Joan Miro, Mental Health and Art

Tomorrow is the birthday of Joan Miro, a Spanish artist born 20th April 1893. Joan's work took many forms including sculpture, paintings and ceramics. Take a look at "The Birth of Day, 1968 - his work was often described as being "surrealist" and received international acclaim . He was immensely successful, liaising with the likes of Pablo Picasso.

However, his story wasn't always so happy. Joan had a love of art from a very early age- he began drawing classes at the age of 7. Unfortunately, his father was said to disapprove of Joan's ambitions to become an artist and, under his influence, Joan went to business school instead. Upon completing business school, Joan went on to work as an accounting clerk in a pharmacy where he was overworked and Joan eventually suffered from a nervous breakdown. It was then that he put his parents' wishes aside and completely abandoned the business world to study art again, spending the rest of his life as an artist.

As we approach Mental Health Awareness Week, 8-14 May 2017, we at artXchange are considering how creativity can provide vital support to those with mental health issues. In the past there has been an unfortunate lack of understanding and indeed treatment for those suffering from mental health problems. Today, the stigma around mental health is slowly receding thanks to celebrities and those in the public eye being more open about their struggles, as well as the work of wonderful charities such as Mind.

Princes William and Harry have graciously opened up publicly about their own challenges this week, which will prove to be extremely helpful to young people suffering with bereavement, anxiety and confidence issues. However, mental health problems are still extremely common, with 1 in 4 people in the UK said to be experiencing some form of mental health problem. For those struggling, partaking in art therapy is often suggested as a safe, fulfilling way to express some of their emotions.

There is something to be said for releasing our own creative side whether that is through painting, acting, singing or simply dancing around the kitchen!

So Happy Birthday, Joan: may we all have the courage to seek out what makes us happy and may we embrace our creative side for a fulfilling life!