Ned Brook’s art examines the relationship between living with a mental health issue and creating exciting and contemporary art. By using the methodologies of physical expression, spontaneity, gesture, embodiment, flow states and intuitive mark making, his art captures the ever-changing states of being that are common to us all and also regarding experiencing a mental health issue. These states are expressed through free drawing, and abstract painting and sculpture. While it is challenging to experience a mental health issue, the relationship between his mental health issue and creative practices is considered to be a positive one, forming as a necessary catharsis.
His artworks seek to represent elements on the continuum of human subjectivity to create a commonality between himself as an artist, and the viewer, forming into shared emotional experiences. He expresses what he is feeling via the artwork, and this in turn resonates beyond the act of making as the artwork becomes a discursive object. Each of his pieces reflect specific states of being, conveying basic human emotions.
A flow state of mind is critical to achieving this. Ned has to focus intently on the task at hand to the point where he forgets himself and becomes lost in the making. His mind is occupied in the creative act where he is entirely present to himself and not the external world. This enables him to enter into a state of creativity where he is connected to himself without external or internal voices, where he is in a state of wholeness and affirmation.
So, he seeks to function with as little language as possible. This includes internal dialogues. This allows his state of being to be represented without distraction. Where the nonverbal creates a safe and productive space for him.
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