Pablo mente maters
Paul Stevenson (Pablo) - Belfast Recovery College - Peer Facilitator
Titles of Work:
Growing in Life
The inspiration behind this painting was the unknown of covid-19. The 1st stage of this picture was when I drew it back in 2008, which was the stage of just an unfinished flower that only existed and had never really lived. The 2nd stage of this picture was when I thought I had Finished it and brought the picture to life in April 2020 with the perception of what I was seeing, which was... life weeping tears of worry, sadness, and fear of the unknown. The 3rd stage of this picture was when I changed how I was looking at the picture, then what I was looking at changed. A year later in April 2021 this picture has now got an identity of its own and is finished. This picture represents "growing in life" and is my perception of life and brighter skies breaking through, shaking off, and losing the petals of adversities.
Mother Nature
With the iris flower for hope, and a dove for a new beginnings, in these adverse times this painting represents Mother Nature putting what gives us life "moon, earth, sun" back into alignment, putting warmth, light, hope back into us, to bloom our world back to its natural beauty. This painting was inspired by the true strength of people of this planet, battling and working together in the race to find a vaccine.
Medium: Sketched - Spray paint - Gold marker - Paint
Everything happens for a reason
This picture was created in December 2019 for Mark Mulligan (Woodstock Link). It represents a day in March 2018 that was another positive forward moving step in my recovery. We exchange songs that day instead of words, and a new chapter to “A game of Pablo” began. That day was the start of spring when my mind body and soul once again began to sing. Hangs in Mark Mulligan’s house, which has me very humbled.
Medium: Sketched - Spray paint - Gold and black marker
At the end of the tunnel
Sometimes, the grass “is” actually greener at the other side of the door.
Is there a hidden talent in you, that you need to release and explore? This picture was inspired by Helen Anderson, when I was given unexpected encouraging feedback regarding my art. The picture represents my own perception of the college. From my attendance, to how it has helped me grow as a person and get to understand and know myself. I choose not to accept and took the exit when the college was first introduced to me in 2018. Second time round, I accepted the opportunity to attend a WRAP course provided by the college. From then, the college has directed me continually towards hope and taught me the meaning of resilience, and how resilience together with determination can help you get past your obstacles. The college has strengthened my education in diversity and uniqueness and helped me understand that when we fall into unforeseen adversities, by talking and accepting help, we can start taking the steps to taking back control and getting back up onto our feet. From the ripple effect of education, and the circle of hope that the college has provided, I have been shown a whole new brightness to life and proof that there is more than light at the end of the tunnel.
Angel
When the Angels of the NHS called, the volunteers responded like butterflies in spring. The inspiration for this picture was from a comment on TV from a NHS worker when concerns grew and the virus started to overwhelm the NHS. Doctors and nurses are praying for hope and strength before they go to the duties.
Medium: Sketched - Feathers, craft butterflies and flowers, stones, glitter
Spray paint/paint
Cavehill
In the darkest of times, still our wee country blooms, and even COVID-19 cannot stop the blue skies of hope breaking through onto our country’s mountain tops. This picture was inspired by Mark Mulligan (Woodstock Link) when he sent me the photo. It is a drawing of a place I have never been. Mark speaks of its calm beauty and a place he would like to take me when the COVID-19 restrictions end.
Medium: Sketched - Pastels - Pencil
I joined the Belfast Recovery College as a student in 2019 and the greatest education they gave me was understanding myself and being who I am, which has enabled me to help educate others. I have now entered the world of facilitating courses, which to me is a powerful achievement. This part of my journey started from an email from Mark Mulligan in 2018 recommending the College to me, which I first rejected, then accepted a year later. I want others to experience that it is ok not to be ok and explore their own hidden talents. Besides for on a personal level, this is the first time I have ever showed any of my art. I used to overthink, what if people do not like it, what if they laugh, which stopped me being me, and being someone that created something and placed in the darkness of my loft. But I have learnt that there is no such thing as perfection, only imperfection which is remarkably interesting. Like dancing like there is no one there, singing like you do not care, and viceversa. It is so important to me to walk the walk and talk the talk, and say, if I can express mine, then, you can express yours. Do not supress your talents, nobody knows what you have hidden if you do not show or tell. Take control, grasp hope, and express who you are, there is a lot of opportunity out there, even if it is just to be yourself and letting go a wee bit of to the world.
This is the first I have been asked what it has been like being a key worker, and I kind of struggle to answer that, as although we all have faced adversities, I have also grown in strength and education. COVID-19 has put stops to a lot of things, one being a course “Music and wellbeing” that we have been trying to roll out. But, like everyone else, acceptance comes in the form of “it is how it is these days” and adopting is our strength, and we call that resilience, we will get there. I am a volunteer for the BT16 COVID-19 response group, and I have to say, that in its own way has been amazing. The chats, stories, and tears, and most of all, the gratefulness from the people isolating as been truly humbling, and amazingly educationally. This land has incredible strong people, who show their strengths in our hours of weakness.
Pablo Mente Maters
