Artists with mental health issues showcase their skills in Norwich exhibition

Members of the Well Artists, artists who have experienced mental distress, with their exhibition at the Forum. Matthew Tullett with some of his work. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2014)

The Well Artists exhibited at The Forum this week, and said their group has gone from strength to strength a year after their first exhibition at the venue.

Photographer Matthew Tullett, 38, began taking daily pictures after a bipolar relapse last year. His work was among the pieces being sold.

'It's really supportive, if the group wasn't there I wouldn't be taking photos, or they would just be left on my computer,' he said.

'It's a way of getting your creativity out there and supporting each other.'

Mr Tullett, who lives in Attleborough, found his latest project not only resulted in him creating work to exhibit and sell, but helped him manage his mental health at the same time.

'It's a mindfulness technique,' he said. 'You don't think about the past or worry about the future, it's about now.'

Also featured at the Forum was Rory Bowskill, who showcased some of his paintings at last year's exhibition, but has since focused his work on mechanics.

'I can't do so much painting because of my arthritis now, so I'm doing more 3D pieces,' he added.

'Over the winter I'm going to be working on making a Cheshire cat which disappears, leaving only the grin.'

Members of the group meets on the first Friday of every month at 11am at the Workshop on Earlham Road to discuss their work and possible exhibitions.

This exhibition was funded by the Brief Community Fund through the Norfolk Community Foundation, Norfolk County Council and the Forum Trust.

For more information, search for The Well Artists on Facebook.

Are you planning a community exhibition? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk