Crumpled Sheets
Amy McKenzie
Being close to someone who has suffered from depressive episodes in the past, I was struck by how all-consuming this illness can be – constantly being a presence in her life. She expressed that she felt overcome by it to the point where all of her senses were impacted, and for this reason she would describe Depression as a physical illness. The concept that Depression is multi-sensual is a theme that is used in Mindfulness treatment, where in order to restore the mind back to health the body must first be put into balance – physical side effects of anxiety such as muscle tension, an increase in heart rate and breathlessness can be regulated through the awareness of the body’s position and restoring its natural position. During the period when I was drawing ‘Crumpled Sheets’ I was experiencing quite a bit of stress. However, I found the act of drawing very relaxing and really enjoyed going into detail. I felt that I became more mindful when I was depicting tonal-changes in particular as it required me to notice tiny differences which I usually wouldn’t appreciate.
I really like the honesty of the work, and believe that the black and white makes it more raw/dramatic. I like the idea of ‘crumpled sheets’ as it could be interpreted as a representation of how one feels when neglected by medical care/medical practice. I have known two people with clinical depression and the work seems to capture their states. Moreover, the nude girl appears to apply to anorexia, another mental health issue I have come across.
The subject matter of this piece is communicated through both its composition and its colour scheme. The muted, sepia grain tone gives a lifeless and desperate feel to what is already an intensely emotional piece. The figures posture is communicative of desperation and the back story given and personal story of the painter help to communicate an experience of depression that is both personal and relatable. The imagery of the crushed tissues which are reminiscent of crumpled bed sheets reflect both the psychological and physiological impacts of depression in terms of both emotional distress and physical insomnia.
This piece of art resonates with many people. It symbolises the loneliness and struggles that can affect many of us. It reflects the emotional and physical emotions often associated with mental health struggles. The use of a black-and-white tone is also very effective in giving the image a dramatic and lifeless emotion. The use of the figure’s posture also adds to the portrayal of desperation and the psychological impacts of depression caused by emotional distress.