Image caption : A person seated on a chair in an exhibition space holding a black folding fan, with abstract artworks displayed on the wall behind them.
An Interview with Nikki – reflecting on her exhibition at Sound Minds: Expressions of the Abstract Mind
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey? How did you first get involved with Sound Minds, and what kept you coming back?
I was referred by my doctor because of my mental health, and I also found Sound Minds when I was searching online for mental health charities.
What kept me coming back was being able to put my feelings down on paper. Whether I was feeling angry, disappointed or low, art gave me a way to express those emotions. The support from everyone here, especially Sam and Athena, has been incredible. I’ve been able to explore my mental health through art without being told what to do – just being encouraged to try things.
I keep coming back because I love it here. It’s my time, my space, and my relief from the outside world. When I’m here, I don’t think about anything else. I just put all my thoughts and feelings into my artwork.
Image caption : A colourful abstract artwork with layered green, blue, white and gold elements, featuring overlapping rectangular forms and varied textures.
Q: How has being part of this community supported your mental health and wellbeing over time?
The community at Sound Minds has supported me tremendously. Through trying different materials, textures and ideas, I’ve been encouraged to explore creatively in a way that feels safe and supportive.
When I first came here, I was very quiet, lacked confidence and felt quite lost. Over the past two years, that’s completely changed. Coming here every Tuesday and Friday gives me two days where I can step away from everything that’s going on in my life and focus on creating.
My wellbeing has improved enormously. If I was at zero before, I’d say I’m now at an eight or nine. My confidence has come back, and it’s had a huge impact on both my mental health and my personal journey.
Q: What role has creativity and making art played in your personal journey?
Creativity has given me confidence. When I first started, I was very shut down and unsure of myself, but making art has helped me find my voice again.
It’s become a way to express my emotions, process difficult experiences and reconnect with myself. Being part of this creative community has been a huge part of that journey, and it’s helped me grow both as an artist and as a person.
Q: What did it mean to have your artwork exhibited?
Image caption : Close-up of an abstract artwork featuring gold and bronze tones with heavily textured surfaces and raised patterns across the canvas.
It was really nerve-racking at first, especially putting my name alongside my work. That felt like I was truly putting myself out there.
Because of difficult experiences in my past, I’d spent a long time hiding who I was. But with the encouragement and support from Sam, Athena and everyone at Sound Minds, I finally put my full name on my artwork. That was life-changing.
Seeing my work displayed on the wall was an amazing moment. I looked at it and thought, I did that. I could actually see my journey reflected in the artwork—from darker pieces through to experimenting and growing.
The exhibition gave me so much confidence. I can walk with my head held high now, and it’s inspired me to explore new opportunities with my art.
Q: What would you say to someone who wants to make art but doesn’t know where to start?
Just start. Put your feelings down on paper and see what comes out. You don’t have to know what you’re doing—I certainly didn’t.
Keep coming back. Don’t judge it after one session. Sometimes you’ll look at a blank piece of paper and think, What am I going to do? But over time, you’ll find your own way.
Your artwork is your own journey. You don’t have to show it to anyone if you don’t want to. It’s about expressing yourself and giving yourself that space.
I wouldn’t presume to say art will make everyone’s mental health better, because that’s not my place to say. But I do believe it’s valuable to have those few hours where you can leave everything else behind, create without pressure, and connect with other people if you choose to.
I’ve been coming here for two years, and it’s changed me tremendously as a person. There will always be ups and downs, but I’d encourage anyone to keep exploring, keep creating, and keep coming back. There are so many options for people at Sound Minds too so you can explore different avenues.
