What does the human form mean to you? Is it just the body, or does it also encompass the mind?
For me, the mind and body are one and the same and you can’t have a healthy body without good mental health. I recently, just under two years ago, found out in my forties that I have ADHD. Although I generally hate labels, this was the best thing that could have happened to me; as I had been misdiagnosed, and getting the right help to manage it turned my life around. So, I am very passionate about exploring this superpower (also a double edged sword) and raising awareness as it is more widespread than people think.
I am still relatively new to making animations, so am working to improve my digital storytelling through hard work, having a great editor and putting in hours of practise.
This animation builds on the themes I have been exploring since my last exhibition. In December I attended a workshop with Imelda Almqvist, my Sacred Art/Shamanic teacher. In the five-day course we explored themes from Norse mythology, and how they relate to modern life; one of them was the theme of ‘the excluded’. Having a mental health issue/being neurodivergent and not feeling understood is one example of this. The course also explored how, in ancient times, the High Priestess used to welcome the warriors on their return from battle, to heal them – mind, body and soul through performing scared rites which included using her body to transform their pain. One of my contributions to the evening ceremonies was to dance the High Priestess and the Warrior – showing his pain and her soothing him until he was cleansed and able to reintegrate into society. We don’t take photos during ceremonial work, but I took some of myself in my costumes as I was getting ready, which are included here.
In addition, I connected with the ADHD and Autism charity in Ipswich and have been reading widely on the subject of neurodivergence to try and understand it.
I also had the privilege of being allowed to take some photos in November at the Great White Horse hotel in Ipswich, which is currently being renovated. I worked in room 88, where Charles Dickens created the Pickwick papers – and found some abandoned mannequins – with missing limbs which added to this theme.
Whilst thinking about how to approach the Human Form topic, I decided to integrate my current projects of interest and explore how they could fit together.
My intention was to take viewers on a journey to show how the human body can be objectified, and also that many people have issues with some aspect of the skin they are blessed to live in. This is often masked – but has a big effect on the person’s life. Equally, neurodivergent conditions are not diagnosed, because they are hidden or masked, and this can lead to feelings of isolation and despair.
However, through ‘journeying to the underworld’ (like the Goddess Inanna did in Norse mythology) we can reclaim our power and take off our mask – and own our shadow by exploring our darkness. In normal reality this can be translated as working through our issues whether mental or physical and exploring our hidden parts/fears/shame etc. which I refer to as ‘The Shadow’.
Every bit of our shadow that we accept makes us lighter and more vibrant and increases our self-approval. This upward spiral of self-acceptance and understanding, leads to better relationships with ourselves and others, and more compassion for people who have similar issues. It is an important practise for anyone but especially someone who works to facilitate healing in others.
The story ends on a happy note, as all good stories should, showing the human body as something we can all enjoy when we have good mental health. All bodies are beautiful in their own unique way and the main thing is to try and love every bit of ourselves, and whatever stage of life we are at.
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