Lorraine Nicholson - The Journey home.
A collection of peotry, artwork and photography embracing the theme of recovery from severe depression.
The collection's title refers to both the physical journey as I started writing most of my poems between the light of lamp-posts on my homeward journey each night but on a very different level it applies to my "coming home to myself" and the true discovery of the person I was born to be.
Depression was, in effect, the red traffic light which forced me to stop and reflect on what had become a lifetime's "identity crisis". Ironically, the self-awareness or "home" I refer to has been revealed to me through my painful struggles with the illness.
In the battle between heart and mind, it is the heart which has finally been victorious and allowed the artistic flourishing which I had suppressed all these years. That is the "resolution" which is the subject of my final poem and is so necessary for all of us to reach if we are to realise anything like our true potentials in life.
Lorraine has just been accepted for a course at Duncan of Jordanstone Art College, the next step on her journey and I wish her every success.
Lorraine's book The Journey Home is available at the Jardine Gallery priced £20
"I first met Lorraine back in 2008, at that time she was starting yet another journey of recovery and seeking to make sense of her life through artwork and poetry. Lorraine attended my classes, first of as a very quiet somewhat sheepish member, but gradually as her confidence grew she joined in and began to enjoy.
There comes a point in everyone's life where we experience life's dark places, where our lives reach what we consider to be rock bottom only to descend further still. At these times we ask ourselves if there will be a turning point, a change in direction that allows us to very gradually make our way back to a regular life that once again has laughter, fun, companionship and a sense of purpose. Something we often took for granted before.
It is only when we are again back on track that we realise the path we have been on. This book is Lorraine's journey, this book is an inspiration and a beacon of hope to anyone else who is either on this journey or has a friend who is."
Julian Jardine
Visit Lorraine's website at www.hope4recovery.co.uk
To purchase any of the featured work please call the gallery on 01738 621836 during store hours or use the contact form to make an enquiry. Purchases can be made using Paypal or over the phone by credit card at the gallery.
