Depression is a common factor within artists' lives. Each person is different with how this affects their daily lives, thoughts, and memories. Whether it is seasonal, on-sent, clinical, it isn’t something to be taken lightly. Yes it is common but it is just as valid as any other mental disorder.
This is what can be so fascinating.
Speaking as an artist…
This can sometimes be crucial to understanding processes, methods, the contention, and the list could go on. We can also use this as a form of a positive release, or even as a "fuel". Many artists have made works because each experience an itself is unique. The release can occur even without the artist knowing or purposely letting go. You may not be trying an exercise but focusing on this subject to create any art, can be just as effective.
Slowly digging deeper into my own mental health, as a release and to learn more of the trauma-related topics as an artist. Creating this type of personal-level of exposure. It is reasonable to not want to unearth or welcome the idea of creating personal art. This can also show through with our subconsciousness, without any knowledge our body will communicate for us. While looking back once the piece is finished, there can be hidden perceptions you may not see.
I create this personal connection while staying ambiguous to what the real matter at hand. Leaving room for the viewer to think upon. Based on each viewer's interpretation, mystery is found. There are ways to create deep personal works without the viewer knowing of the true meaning. Staying general, with nonrepresentational works as well as representational, allows that thought-process. My specific ideals are when the audience is not fully aware of the true intention but can be easily relatable to them. I have created vague works based on a subject, not including anything personal. Recently I have dug deep into my experiences and memories to create something powerful, raw, and can seem slightly twisted. Throughout this I am able to maintain a sense of anonymity. It can feel like you are exposing yourself more than you truly are. For some people that is unsettling but that is my favorite influence.
Through the looking glass, 2017