Refinding yourself through art – Chichester exhibition
Artist Titch says she has “found” herself again through her art – and she wants to spread to word, to make sure everyone knows the potential benefits that art can bring.
And that's why she is an ambassador for the community programme at Chichester's Pallant House Gallery where programme members are currently exhibiting their work.
They are offering a fund-raising exhibition with all the proceeds reinvested back into the programme. The exhibition is free to enjoy in the gallery’s studio. Visitors can view and buy available artworks until March 29.
The exhibition features watercolours, photography, oil pastels, acrylic, and mixed media collage. Every artwork has been made and donated by artists in the gallery’s community programme, with more than 70 artworks available to buy through the welcome desk. Visitors can collect most artworks after the exhibition closes whilst some are available to take away on the day.
Now in its third decade, the community programme at Pallant House Gallery is widely respected for providing long-term creative opportunities for more than 200 people in the local community with a range of support needs.
By focusing on each artist’s individual ambitions and fostering creativity within a welcoming and inclusive environment, the programme builds confidence and can be truly life-changing.
It certainly has been for Titch who was on the waiting list to join the programme but says the wait was certainly worth it: “I got a notification saying that there was a place for me. I found out about it through my social provider who was helping me with my own personal mental health struggles. I had a breakdown about ten years ago. The social provider helps you get into activities, and it has been lovely.
“For me personally given how complicated my own journey has been, it is massive to get back to art now and to be working with lovely individuals. You can sit and have a cup of tea and chat. There is great support but you can also work independently if you I want. It is just great to do.”
And to give back after enjoying it so much, Titch is delighted to be an ambassador for the programme: “It means that I can help spread the word. I love talking about it. I'm so positive about my own journey and I want other people to know about it.”
She's delighted also to be taking part in the exhibition: “It is a really good way of challenging yourself. It feels really empowering, and both my pieces have sold already!
“I've done a lot of things. I do a lot of mixed media. I'm a narrative artist and I do a lot of portraits and caricatures, and with the caricatures I really try to capture people’s personality. It is fantastic to be part of this now.
“I have always been an artistic person. I've been doing art from a very young age and what I love thinking about is the joy that it brings to people. Art is very subjective. It is all in the eye of the beholder but I love it when your art makes people feel something that is important to you.
“For those ten years that I didn’t do art, I felt that I lost part of myself but I don't look at it as a wasted ten years. I think it's all part of my developmental journey. But now I'm doing it again I just feel that I have found myself again. It's so nice. It's like a lovely little family. Everybody is so welcoming and so kind, and I just love getting involved in all the activities as well.”