Mental Health Charity Programs

What does being an artist mean to you ?

Art enables us to capture our personal experiences and share them with the world. It enhances how we see the world, by encouraging careful observation, and allows us to gain better perspective by enjoying works of other artists. On the surface, we get to look at awesome stuff all the time. But if you dive deeper, you start to consider more nuanced ideas such as atmosphere and mood, and more often than not you can come away with an emotional response you may not have expected. Additionally, engaging in art allows you to be a part of a larger community. We get to interact with other artists to discuss techniques and ideas. Those of us in the miniature art community are uniquely lucky because the community consists of tons of fantastic individuals, and sized in such a way that it is easy to find like-minded hobbyists as well as interact with the incredibly talented masters. As a growing artist, all of my works have been huge learning experiences. I do not come from an art background, and have developed my understanding and technique by consuming as much painting content as possible, taking classes and workshops at conventions such as the Nova Open and Las Vegas Open, and learning with Alfonso Giraldez (Banshee) and the Miniature Art Academy. Over the course of my learning I have developed a new sense of looking at the world around me, and find myself getting distracted by interesting light interactions or colors I see throughout the day. My eyes are simply open in a way they were not before I started to pursue this passion. I am continuously excited to continue learning, pushing myself, and developing a better eye for things around me. As an additional part of developing as an artist, I have joined several different communities and have developed great friendships with folks from all across the United States and even the entire world. Having access to online groups via facebook, discord, and whatsapp has enabled me to cultivate an amazing support base of many different artists of all skills and backgrounds. I have met many people and made many friends that I would not have otherwise without our shared passion for mini-painting and art.

How does mental health awareness and support help your life and those around you?

Whether big or small, mental health is something that impacts everybody. The more I get to know people, the more I have come to realize that everybody shares similar doubts and hardships. We all have different backgrounds and experiences, but for all that difference the common thread is that everybody struggles. The more mental health awareness is spread, the more likely it is that people realize they are not alone. Having a solid support network works wonders when you are struggling with self-doubt and anxiety, two issues with which I am constantly battling. From my own personal experiences, as well as those of close friends and family, I have learned that opening up and reaching out to people often goes a long way towards silencing those inner demons. If you are reading this and currently struggling, I encourage you to reach out to those around you. Or feel free to shoot me a message. We have an incredible community and you may be surprised at the difference this makes. It all starts with a conversation.

Thank You, Bourbonbrush! For Sharing Your Story With Us.

Prince
MHCP Founder