This Too Shall Pass: Pieces

This Too Shall Pass is a senior thesis show, showcasing a combination of 11 works by artist Helen Maguire Newman. This show is about the artist's personal experiences with learning disabilities and mental health struggles. The pieces are embodied metaphors of internal struggles such as depression, anxiety and dyslexia. These pieces have a very personal meaning to the artist's inner struggles. The artwork from the show is all digital collage that includes digital and film photography, drawing and text. The artist's process was very experimental and involved collaging and manipulating drawings and photographs into one cohesive piece. Many of the selected photographs represent raw moments in the artist's life in which she was struggling alone and in silence. Each of the sayings in the art represent moments of guidance and support that have been given to the artist. It’s vital for the artist to pass these messages on to others who might also be struggling. Imagery such as the inchworm, the butterflies, and the flowers represent the metamorphosis of the artist’s life. The act of making these pieces became a therapeutic process, allowing the artist to visually represent things society does not find acceptable to talk about. The artist shares her opinion, stating, “There’s a stigma around mental health- where people just don’t want to talk about their personal experiences, but without talking about it how do people know they are not alone?” As Helen began to create her art, her anxieties and fears associated with sharing her struggles and feelings began to disappear. The inchworm, or “Inchy worm” as they are lovingly called – is a reminder of the artist’s personal growth through adversity. “I want to make the people that help me and provide support to me proud. Where I am right now is about making other people proud and hopefully one day I can make myself proud.” The final piece, number 11 states, “don't let your story end”. Helen chose this to be the final quote because she recognizes and wants others to recognize that one's mental health journey is truly a never ending process. Although there will be times where things will feel better there will also be times when things don't feel okay. It’s important to recognize healing is not linear. Right now, Helen is in a place where she is focused on making other people proud. As she continues to work through her experiences and struggles, she hopes to shift her focus away from just making others proud, but to also making herself proud. It will take time, and that is okay! Finding the courage to share these experiences in such a public way is one big step in this direction. This show is a reminder to Helen and others struggling with mental illness to take it one inch at a time!