Through a staff member at university via Linkedin I was directed to chat to Phill who is a visual artist who has worked in art therapy and with mentally ill patients. I really wanted primary research from a professional in the field to get some pointers on what would be appropriate for the pull up banner designs.
-What have patients/groups painted or drawn to alleviate tension and stress from mental health issues? Colours, shapes?
i can’t think of anything specific. when i worked with students with mental ill health they made pieces like anyone else would; so ’normal’ things. there were some who were seriously ill and their artwork would reflect that.
-From your experience, do you believe an environments design such as colours, quotes etc can make people with mental health issues feel better- any examples of this from your experience?
environments in mh tend to be very dull, institutional, tired, bland, unimaginative. i think we all benefit from positive environments. i remember reading when my children were very young that being in a green environment would help a crying/distressed baby. there’s an artist Sutapa Biswas, who’s on facebook, who painted a mural in a hospital room, covering the walls with images of plants. having the artwork made by patients themselves on the walls is always a very positive move.
-If you were to envision 'happy/positive/uplifting' design in your head what would this look like? And from your experience, do you think there is a universal design that can apply to everyone to make happy?
as i said above, the colour green comes to mind and a cheese plant-like shape. the emoji of a smiling face is a universal image
-Any examples of design that come to mind thinking of this task?
Sutapa Biswas
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