cuddles, cat chats and entertainment! I love the rich colours and the clear bond expressed by this painting. A watercolour artwork.

Such an awesome week, and there are so many areas that we are connected to, it can be difficult to decide which of them to include in one artwork and how best to present them. The creatives worked incredibly hard on their ideas and achieved so much with their artwork, expressing themselves and sharing connections personal to them. It takes courage to do this, and I'm proud of all of us in the group for this and our journeys. Thank you 🫶🏻

Please take your time to browse the gallery and enjoy...

If you would like to come along to the next art session, you are very welcome to join on Wednesday, open to all to get creative. The link is below. Join All4rt on Linktree.

https://linktr.ee/all4inclusion