Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

If There’s A Way Out | Art Created During An Anxiety Or Panic Attack By Brandon Stewart
User submission
219
233

If There’s A Way Out | Art Created During An Anxiety Or Panic Attack By Brandon Stewart

ADVERTISEMENT

I’ve spent most of my life scared of something.

In childhood, it was the gaping mouth of darkness where my toys were kept. It was the monsters casting ominous shadows on the walls at night. As children we have no doubts that monsters exist in every dark corner or under every bed. We know that at bedtime, once the lights go out, the creatures are there. Watching.

The monsters remain, even into adulthood. Only now they look different. They aren’t mystery shadows in a closet or strange noises in the hall; they wear other masks and take on the faces of other things like responsibilities, commitments, the concern for our loved ones…

Anxiety is my monster. Incessant, often scary. Always lurking behind me waiting to ruin a perfectly good day with a panic attack.

Art is more than just creating for me; it’s a way out. It’s a new perspective and a way to retreat to something positive in the face of a world that can sometimes feel like it’s populated with monsters.

If there’s a way out, it’s through a door I create.

– All drawings a done using Palomino Blackwing pencils in Robert Bateman and Super Bee sketchbooks.

– Titles are either the time at which the anxiety or panic attack happened, or words that came to mind in that moment.

ADVERTISEMENT

On OCTOBER 1st, 2019, I WILL BE LAUNCHING A KICKSTARTER TO FUND THE PRINTING OF THIS BOOK.

More info: atramentstudios.com

RELATED:

    If There’s a Way Out

    If There’s a Way Out

    Wayward

    ADVERTISEMENT

    6:16pm

    Earthbound

    Mono No Aware

    Consummatum Est

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Under

    The Weight

    233views

    Share on Facebook
    Brandon Stewart

    Brandon Stewart

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Father. Artist. Writer. Lover of Star Wars, Star Trek, and Indiana Jones. A conscientious observer of the 80's. An avid user of the scientific method.

    Read less »
    Brandon Stewart

    Brandon Stewart

    Author, Community member

    Father. Artist. Writer. Lover of Star Wars, Star Trek, and Indiana Jones. A conscientious observer of the 80's. An avid user of the scientific method.

    Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

    Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Vėjūnė is a community manager who helps artists all over the world introduce their artwork to Bored Panda readers and in that way, become more popular. Since she was always fascinated by the art world, she studied Culture Management and Cultural Policy at Vilnius Academy of Arts where she expanded her knowledge about it. Now she's using all this knowledge to showcase its beauty and help others dive into the fascinating world of art.

    Read less »

    Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

    Vėjūnė Rimašiūtė

    Author, Community member

    Vėjūnė is a community manager who helps artists all over the world introduce their artwork to Bored Panda readers and in that way, become more popular. Since she was always fascinated by the art world, she studied Culture Management and Cultural Policy at Vilnius Academy of Arts where she expanded her knowledge about it. Now she's using all this knowledge to showcase its beauty and help others dive into the fascinating world of art.

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    Leah Spitzer
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know Brandon and he constantly astonishes me with his talents. Thank you for sharing your story Brandon!

    Leah Spitzer
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know Brandon and he constantly astonishes me with his talents. Thank you for sharing your story Brandon!

    You May Like
    Related on Bored Panda
    Related on Bored Panda
    Trending on Bored Panda
    Also on Bored Panda