Bibiana Folvarcikova
Slovakia/Wales
I have been drawing, painting and creating art since I was a child. After college, I left Slovakia and immigrated to the UK. I sporadically created art, but not as much as I needed or could. In my early 20s, I developed depression, which was not treated, I slipped the safety net, went through cycles of attempted suicides, very dark places in my mind, and attempted treatment. I experienced domestic abuse for many years and was diagnosed with C-PTSD alongside clinical depression. My return to creating art helped me to get through some of the lowest points. I live with my conditions, they are managed and treated. Painting and making various creative projects are part of my therapy and coping strategy.
The artists' stories
"The Vibrant Mind" is an art contest that celebrates artistic expression from individuals with mental health conditions. By focusing on the artists' work rather than their various diagnoses, it hopes to promote a stigma-free and inclusive environment.
That being said, the participants were given the option to share their background stories if they wished to do so.
