FORSAKEN

Forsaken became my chosen word. I think it is a beautiful word, with a deep and morose meaning.

Forsaken

• deserted; abandoned; forlorn

• First recorded in 1275–1325

• to quit or leave entirely; abandon; desert:

past participle of Forsake 

• to give up or renounce (a habit, way of life, etc.).

• First recorded before 900; Middle English forsaken “to deny, reject,” Old English forsacan, equivalent to for- prefix meaning “away, off” + sacan “to dispute”;
  

This example sentence from dictionary.com also seemed serendipitous to me, especially due to my interest in Americana , vintage signage and neon.

The word is poignant to me, having suffered my own issues around abandonment and loss throughout a lot of my life. I am compelled to use autobiographical subject matter in my work, especially during a difficult time having recently lost a close family member. Everything else feels far too surface level, disingenuous, and frankly a waste of time. I have a rare opportunity to create whatever I want so it feels fitting to express the deepest parts of myself, whilst still staying true to my humorous and colourful personality.

WORDS

At the very beginning of my project, I wrote down some words that reflected how I had been feeling..

Following the loss of my uncle I really felt heartbroken and tormented by the circumstances of his passing and the unbearable loss that my family were going through. Everything felt heavy.

I eventually chose Forsaken, but their are some beautiful words on this paper.

Morose Crestfallen Blue Forlorn Desolate

These words all speak to the depth of grief and loss. It is a desperate time. People say 'there are no words' - in truth their are hundreds.

MENTAL HEALTH

In the past few years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health seems to be less taboo than ever before. We are more likely to speak about our struggles to our friends and peers. A trend I have noticed recently aesthetically pleasing designs featuring on-the-nose messages about mental health struggles. In particular, Etsy has hundreds of designs to license for use on clothing, mugs, stickers and various other gifts. These items, though kitsch, break down the barriers we face when addressing our mental health. The irony of a pretty, colourful, almost child-like design conveying such a heavy message.

For example, I was on the school run a few weeks ago when I saw a fellow mother wearing a T-Shirt featuring one of these messages.

It made me laugh, but also made me think. As a mum, you worry on the school run about being judged, by teachers and other parents, for running late or being scruffy, worrying that they will think less of you. This mum however, broke those societal expectations by saying 'Yeah, I've not got it all together but I'm trying.' - It is symbolic of a fuck you, but also a community spirit of showing other mums you don't have to have it all figured out. She allowed me to take a picture.

These are some other examples I found whilst searching 'Mental Health Funny' on Etsy.

These designs relate to my work in that they discuss deep and dark subject matter, but are under the guise of pretty colours and sickly sweet designs to make the message more accessible and light hearted. Some may think it in poor taste to discuss mental health in such a fashion, but I personally find it easier to discuss ANYTHING when there is humour involved. Humour allows us to take the weight out of such heavy feelings.