Ben Target
I feel fine (an extract from my tour diaries 2014-2019), 2019
Pen and ink drawing on paper laid on artist's frame
15 x 21.5 cm
5 7/8 x 8 1/2 in
5 7/8 x 8 1/2 in
Copyright The Artist
When I was younger I was taught to believe: That 'mad people' were born to parents who had committed crimes, that depression was not real - it was made up...
When I was younger I was taught to believe: That "mad people" were born to parents who had committed crimes, that depression was not real - it was made up by people who wanted attention - that seeking help was a weakness and weakness was not to be respected, that mental health professionals were crooks who ran cult, that artists had nothing useful to offer society. Now I am older and I do not believe any of these things. I was the first person I knew to seek help and to get diagnosed. I am learning how to look after myself, how to share my experiences with care, and to discover pride in the way I am. I am lucky to still be here. I make art because I love making art. I make art because I can. I make art because through it I understand. I make art because it helps. I make art because I am in love with being alive. I have always wanted to be an artist.