new art in alignment with mental health month

Can Art be a Partner to Greater Emotional and Mental Well Being?

​I paint as a way to express emotions, as a sort of therapy,  a way to tell stories, mine or those of others.  This new series entitled "Elements" is no different.  Each painting is a reminder and inspiration to remember the foundations of becoming and staying a strong woman - or human really.  While there are many traits that can build our character, and strengthen our mental health, I believe that the four I chose to paint for this series “Elements”, are foundational, and that the others will come after these four are firmly rooted. Continue reading to see how I believe that hope, strength, bliss and self-love can lead to superior mental and emotional well being.*

Detail of Nebula Oil on Canvas

When I’ve faced my dark nights of the soul, I came to realize that it is how we respond to these times that shapes who we become.  We can become bitter, forever angry, or crumple under the weight of adversity, or we can choose to have hope.  There’s the saying hope dies last.  It is as if an ember remains even when our fire has been extinguished.  The inspiration for the first painting in the series - "Nebula" -comes from somewhere deep within us all.  A nebula is a region where new stars are beginning to form and is sometimes called a star nursery.  Inspired by these universal cloud formations, "Nebula" portrays a place within us all where great things are capable of being created.  

Sometimes it felt like I had to choose hope perennially, even when hope seemed foolish, to keep myself sane.  And when we repeatedly face adversity, we begin to realize that lessons are learned with each experience.  Each adding new layers to our character.  Hope helps us find those lessons and learn from them.  Hope helps us put one foot in front of the other each day, and strive for greater mental and emotional clarity.  Hope can give us our why.  Hope is our star nursery. Hope is the promise to ourselves that we will reach our goals, if we don’t give up.


*(Serena writes from her own experiences, thoughts and views that are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider.)