Leah Ingram - the artist behind Fantailed Illustrations.

The name "Fantailed Illustrations" comes from my adoration and love for the namesake bird - Fantails (Pīwakawaka). I admire their cheekiness and their ability to flit around free of care and restraint. 

I do struggle to put into words the profound impact art has had on me and my mental health. Throughout life I have always approached things with kindness and creativity in the hope that it would offset the abuse I have received over the years. I grow stronger in my ability to talk about my mental health and the impact others behaviors have had on me, and I do believe it is through art and the support around me (professional and otherwise) that I have strengthened.

I have always had a love for art and found any form of creative outlet makes my heart sing. It is an escape I am truly thankful for and as I delve more into the world of watercolour I find myself swept up gently and taken on a restorative journey with each piece.

With my younger years marred with abuse, physical, psychological and emotional, I have a complexity in my every day life that can feel consuming; especially as a busy mum - CPTSD - I am finding painting to be an even more precious outlet for my rollercoaster emotions and overthinking while I work through my mental health with my wonderful counsellor. My head falls into a quiet, almost meditative state, allowing me to see, greet and feel my emotions without experiencing their explosiveness within. I find it softens them and I have more recently learnt that my art is far more important to my mental health and wellbeing than I had thought - art is my safe space.

I do find that when I look upon the natural world, or an art piece or stunning building I get the same sense of calm. I believe art is here to slow your mind, to gently invite you to pause and reflect on the colours, shapes and what they might mean for you. This has fueled me in my want to bring beautiful, intricate and bright paintings ladden with meaning to you. The small pockets of colour I find in my life, a notebook, a card... when my eye lands on them I get a small reminder to appreciate what I have and I do hope so much that my art can be just like this for you. 

I am so truly thankful for the peace I am finding within. I hope you can find your's too.