Sierra Harris
Artist Statement
This body of work is a children’s book that explores feelings of anxiety and how to address it. Mental health, specifically, mental illness is not often spoken about to children. Lucy is a young girl who actively tries to avoid her anxiety, and gets frustrated when that doesn’t work. The hope is that this book can reach the young community and teach them that the best way to overcome the burdens of mental illness is to face them head on. The illustrations of the book are meant to show the confusion and discomfort that anxiety can cause. Illustrations include heavy symbolism included for adults who may read the book as well. Using watercolor as the medium makes the images soft and whimsical, but also bright and appealing to children. The goal of the book is to help people address their problems rather than shy away from them, just as Lucy learns to do.
