This World Mental Health Day, we’re shining a light on the role creativity can play in supporting wellbeing. NHS volunteer Frank Ritchie has brought his love of art and music together in The Art of Giving – an exhibition currently on display at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
Through colourful, uplifting works inspired by song and memory, Frank shares a deeply personal journey of loss and healing. We caught up with him to hear more about the exhibition, his volunteering, and the message of hope he hopes to pass on.
Frank, could you tell us a little about your exhibition The Art of Giving and what inspired it?
The Art of Giving is an expression of how I see art for the public to share and to send a message that “anyone can produce art.” It exhibits what inspires me, particularly putting my twist on art, I have previously observed.
Music and art play a big part in your volunteering role. What do you think creativity can offer people during difficult times?
During difficult times in one’s life, there is a need to seek distraction, for a mind that can become obsessive, anxious and depressed about what is troubling the individual .
Someone once said: “If you fill your head with worries, you won’t have room for anything else.”
Music, particularly participating in some way by playing an instrument, singing, listening, can transport one to a happier place, even for a short time.
Your work has a very uplifting and playful feel, but it also touches on very personal expriences of loss. How has creating this exhibition helped you in your own journey with grief?
My journey with grief has lasted over ten years now. At the beginning, I promised myself that I would seek ways to give my sons suicide some meaning where there was none. I cannot help him now, however, by fundraising and singing and playing my ukulele, and exhibiting my work, I hope to send out the message that perhaps others in torment now can be given hope for the future.
How do you hope patients, staff and visitors feel when they see your artwork?
When patients, staff and visitors peruse my exhibition, and the explanation, I hope they will be motivated to consider doing something similar themselves, or pass the messages, within the art, to someone they know, to consider this form of therapy for themselves. Communication lies at the heart of managing mental health .
I hope people will talk about the exhibition, and indeed the music I play, in the Atrium and Midpark Hospital, and may consider becoming involved themselves.
You’ve spoken before about losing your son. How has that experience shaped the way you approach both your art and your volunteering?
I have been involved in a number of diverse volunteering roles for over 25 years, and am aware that many people need help to live a normal life. Volunteering helps to bridge the gap between what the individual can do to help themselves, and what society can do to provide assistance.
World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness and encouraging open conversations. What message would you like to share with others who may be struggling?
My message to those who are in torment is that one does not need to struggle alone. “Its good to talk!” There are so many mental health charities, now on the web, who are willing to listen to those who contact them.
Eventually one may come to the realisation that things are not good, and eventually admit that they need help.
The next question is “who can help me?” and you can turn to family and friends, your doctor, Samaritans, mental health charities, local and national.
You mentioned wanting your collection to eventually move to a hospice or other care setting. What do you hope the legacy of The Art of Giving will be?
I don’t want the collection to end up in a box in my garage. I am happy to donate the collection to a place where all who peruse it will take away the same or similar messages the exhibition conveys at present, in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
Finally, what would you say to someone who might be considering using art, music or creativity as a way of coping with loss or supporting their own mental wellbeing?
I recall the saying
“I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.”
Seek out your inner musician, and ways to express yourself musically and artistically. Plenty of clubs locally, and a plethora of help and advice on the web. Give it a try. It works for me , and it might work for you too.
Best wishes and good luck!
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