In the April edition of Muses – the arts blog from BJPsych International  Dr Tim McInerny, Pictures Editor, BJPsych International introduces Courtney, the artist whose work is on the cover of the February issue.

ART BY COURTNEY – ‘THE EMERGENCE OF SELF’

As pictures editor I selected Courtney’s art as it is a powerful, beautiful, enigmatic image of identity and mental health.

It is difficult to make an artwork that sensitively visualises the experience of illness and recovery. Courtney’s work does both, in a strong portrait that immediately gains attention.

It is a fitting cover and I am proud that a patient artist has created this work that speaks so clearly to the international audience of the journal.

Courtney is a patient at the Bethlem Royal Hospital in South London, UK which is the oldest functioning psychiatric hospital in the world. His work has been exhibited at the Bethlem Gallery https://bethlemgallery.com/artists/courtney/. Courtney’s artist experiences are an important part of his rehabilitation and recovery to wellness and safety. He is honoured to have his work on the cover of the journal.

In his own words, Courtney reflects on his artistic work and this image for the journal.

COURTNEY’S STATEMENT

EMERGENCE OF SELF

Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased,
raise out written troubles of the mind,
and with some sweet oblivious antidote
cleanse the bosom of that perilous stuff
which weighs heavy upon the heart?

(MACBETH)

As with much of life there are no ‘Answers.’ I have needed to find my own meaning, what works for me in my experience.

I am a bi-sexual man. I am also a man with congenital deformities.

The ‘Fitting in’ process I assumed as a child were designed to allow me to be part of a group, to have a sense of belonging. Over many years of living this somewhat fictional self, my sense of who I really was had warped and ‘disfigured’ my views. My identity seemed to be layers of what I felt others view of me were. Essentially a ‘people pleaser’.

I have long had a healthy, wholesome relationship with art. Perhaps this passion for art had become my steppingstones to feeling and being free. To be the person I have always needed to be. Art is such a freeing experience.

This image with a shard of warm, bright light striking the face, feels like a powerful metaphor for my own journey through a treatment process. My pathway clearly lit and any obstacles come into view so I re-negotiate my way overcome obstacles and continue on.

When it comes to my emotions it’s the darkness which illuminates the light.

Welcome to Muses – the arts blog from BJPsych International. Launched in March 2022, this new blog aims to highlight international art and artists, particularly from low-and-middle-income countries, with a focus on mental health. We welcome submissions for consideration, such as, comments on artwork, visual arts, literature, drama, films, podcasts, and videos. Do have a look at the instructions for blog authors for details on how to submit. General enquiries about the blog: BJPInternational@rcpsych.ac.uk 

Professor David Skuse, Editor-in-Chief, BJPsych International