In between filming sessions and exhibition visits, we took a moment to catch up with our artist Jemima Sara and talk all things mental health and arts.

Jemima Sara is a mixed media artist currently undertaking her MA in Fine Art: Drawing at The University of the Arts, London. Taking inspiration from everyday conversations, women and identity, Jemima Sara’s distinctive drawings have been acclaimed by the public and the press and often featured in major publications including Elle, The Evening Standard, Marie Claire, amongst others.

What are the three things you take with you on a desert island?

  1. Chocolate, 2. Water, 3. Paper, (4.Pen)

What is your favourite shape?

Cartoon Boobs

What are your favourite studio clothes?

Anything I can cover in paint and still feel sexy in.

Favourite colour?

Multicolour/ Yellow

What is your one tip from artist to artist?

Be yourself. Your work is best when it’s you.

There is a lot of discussions around mental health. What does mental health mean to you?

What does mental health mean to me? It’s being healthy mentally.

Mental health is messy. Our lives aren’t supposed to make sense and they tend to take us on unexpected roller-coaster rides. It’s up, it’s down, painful, confusing, complex, exciting and an utter whirlwind.

Drawing for me is self-therapy, however I advocate therapy. Seeking professional help when you are struggling is very important.

I discovered that drawing is a form of expression and communication where no oral language is required. You don’t have to be an artist to benefit from a good old doodle. When you’re struggling through mental illness, you can feel like you have no voice and can find it very hard to express what we feel deep down. When we create, we can reveal multiple emotions, thoughts, and concerns in one scribble.

Mental health to me is remembering that it’s ok to be sad, it’s ok to be ok, it’s ok to be good and it’s ok to be down. Talk to each other and seek support.

* If you’re experiencing mental health issues, there are lots of places offering help and support:

Samaritans offer emotional support 24-hours-a-day in full confidence. Call Freephone 116 123

Mind offer support – Call 0300 123 3393 or email: info@mind.org.uk

SHOUT is the UK’s first 24/7 text service on 85258

Talk to your doctor: Ask your GP practice for more information.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Oooo there is lots of great advice out there. Right now mine is:

  1. Don’t try to be right, try to be wrong. If it goes right then everyone wins. If you’re wrong, you can’t beat yourself up about it.
  2. “Creating” isn’t about pleasing people. If no one is uncomfortable or dislikes your work then you probably haven’t created something that’s true to you.

What do you wish to see change in the world?

Kindness and patience. I think if we could be a little bit more kind and less quick to jump to conclusions the world would be a much better place. A smile can change someone’s day and an open conversation could change someone’s view point.

The one tool you can’t live without?

My laptop. How sad is that? Ok, probably a paint bush, my life would not be the same. Painting and drawing saved my life, so definitely a paint brush.

What is the most challenging part of being an artist?

Definitely working alone. Most days I end up talking to myself – my boyfriend comes home from work and hears me muttering aloud. I’m like my own talking radio.