Designed through the inner feelings of a Bipolar and ADHD mind.

Although clear in respect to what the images actually depict compared to other modern abstract artwork there is a dark and light meaning behind it this piece.

Others have described this piece as “loneliness, busy, sad and happy”.

I began this piece when I was beginning to experience a Bipolar relapse (beginning with the city skyline) I think this is where my ADHD mind was busy and cluttered (like the chest of drawers itself).

Then I began feeling sad and ultimately depressed - this is reflected through the 2nd from bottom drawer with he Dark Black hills, the grey cloud and a boat stuck in choppy seas.

Unfortunately, I was then sectioned under the mental health act for a psychotic depressive episode of bipolar, I neglected the piece and struggled to concentrate on it extensively so gave up for a few weeks.

Whilst in hospital I brought in one drawer (the is the top space one). I find this one harder to depict.

I was confined to an old building (Victorian) and was never allowed out at night only in the daytime accompanied by staff. So to forget this and think of something beautiful that reminded me of the outside sky at night I painted a space scene – not as colourful as the rest but I was struggling at that point in time.

When I was discharged and finally returned home I was on a mini high from seeing my family and children the next day I planned on painting the three drawers “plain blue” to match the rest and make it “less busy” but I thought "no I want more!"

Feeling good - I went for lots of different colours all over the place and these are my favourite parts of the item. They also show an element of where i live near the seaside in the summer with the frequent firework displays.

The bottom drawer – well -I had been home a week, i was thrown into the deep end and life was chaos and i began feeling totally EXHAUSTED and was thinking about where I would like to be and how to show that with the drawer left (the bottom drawer) I tried my best and imagined a beautiful beach with golden sands. Not quite satisfied but they are light pleasing colours.

What interests me most is only when i'm unwell i can create these type of pieces so really are unique with a hidden meaning behind them.

The amount of time i have dedicated to this has been in the process of months with 7 hours each day so has had alot of detail, love and attention given to it. I hope you've enjoyed reading.

Kiri Derham

kiris crafty creations

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