St Albans resident Marian Simons has gone from struggling with mental illness to hosting her first art exhibition in just four years.
Simons said her ‘Essence of Marian’ solo exhibition expressed how she struggled with mental health issues before getting better.
“It’s about the essence of my mental illness,” she said.
“Where it got really bad with psychosis and getting really sick and then getting better and then blossoming into a healthy person.”
Simons’ exhibition at the Hunt Club Community Centre in Deer Park features 15 oil paintings and water colours and includes works with vibrant colours and abstract forms to show her journey to better health.
Simons credited her psychologist with encouraging her to paint in 2019.
She said her psychologist recognised her artistic talent and told her about the Paul Borg Art School in St Albans.
Simons said she recommended painting to anyone struggling with mental health and their emotions.
“It releases all the emotions and helps it all out,” she said.
The ‘Essence of Marian’ exhibition opening will be held at the Hunt Club Community and Arts Centre at 775 Ballarat Road in Deer Park on Friday 14 October, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, with the exhibition running until Sunday, December 4.
Details: 9249 4800 or huntclub@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Dora Houpis
