In a world where it’s difficult for those to find ways to deal with mental health, cofounder of the London Food Bank, Jane Roy, expresses how she uses the form of art as coping mechanism.
“I used to paint a lot, but after my parents passed away, I sort of stopped. My husband however rearranged our garage into a painting area for me so I can get back into it and keep me busy, so I used it as a way of grieving and just continued ever since.”
She mentions how she gives her artwork to friends and family, or anyone she knows that’s dealing with a hard time or the loss of a loved one to give back to them since she can understand how they are feeling.
“I love giving pieces to people that I know that have struggled. It becomes my way of support. It’s definitely helped my mental health but it also for me is an outreach of services to others in terms of what they’re going through.”
Credit: Westland Gallery – Piece of Janes artwork
Jane for the past five years started her journey as an artist in the City of London and found mentors to help her and bring her artworks to different galleries. Recently, she was at the Westland Gallery in Wortley Village where she attended the exhibit and had an “Art Talk” where she discussed her artwork. One of her previous exhibitions that was held at the Westland Gallery, all proceeds were sent to South Sudan as she is known for her humanitarian efforts there.
As the cofounder of the London Food Bank, she gives a lot of her time to that business, but also in her spare time she paints to keep herself busy.
“Working a 9-5 can be a bit but I give my time to the Food Bank. I like to keep busy and it’s not much running a business and having time for myself after a long day.”
Comments