In partnership with NHS D&G, OutPost Arts recently launched ‘TWELVE’ – an evocative and deeply personal exhibition by artist Heather Bestel, which was presented as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) 2025.
Created during the first year following Heather’s diagnosis of complex PTSD, TWELVE is a series of twelve mixed-media works, each representing one month of her healing journey. The collection explores the rawness, fragmentation, beauty and transformation that emerge from living through trauma and recovery.
Using materials such as used medication packaging, found papers and distressed textures, Heather weaves layered emotional landscapes that speak of pain, hope, survival and soul-searching. This body of work marks a striking departure from her previous gentle and whimsical style.
‘TWELVE’ is the most honest and vulnerable work I’ve ever made. Each piece came out of necessity, not for exhibition, but for survival. They were my way of making sense of the dark, of reclaiming meaning and light. It means the world to share them with others who may recognise part of their own story within the layers.
A former psychotherapist turned artist, Heather Bestel lives and works in rural southwest Scotland. Her creative practice is rooted in healing, self-compassion and the quiet courage of the human spirit. TWELVE is her first solo public exhibition explicitly exploring her own mental health.
Heather is a graduate of OutPost Arts’ Art Journal Project – part of the ‘DG Creative Wellbeing’ initiative which is supporting individuals across Dumfries & Galloway to overcome barriers, connect with art and find their creative voice. Following this, she joined the project’s graduate programme, developing her confidence to build a professional art practice and share her work with wider audiences.
Lucy Bell, Creative Health & Wellbeing Director at OutPost Arts, said: “The OutPost Arts team and her fellow Art Journal Project graduates couldn’t be prouder of Heather’s strength and creative ability. She embodies all the elements of a true artist – curiosity, courage and a willingness to explore every aspect of the creative process. We have all learned something from Heather.”
TWELVE is currently available to view in the Atrium at Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary (DGRI) until 5th January 2026. The exhibition launch was part of Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) and OutPost Arts were delighted to play a key role in organising Dumfries and Galloway’s participation for the third year in a row.
As part of the launch of TWELVE, Heather shared a few words about her work which you can read below.
“Not all healing is quiet.
Some of it is all torn edges, scattered memories, fragments of packaging from medication you almost forgot to take.
TWELVE was born from a year like that.
A year I didn’t know I’d survive, but did.
This work doesn’t offer neat answers.
But it does offer truth.
And sometimes, that’s enough.
TWELVE doesn’t try to make trauma beautiful. It just tries to make it visible.
If you’ve ever had to begin again in the dark, this series is for you.
I’d love you to come and sit with it.
To feel the disturbance.
To find the comfort.
To know you’re not alone.
Thank you for being here with me today.
Thank you for listening.
Thank you for seeing me as I am.
It means a great deal to me to be able to share this deeply personal work with you.”
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