For Manuel Sison, art became his way of coping with anxiety and depression.
After a tough break-up a couple of years ago, Sison, who was a graphic designer, decided to turn to art to help him deal with his emotions.
Since then art has continued to help him through the tough times.
“I used art to process after the break up,” he said.
“It has definitely really been a good outlet. It has been good to deal with the pressures and negative emotions.”
The Brimbank resident is part of a new exhibition that is being run by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN).
Artists with lived experience of mental health challenges have been commissioned to produce stunning works for a new “art bombing” campaign around Brimbank and Melton to draw attention to the reality of suicide and suicidal thinking.
The aim it to change perceptions around this difficult but critically important subject by exploring skilled and deeply personal explorations of trauma and recovery.
Sison was forwarded the project through a former boss and thought it was a good opportunity to make more meaningful art for a good cause.
He has created six pieces for the project, colourful and thought-provoking 3D illustrations that reflect on his own experiences with mental health challenges.
The leader of NWMPHN’s suicide prevention team, Jackie Ceratti, said Sison and his fellow artists provided vital insight into a very challenging and complex area of health and welfare.
The launch of the project is this Tuesday at Sydenham Library, Watergardens Shopping Centre.
If you or anyone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
