“Inner rooms, inner minds” is the latest exhibition from Nottingham-based artist Edwina Kung, shown at the Institute of mental Health from 13 December 2022 – 24 March 2023. As the event draws to a close, we asked Edwina about the relationship between her art and mental wellbeing.

Is painting always beneficial for your wellbeing? What happens when artists transition between painting as a hobby and painting professionally?

Not entirely, it took some time for me to learn how to have a healthy relationship with painting, especially when I start painting professionally. There was a time when I don’t feel good enough as an artist. When I compare myself with other artists, when I get rejected by opportunities/competitions, and when I have very high expectations for myself, but the outcomes don’t show.  But when I actually spend time having a conversation with myself and try to understand who I am and what I am capable of doing, I no longer feel that I’m not good enough as an artist. I see myself as an artist with lots to explore and to learn, an artist with curiosity. Now I am proud of myself when I see myself moving forward, whether it is creating an artwork that I never thought I could have completed or getting an opportunity that I worked really hard on. I believe that with the art you created, the work that you carefully placed your thoughts and emotions in, the best thing you could do is to stand alongside it, be confident and say you’re the artist. 

Please describe your personal experience on the impact that painting (professionally) has had on your wellbeing.

First and foremost, painting professionally gives me validation and confidence. I remember when I was not doing well mentally, as I was living alone in the UK with no family or friends, the thoughts were: No one would care if I disappear, I can be replaced by anyone, there’s nothing that I look forward or interested in this world. When I returned to painting, it helped me to define myself, in no way I meant my work defines who I am, but it helps me to describe who I am. I am someone who likes to paint and make things, I am curious about things. I think it is hard to make art when you’re not curious about yourself and your surroundings. So, rebuilding my curiosity helped me to open myself again. And when my art journey slowly leads to a profession, there are things that I look forward to every day when I wake up.  

What is the relationship between creative practices and wellbeing/mental health?

My art practice involves a constant practice of noticing and questioning. By asking questions through making art, it creates conversations with oneself, and the process unfolds stories and reframes stories. It is a tool to help you find ways to answer questions and express things you can’t quite make sense of.

What is the cross over between painting therapeutically or professionally?

I think sharing a story of my experience might answer this question. I used to and still am creating a lot of work that is solely for therapeutic purposes, and I post them on my social media profile and describe the thought process throughout the piece. People who follow my work would see the piece, finds the work resonated with their own experiences, and would commission me to create a piece that is about their stories.

Where can we find the balance or transition between painting as a hobby or with a therapeutic intention?

When painting as a hobby, people tend to focus on the results and an improvement in techniques over time. Painting with a therapeutic intention is creating art intending to express or release emotions, it is about enjoying the process and shouldn’t be feeling stressed and obligated to create a finished work. The end results are not the focus but the process, it is a journey of self-exploration.

Over time, painting techniques can improve. When painting for therapeutic purposes, technique seems less relevant but with practice technique will also mature and evolve. What is the role of technique when painting to increase wellbeing. Does it matter? Or is satisfaction the main factor that we should aim for?

I think techniques help to broaden the mediums you choose to use through the painting process. More importantly, through practice, is it not only technique that improves, but your confidence with different mediums. This means you’re more likely to paint bolder strokes, bigger marks, and use colours that you were too afraid to choose when you first started painting, you will be more comfortable with the process, less careful, and more willing to experiment, which leads to a more enjoyable process. I might rephrase it as how comfortable you are with your chosen medium matters, but not the technique itself. 

Inner Rooms, Inner Minds can be viewed here at the Institute of Mental Health until 24 March 2023. The exhibition is hosted in partnership with Nottingham’s City Arts.

Edwina Kung is an illustrator, fine artist and printmaker. Her art explores how we create meaningful relationships with people, memories, and places.

Image ©Edwina Kung