Lazy Oaf x Time to Change | Wednesday Holmes

We’ve hand selected and briefed five artists to create a piece of original artwork that explores links between creativity and mental health which could be based on their personal experiences. We then used their creations to build and design a mini collection that showcases their talent. The artwork on the clothing aims to encourage people to start a conversation and open up about mental health.

Wednesday is a London based Illustrator, Designer, Writer and Queer community organiser with Voices 4 London and Far and Pride. Their art covers a range of topics such as TGNCI advocacy, mental health, recovery and unity.

Wednesday has received worldwide recognition for their artistic contributions for the queer community online.

@hellomynameiswednesday

Can you explain to us why you wanted to support the Time To Change campaign with this collection?

I wanted to take part in this collection because I think it’s brilliant to use artwork to raise money for a good cause. Mental health is quite an important theme in my artwork and writing, so I felt especially excited to design a piece for this collection.

Can you tell us a bit about the design you created & how you came up with it?

I knew off the bat, that I wanted to create a piece that was hope-filled. I created a few initial sketches to gain an idea of placement. I decided to use my signature happy flowers to adorn the text I had chosen to portray.

Has creativity provided an outlet for you during lockdown?

I always use art as a method of survival, so during lockdown, I've been going for it! I have been trying out all sorts of fun processes in my free time. I’ve been painting traditionally on canvas, I’ve painted my illustrations on jackets, I’ve created ceramics. Lockdown has proved a challenge to my mental health, but art has provided me with fun and solace.

Can you tell us a bit about your personal experience of mental health and creativity?

I actually started painting and illustrating because I wanted to process navigating the world as a queer non-binary, mentally ill person. I used it initially to survive and found that art could create a therapeutic result with regards to my own healing. Art as a phenomenon keeps me alive.

Why do you think it is so important to keep opening up conversation and talking about mental health issues?

It so important because many symptoms of mental illness are still so heavily stigmatised. In an age where we are gelled to social media platforms, it feels so needed for people to talk about the less glamorous side of life. I think the more we are vulnerable amongst our peers, the more that people feel less alone - which feels especially important during the pandemic. Experiencing mental illness is extremely common. Talking about it, and giving each other the resources to look after others, is more important than ever.

What kind of attitudes would you like change surrounding mental health?

I would like to see more support for people living with chronic mental health conditions. It's important to acknowledge that not everyone can reach the common standard of 'recovery'. I also would love to see more effort to acknowledge and support those living with less desirable symptoms, such as psychosis. Another important attitude that needs to be dropped from mental health discourse is the notion that self-care is about buying products.