Documentary offers insight into the minds of schizophrenics
Jude Mersereau knew something was different
about her since she was a teenager. She said she could
"hear different parts of her brain talking to each other."
At first, she wondered if she had been possessed by a demon. She also said she believed she had achieved a "new level of reality… a secret reality" that she couldn't share with anybody — sharing would cheapen the feelings. She became paranoid and secretive.
Mersereau has schizophrenia. "It can be hell," she said emphatically.
But Mersereau, like many others, found hope in an unexpected way: through art.
Mersereau is a member of the Cottage Studio in Hamilton, Ontario. The studio was the subject of The Brush, The Pen and Recovery, a documentary. The Brush was shown at the Canadian Mental Health Association's annual conference in London at the end of October.
The studio is run by the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenics and Family Association. It was originally located in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church when it opened in 1993. In 2007, a grant from the Trillium Fund made it possible for the Association to renovate a small cottage next to the church.
"We think it is a very uplifting film," said Marvin Ross, the film's producer. He explained that people with schizophrenia are "very likeable human beings ... with something to contribute to society."
Unfortunately, people with schizophrenia are often misunderstood as having multiple personalities, being dangerous, unproductive or a burden on their families.
The Brush shows just how untrue these stereotypes are. In fact, artists and musicians throughout history have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, such as Syd Barrett of the band Pink Floyd and Alexander "Skip" Spence of Jefferson Airplane. Many people believed Van Gogh had schizophrenia.
The film follows three talented Cottage Studio artists as they prepare for their gallery show, which took place in June 2009. They explain their experiences with schizophrenia and how art has helped them deal with it.
Ronson Green described, "Schizophrenia is like dreaming when you're awake." He said he often has memories of events that never took place, and often has to ask his wife for clarification. Though there is no cure for schizophrenia, the documentary makes it clear that art is a way for schizophrenics to express themselves creatively and give them positive feelings — something to be proud of.
Lorraine Shein, who first experienced symptoms of schizophrenica in Grade 13, said painting makes her feel as though "I'm way up in the sky ... a painting makes me feel like I don't have to hide."
Mersereau agreed, and added art has given her more self-esteem and good feelings. "(We're able) to keep our heads up as we walk down the street."
Recovery and managing schizophrenia is possible. Mersereau summed up her idea of what that would feel like. "Recovery is living in the ordinary, real world … the average person's experience of life."
For more information on The Brush, visit
www.bridgeross.com/thebrush.html
For more information on Cottage Studio, visit
www.cottagestudio.ca
At first, she wondered if she had been possessed by a demon. She also said she believed she had achieved a "new level of reality… a secret reality" that she couldn't share with anybody — sharing would cheapen the feelings. She became paranoid and secretive.
Mersereau has schizophrenia. "It can be hell," she said emphatically.
But Mersereau, like many others, found hope in an unexpected way: through art.
Mersereau is a member of the Cottage Studio in Hamilton, Ontario. The studio was the subject of The Brush, The Pen and Recovery, a documentary. The Brush was shown at the Canadian Mental Health Association's annual conference in London at the end of October.
The studio is run by the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenics and Family Association. It was originally located in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church when it opened in 1993. In 2007, a grant from the Trillium Fund made it possible for the Association to renovate a small cottage next to the church.
"We think it is a very uplifting film," said Marvin Ross, the film's producer. He explained that people with schizophrenia are "very likeable human beings ... with something to contribute to society."
Unfortunately, people with schizophrenia are often misunderstood as having multiple personalities, being dangerous, unproductive or a burden on their families.
The Brush shows just how untrue these stereotypes are. In fact, artists and musicians throughout history have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, such as Syd Barrett of the band Pink Floyd and Alexander "Skip" Spence of Jefferson Airplane. Many people believed Van Gogh had schizophrenia.
The film follows three talented Cottage Studio artists as they prepare for their gallery show, which took place in June 2009. They explain their experiences with schizophrenia and how art has helped them deal with it.
Ronson Green described, "Schizophrenia is like dreaming when you're awake." He said he often has memories of events that never took place, and often has to ask his wife for clarification. Though there is no cure for schizophrenia, the documentary makes it clear that art is a way for schizophrenics to express themselves creatively and give them positive feelings — something to be proud of.
Lorraine Shein, who first experienced symptoms of schizophrenica in Grade 13, said painting makes her feel as though "I'm way up in the sky ... a painting makes me feel like I don't have to hide."
Mersereau agreed, and added art has given her more self-esteem and good feelings. "(We're able) to keep our heads up as we walk down the street."
Recovery and managing schizophrenia is possible. Mersereau summed up her idea of what that would feel like. "Recovery is living in the ordinary, real world … the average person's experience of life."
For more information on The Brush, visit
www.bridgeross.com/thebrush.html
For more information on Cottage Studio, visit
www.cottagestudio.ca
