Lisa Callaghan returned home to Leitrim from Italy in 2021 having suffered a sudden and severe episode of psychosis for the first time. Recovery was long and challenging and throughout this time art was her only outlet and helped calm her mind and relax.
Joining the Manorhamilton Printmaking Group in 2022 allowed Lisa to engage in art activities more regularly that were beneficial for her mental health and thanks to this she also found a much needed social outlet and a way to meet people locally.
Having made a full recovery and now gone over two years without a relapse in psychosis, Lisa has formed pilot ‘Creative Arts for Well-being’ groups for other service users running in collaboration with the Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Service to share the benefits that art has had in her own recovery with others. These art workshops are intended as a way for people to meet and engage with others who have experience of living with a mental health condition while feeling the therapeutic benefits that arts participation brings. The ‘Creative Arts for Well-being’ groups are supported by Creative Ireland Creative Communities 2024, Sligo County Council and Leitrim County Council.
As part of the Expressive Minds project, Leitrim Arts Office has supported a mentorship with Professional Artist Andy Parsons to assist with planning and development of the ‘Creative Arts for Well-being’ groups. Andy’s practice combines working in community contexts with making drawing, sculpture, and painting.
Andy has extensive experience working in Arts and Health settings and was recently Resident Artist at Sligo University Hospital for The Model, Sligo Home of The Niland Collection, which culminated in a major solo exhibition entitled ‘Patience’. His support and guidance has been invaluable so far throughout the planning process and workshops.
Earlier this year Lisa was also awarded a place on the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Ideas Academy 2024 Programme to support and develop the Expressive Minds project. This experience was hugely beneficial learning in depth knowledge about the set up and management of Social Enterprises in Ireland and learning about other similar projects and the support from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland helped Lisa to develop her new website.
Through the Expressive Minds website Lisa showcases the arts and mental health project and also her own artwork which is primarily connected to nature. This is because like us, nature goes through phases of regrowth, healing and transformation. Each piece reflects the quiet strength found in the natural world, drawing parallels to the human experience of overcoming mental health challenges.
100% of the proceeds from all purchases from the Expressive Minds shop go towards supporting the arts and mental health project running creative arts workshops with other service users in the Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Service.
The mixed media print ‘Growth’ was made on an art residency in Watershed Studios in Galway during the Summer. Channeling the profound connection between nature and healing, this piece reflects the overlapping and intertwined elements of recovery from illness. Through this work, Lisa explores how both nature and art have the ability to heal, offering solace and hope.
Another print ‘Erosion’, made using a gel plate, captures the interplay between nature’s relentless forces and the delicate beauty of coastal life. Using shells collected from beaches in Sligo, this print reflects on the transformative power of time and tide. The shells, imprinted onto the print, symbolise resilience amidst change, illustrating how natural elements, though worn down, maintain their essence.
A collection of ‘Daisy Daisy’ lino prints are also for sale in black and green. These prints symbolise the resilience and hope associated with mental health recovery.
Alongside her prints Lisa is also selling hand printed cotton tote bags using her hand carved lino print designs which range from foxes to sea swimmers, mushrooms to pumpkins and designs like ‘Balance’ and ‘Safe Space’ which are mental health focused.
To see more and read more about Lisa’s work, take a look at her website and social media below:
Website https://www.expressive-minds.org/Â
Instagram: @expressivemindsireland & @lisacallaghanart
Facebook: Expressive Minds & Lisa Callaghan ArtÂ
Professional photos by @cat_bonner_photography
I was delighted to chat to Lisa on my podcast, you can listen to that here.
magnumlady.com 
Got my beautiful order “Shadows” print in today, half eight on a Sat morning!
Wonderful