Wandersofia
Finland
My name is Sofia. I have been struggling with long-term depression, which has affected my mood, self-esteem, and motivation. I also have ADHD, which doesn’t make a good mix, haha. I have often felt isolated, hopeless, and misunderstood like I’m trapped in a dark and cold space. I mainly paint abstract paintings with watercolours, but I also do expressive paintings with acrylics. I like to use vibrant colours, to show my playfulness, creativity and imagination and all the black in my art shows the contrast and depth of my feelings. My paintings are a way to express my chaotic mind but also to escape it. When I create something colourful, my emotions flow through the paint and the brush. Art is my safe space where chaos turns into order. While having a whirlwind of thoughts, painting brings me a sense of control and calm. Ultimately, I find healing when I create something beautiful. :)
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.
