‘It gives you a lift when you see your work up there’

Martin Beckett doesn’t consider himself an artist, but he knows he’ll get a lift when he sees two of his paintings included in this year’s Cork Mental Health Foundation’s art exhibition.

‘Reflecting through Art’ will be launched at Cork Airport on Thursday.

Open to anyone using the mental health services, the annual exhibition aims to act as a bridge between artists and the wider community.

“We have almost 100 pieces of art this year coming from centres throughout Cork county,” said Brendan McCarthy, the foundation’s development manager. “We have submissions from Bantry, Youghal, Kanturk and Macroom as well as the city centre and suburbs.”

Cork City-based Martin Beckett — whose paintings, The Watery Crucifixion and Autumn, feature in the show — suffers from bipolar disorder. “I first went to a psychiatric hospital at 16. I’m 58 now.

“The last time I worked must be 20 years ago.

“I started off as a trainee draftsman. I worked in factories and as a part-time barman and I did Fás courses. I couldn’t handle the routine of work. I feel quite guilty about that.”

Martin has participated in art therapy classes at St Stephen’s Hospital, Sarsfield Court, on Wednesdays for the past five or six years.

“I find it very relaxing. The teacher has a fantastic personality and encourages us to talk about our problems.

“I don’t consider myself an artist but I’ve been quite surprised at what comes out of me. I usually do one or two paintings every Wednesday,” he said.

“I’ve had paintings in the ‘Reflecting Through Art’ exhibition before. It gives you a lift when you see your work up there.

“The best release for me, though, is playing the guitar and singing. I listen to a lot of rock music. I love Rory Gallagher.”

The exhibition began in 1996 following the success of a similar exhibition at the World Congress on Mental Health in Dublin in 1995.

The project aims to encourage creative activity, raise the profile of the artists and increase awareness of their talents.

The launch will take place between 3pm and 5pm on Thursday at the airport and will be officially opened by Senator John Gilroy.

It will remain on display at the airport for six weeks, before moving to various venues throughout Cork.