Parts of Life are Hell, But Parts Are Also Heavenly is one of five paintings in the Thought Patterns collection, a series of mirrored butterfly works in watercolor exploring the mental process of healing: examining the thoughts that compose a depression spiral, and reframing them with compassion.

Please Note: There are words in the borders of these paintings that are meant to evoke through a first person narrative the experience of struggling with depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. The thought patterns in these pieces are pulled from journal entries of genuine depressive episodes. There are words of hope as well, but please be aware of the darker mood and content.

────────────────

“Why does death have such a loud voice? I can’t listen to it anymore.

We live in a hellscape and even my own mind isn’t safe.

What good am I, if this is all I have within me?

It’s not getting better. I crave emptiness, I wish I felt nothing at all. With every privilege I have, I should be more. Should be better. What a waste.”

“Death may be louder, but life has more worth saying.

Parts of life are hell, but parts are also heavenly. Things aren’t all or nothing. We all contain multitudes. Give your mind time to heal.

Bad people don’t spend time worrying about the good they bring.

You will heal. You will do good.”

────────────────

DETAILS

8 × 10 inches

Natural handmade watercolor on cotton paper

Signed and dated on the back