I am more than my Depression #1: Faerie Art
One of my pet peeves about suffering from bipolar/depression is the constant judgement I receive for being a depressing man. I do not view myself as a depressing man, nor do I view myself as depressed. To say I am “depressed” or “depressing” is labelling me with the illness I suffer from. It would be like labelling someone with cancer as “cancerous” or simply “cancered”. My illness does not define me, nor should it label who I am or my personality, but on so many occasions and by so many people (who could be described as ignorant) it does.
Depression is my illness, not my personality! Just as cancer is something someone has, bipolar/depression are things I have, and not am. (i.e. I have bipolar, I am not bipolar.)
Whilst writing a blog on mental illness it is difficult sometimes for people to get to know the real me, as often I am merely writing about how these illnesses have and are affecting me. In this first post of a planned series I hope to start showing people who I really am by exploring some of the idiosyncrasies and passions which make my blood bubble and my mind explode with pseudo-orgasmic delight.
Now I love art. I have done for a long time. Whilst travelling I would always make a trip to the city’s main art gallery in the first few days, and then spend time seeking out as many of the little galleries and hidden away gems that I could find. I have fond memories of Toronto, Halifax and Vancouver’s galleries - and some of the paintings & sculptures in Edinburgh and Inverness still haunt me to this day.
My favourite genre of art however is:
Faerie Art
In other words, art which depicts beings of otherworldly ethereal beauty. Faeries, imps, mermaids, pixies…anything along these lines make me go all goosebumpy with delight and I become almost intoxicated with pleasure.
My favourite artist of this ilk is Brian Froud, who some of you may know from his design work for the films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. His book “Good Faeries-Dark Faeries” is a seminal piece in this field, and perfectly encapsulates the grace, eroticism and beauty which this genre always exudes. My copy of this book however has long since gone, gifted to a woman who I loved, and still do, and hope she receives as much pleasure from it as it gave me.
These days I explore deviantART for it’s cavalcade of wonderful work from this genre. There are so many artists in the world creating inspiring pieces of fantastical realms and beings that it always makes me yearn for the ability to draw (which I unfortunately cannot). Here are a few selections from my favourites collection to show you what I mean:
The following pieces are from the artist dark777fairy, who I adore tremendously and I think it is clear as to why from her work. They exude such a divine beauty and sublime power you can hardly not be captivated by her skills as an artist:
This genre of art is not the only one I am interested in. It is merely one of many, my favourite, and I am sure over time I will share more of my favourite art with you. In order for people to remove the “depressed” or “depressing” label from my head then they need to look beyond it.
Depression is but one tiny corner of who I am…faerie art is another, and a much bigger one at that!
December 27th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Art is a great escape and distraction. A friend of mine recently took me to the LACMA Dali exhibit — amazing stuff. I was in “a mood” so I was totally inside my shell - he kept asking if we should go, if I was okay, and even days later wondered if I enjoyed his planned afternoon for my birthday. I really did enjoy it immensely, but an art museum is not the place to do cartwheels - IF one is even prone to cartwheels!
I suggest the art of Lori Earley as well: http://www.loriearley.com/ it’s a bit dark, but very beautiful.
December 27th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
I’ve been using art as an escape a lot this week, although not galleries as my social anxiety/agrophobia is preventing me from being in public at the moment. Which is okay in one way as it’s pretty safe to do cartwheels inside, which I am prone to from time to time - especially in my manic phases ;)
Lori Earley’s work is gorgeous! Absolutey love it. I’d never heard of her before, so thank you so much for the link :)
Does anyone else have any other artists they enjoy or that help with their depression/moods/anxiety?
December 27th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Mark Ryden: http://www.markryden.com/index.html
David Stoupakis: http://www.davidstoupakis.com
Beinart Int’l Surreal Art Collective: http://beinart.org/
I like some odd stuff…. I’ll keep linking if you like it too… and lookey there… that last one is Aussie! ;o)
December 28th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Ooops one more - this one is specifically faerie related- Paulina Stuckey: http://www.paulina.ws/
January 2nd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Hi Addy,
This is dark777fairy. It makes me so happy to know you enjoy my art - thank you for the lovely compliments.
I also have suffered with forms of depression on and off for years and know the feeling of being chased by ghosts… but I too see this as a small facet of who I am as a whole person. I see my art as a great way to seek to define and express myself, the dark and the light. I love to peer into and create another world where anything is possible which I can imagine… and I feel this is a place that can heal or at least be escaped to:)
I’m glad I found this page, it makes me happy to see my little faeries off into the world and bringing a little joy. (I was at my boyfriends and googled my page and spotted this link!)
I wish you all the best for the new year!
Michelle x
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
Hi Addy
What a lovely article you have written. We have truly enjoyed reading it in that way that gives US goosebumps to know that you also are learning to LIVE who we ARE - each of us a beautiful amazing complex being of light/dark high/low light/depth… I am that I am….
And thank you for gently explaining the subtle and transforming difference between ‘depressed’ and ‘having depression’. Another word to change in my vocab - to gently nudge as many people as possible (through my use of it) to understand that seeing each human being as themselves, including the complexity of experiencing themselves in this human incarnation, is so enlightening - as opposed to the limiting view of human beings as boxes and labels… in fact I am seeing it as clothing or cages or boxes that people ‘clothe/cloak’ us in, in their minds so that they can actually view us. Some people just are too scared to actually see others for who they are - shining shining bright light/luminescence… afraid to be blinded, or realise they are sadly not living their true essence on the outside and don’t want to be reminded. We all wear our ‘clothes/cloaks’ to protect our true essence.
And so lovely to hear that many more of us than we can imagine, are actually learning how to live their essence, firstly in their own minds, hearts, actions; and also to the outer world - sharing ourselves together.
Anyway, I have gabbled on - thank you so much! I have found great joy in writing… so hope it is also enjoyable to you and others. And if not,… so be it.
With love from Pixie King and Queen (of our own little world) :)