Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) and other Dissociative Disorders have come to be understood as part of a range of common effects from severe trauma in childhood: I refer to the subject of my last series of paintings that depict the tension some individuals experience in having to forge ahead with the demands of daily life whilst living with mental health issues associated with Dissociative Identity Disorder.
In addition to being an artist, my work as a psychologist provides me with insight into this serious mental health issue. Themes in the series of oil paintings focus on several aspects of Dissociation, namely the fact that some people with the disorder hold highly responsible jobs and appear to function normally to colleagues and others with whom they interact. Perceived as defence systems because they allow people who experience traumatic circumstances to preserve some areas of healthy functioning, Dissociation can appear to be very effective. People who are very practiced may automatically use it whenever they feel a threat or anxiety, even if the situation is not traumatic or abusive. Some of the paintings focus on the “split” memory that results in temporary mental escape from fear and pain associated with trauma. For some, experiencing disconnected mental states, eventually take on separate identities, each with a different autobiography. This occurs in cases in which dissociation produces changes in memory, and people who frequently dissociate often find that their sense of personal history and identity are affected. Repeated, defensive dissociation may lead to serious problems with daily routines in work and in social activities and this is why re-integration of an individual's 'disconnected parts' is important and requires expert, often long-term treatment.
Almost twenty-four months after painting this series, I’m predominantly focusing on sculpture; some results of which can bee seen at www.myartself.com. My interest in sculpture and painting have become more closely associated with the rest of my life and interests such as psychology, understanding creative activities as a therapeutic process or reflective exercise, and spirituality. Upon reflection, this personal journey is somewhat like my own attempts to integrate parts of myself into a cohesive, psychologically balanced whole.
