Puffle Island
- Diaorama
- 28.5 x 17 x 19.5 in
- $350
- Kyle Bruhn
While I was studying at UW-Whitewater I was going through a particularly bad spell of depression and anxiety. Often not leaving my room for weeks to months outside of going to class. This is when I started and created the paintings you see and the miniature wood work dioramas. The paintings have to do with what can be the addictive nature of the human experience. As well as isolation and finding solace in yourself. I was told to be relieved from my studies as I was a suicide concern and that caused me to sink even further into my depression and anxiety. These works be it paintings or otherwise are a chance for me to escape my harsh reality and explore the much more enticing realm of creativity. For example the skull painting with colors entering its eyes was my interpretation of seeing the light of the world and yourself being a reflection of that, even when facing your darkest hour. The bug painting is showcasing how isolating depressing can be even if surrounded by loved ones and a home. The dioramas represent the various emotions I went through while dealing with schizo-affective disorder hallucinations. The mini “puffles” as I named them or creatures on it represent each emotion and loss of myself from dealing with so much mental turbulence. I would say my work represents how dangerous and self destructive anything in the mental health realm can be if left untreated or addressed. Be it addiction, bipolar, schizo-affective disorder or just general anxiety. The best way to start the healing process I think is to be as open and honest as you can with anyone willing to help you. That is also represented by the diorama piece that shows the “puffles” creatures uniting together to live in an isolated island of driftwood while still supporting each others endeavors. Mental health is a team effort and sometimes you heal by digging into the pain you are feeling inside. My works are also a representation of that pain but also my triumphs of overcoming said hardships. Thank you for viewing my work, I appreciate you!
Bio:
A resilient, but deeply distraught person who has had hardships since a young age with mental illness. A few years ago I was diagnosed with Schizo-affective disorder which explained why I was having intense auditory and visual hallucinations. I channeled my inner frustrations with life into my artwork and writings. My artwork is a reflection on the human experience of isolation, distress, hope, optimism, and the spirit that resides in all of us. My only goal behind my work if any, is to help others feel less alone in their struggles and find a healthy expression for those struggles. Whether it is through art, therapy, athletics, etc. My hope is one day we can continually uplift one another through our differences and circumstances, to create a more unified world.
- Collections: Fragility and Fortitude