Page 128 - July ONLINE VERSION

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tal health diagnosis to feel shame and embarrass-
ment for suffering from a natural and unavoidable
affliction. They often feel that their diagnosis must
be kept secret in hopes to avoid social ostracization.
Society doesn’t seem to realize that those who suffer
from mental illness are typically normal people that
have a chemical imbalance caused by a lack of an
infinitesimal amount of a brain hormone and that
with treatment and education, their quality of life
can be restored. We all fear the things that we don’t
know. And, the only thing that can combat society’s
fear (and all fears for that matter) regarding mental
illness and those that suffer is education. I’ve wit-
nessed in events that I’ve attended and from people
that I’ve met through my art that art can create a
kinder world. Art can create a beautiful scene that’s
so incredible that it makes a viewer feel it’s beauty.
Art can create a scene so upsetting and vulgar that it
can create an empathy that didn’t exist in the view-
er before seeing the piece. Art can create a scene
that relays information so easily and efficiently that
a piece can educate a viewer more quickly than a
textbook.
The power of art is limitless. It’s only bridle is cen-
sorship and a lack of appreciation of what the arts
represent. I’d absolutely love to see a rejuvenation
of art within society. I’d love to see art classes return
to every school. I’d love for every person to expe-
rience the release that creativity gives---and once
feeling that release, work to pass it on so that others
may feel it, too. I’d love to see the visual unleashing
of emotion through creative activities become a
medical treatment for the mentally ill that’s just as
important as therapy and medication. But, society
has a long way to go. And, until the day that a men-
tal health diagnosis becomes as socially acceptable
as a chronic migraine or arthritis diagnosis, I’ll be
using my creations to spread information and social
awareness.
I want my art and my story to advocate for others
who don’t feel nearly as comfortable discussing their
situation. I’d love for others that are in a similar
situation as myself to speak out about their issues.
There’s nothing at all shameful about mental illness.
These are illnesses that are greatly influenced by
genetics and there’s no reason why a sufferer should
feel at fault. Art, in and of itself, is a unique action.
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It has the ability to educate viewers while also being
a life-saving therapeutic outlet for it’s creator. Art’s
ability to educate helps cultivate the understand-
ing needed to spread kindness. If artists can, upon
looking at a piece, make the viewer feel the emotions
they felt while creating the piece, then there can be
an understanding and a relay of mindset that can
create empathy within seconds. If people can empa-
thize with those that suffer, then we can tear down
the walls of fear that pervade society.
Without these walls of suffocating isolation, those
with mental health issues can feel freedom to receive
help without shame, they can be celebrated for their
courage to tackle an illness that affects every emo-
tion of a person every single day, and they can freely
educate others about the various symptoms they
initially experienced while also giving information
on the places and techniques that they’ve used to
best receive help. Artists and art lovers worldwide
can participate in this societal awakening and they
can start promoting it today. There’s very little in this
world that’s nearly as kind as removing shame and
stigma for our friends, family, and neighbors that
suffer. Art is not just beautiful decor that matches
your couch, it’s the greatest visual messenger of
emotions, feelings, and kindness that the world has
ever known.
JOSHUA BLANKINSHIP
FINE ART STUDIO
Scan to view all of Joshua’s magnificent paintings
ZGP Magazine
THE NED
MAY 5TH - JUNE 28TH, 2021
MAY 6TH - ARTIST RECEPTION
About Joshua
Joshua Blankinship is a self-taught
visual artist (painter) from Medina,
TN. He's the originator of the art
movement known as "Impressivism."
His original style fuses vivid color and
texture to visually express the mag-
nified feelings and emotions that are
prevalent within his Bipolar Disorder.
His art hangs in the homes of celebri-
ties such as 2020 NBA Rookie of the
Year Ja Morant, NFL All-Pro Jurrell
Casey, the estate of Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame member Carl Perkins, the
Tennessee Governor’s Mansion etc..
Creating, mental health advocacy, and
family are his passion and the fuel that
feeds his motivation. He currently
has a solo exhibition titled: “Suicidal
Sometimes: the Art and Mental Illness
of Joshua Blankinship” at the Ned
McWherter Cultural Arts Center in
downtown Jackson, TN through the
end of June.
I’d love to see the visual unleashing of emotion through creative activities
become a medical treatment for the mentally ill that’s just as important
as therapy and medication. But, society has a long way to go.
--- Joshua Blankinship
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