Student uses artwork to create awareness about mental illness

By using art as an awareness tool, Anne Turner has found her voice and a way to express herself about a topic many people would rather not discuss.

Now her artwork will help educate others about the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Turner’s artwork has been selected for the Victoria Fine Art Festival’s One in Five show, an exhibition featuring artwork by people living with mental health issues. The exhibition runs Oct. 15 to Nov. 6 in Victoria at 705 Johnston Street.

“The purpose of the visual art exhibition is to educate the community about the mental illness stigma that many artists live with, and help inform the general public about the many faces of mental illness,” said Turner.

The One in Five exhibition will bring attention to the fact that one in five Canadians will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime. With a statistic this high and the stigma surrounding mental illness so strong, the exhibition will be a vital tool in lessening the mystery and fear people have around this prevalent issue in the community.

Turner, a fourth year student at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, is working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree (major in History, minor in Sociology). Living with mental illness has not been easy. With an undiagnosed hearing impairment and other learning disabilities, Turner struggled through school most of her life.

“I remember failing grade after grade and encountering teachers who just didn’t understand,” she said. “One of my worst memories is a teacher ripping a piece of my artwork in half. I became very depressed and mistrustful of people. By my early 20s, I was an isolated person and lacked social skills.”

Books became Turner’s solace. “Books became my friends. They didn’t make fun of me or talk back, and I loved to look at the artwork.”

In 2001, Turner mustered up courage to return to university. At the same time, she resurrected her interest in art. She began working with Nanoose Bay art therapist Mehdi Naimi who taught her techniques and skills that allowed her to centre herself through art.

“Art is a way to express what I can’t express verbally,” she said. “I have learned how to divert myself away from anxious feelings and feelings of doom. Art has boosted my sense of self-esteem.”

Turner, who paints with acrylics, enjoys emulating the styles of famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Emily Carr and Evard Munsch.


“They all experienced mental health issues and were classified as eccentric,” she said. “I relate to their personal struggles.”

Turner is grateful for the support she’s received from Naimi, professors in VIU’s History and Sociology departments, and staff in VIU’s Disability Services department. “They’ve all made my journey so much easier and have been instrumental in my success,” she said.

When Turner completes her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a master’s degree and write and illustrate stories for children with learning disabilities. She also wants to write her own life story using her art work, poems and other short articles she has created over the years.

“I am proud that I’m pursuing post-secondary education,” said Turner, taking a moment to reflect on her journey. “There are people in my life who told me I would never accomplish this. It’s nice to know I’m proving them wrong.”