SILENCING THE DEMONS

JEFF SCOTT

When it comes to mental health, we all carry demons, but art brings beauty back into our world even when it seems like there is none.

For my piece, I made the demons black and gray because — like mental health issues, they’re dark and there’s no beauty or hope — we’re trapped by it. The Band-Aid over the mouth represents quieting the dark thoughts which is what art does for me. Finally, the flowers are shown vibrant and full of color, overlapping the negativity and getting rid of it. It’s showing the brighter side of life and what art gives me: peace and quiet from the demons and the darkness.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

JEFF SCOTT

Jewell, Iowa

U.S. Army Veteran

Jeff was born and raised in Iowa, before serving two tours in Iraq as Military Police (MP) with the 10th Mountain Division. In 2011, he was medically discharged from the military. Through the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and art therapy, he’s managing his PTSD, anxiety, and depression as well as physical pain — art is helping him heal and enjoy life once again.

“Art is the most therapeutic thing I’ve found to express my thoughts and feelings. I’d be lost if not for art. WWP is an amazing organization and they’ve given me hope. The people in my Peer Support Group are a blessing in my life. They’re people that understand what I’m going through and don’t judge. They listen and give advice, and they’ve allowed me to do things that I would not have been able to do without them.”