Charley Hays

Media/Medium: Acrylic paint on canvas
Dimensions (L x W x H): 12x12x1
Weight: .5 lbs

Description:
This is a fluid acrylic piece where the paint is poured over a shower handle. The blues make it kind of look like a ripple in still water.

This piece was inspired by a couple lines from one of my favorite Grateful Dead songs, Ripple.

"Ripple in still water, when there is no pebble tossed, or wind to blow."

I just love that imagery. Water is probably one of the things we most take for granted. Not only does it sustain us physically, but it also can be a thing of beauty like a waterfall, or something fierce like a hurricane.

"Reach out your hand if your cup is empty, if your cup is full may it be again"

The empty cup to me is kind of like when you are in a depression event. You feel empty, and depleted of energy, and alone.

It is offering encouragement to reach out your hand.. that you are not alone. It is a sign of bravery to ask for help even if it doesn't seem like that in the moment.

By contrast, the full cup is inspirational and is like, if you are having a good day, may you have another. I see hope in that.

Artist Statement:

In August 2019 I was at a crossroads and had a nearly fatal depression and I sought help. I was in a PHP and we had an art therapist come in on Mondays and that opened up a creative side of me that I did not know was there. I continue to see an art therapist. Art ties into my mental health because there is a freedom of expression that I can create visually when I don't have the words to describe what I am feeling