HAVERFORDWEST artist, poet, and author, Gemma Taylor is making a significant impact by sharing her experiences with schizophrenia through her creative work. Her latest book, published on Amazon, “50 Shades of Insight – The Inner Workings of Schizophrenia” combines 50 poems with 50 paintings that reflect her journey with the condition. It demonstrates the journey she battled with through severe mental illness, addressing themes such as childhood trauma, intrusive thoughts, paranoia, spirituality, astrology, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. You can find her book HERE
One of the reviews on Amazon states “The poetry in this book takes you through the author’s journey through life and how she has dealt with past trauma, the artwork definitely compliments the poetry adding to the power of the message.”
In 2021, Taylor had an interview with The Planned Podcast and explained how painting helps her with dealing with mental health and self healing. She has been working on these inspiring pieces since lockdown and said how much it helped her during the difficult times. Since then she has created many paintings, often with materials like oil and acrylic.
Taylor shares her struggles, admitting to having intrusive thoughts and obsessive fascinations such as astrology which she has shown within her paintings. She states that she thinks astrology is a great tool for personal development and has helped her greatly.
Her motivation to share her experiences, including the impact of childhood trauma on her mental health, shows the urgent need for greater awareness. Gemma Taylor’s work offers valuable insights and hope for those affected by schizophrenia and other mental disorders.
Taylors story is gaining attention. She will be featured on the Healthy Minds Show on Pure West Radio Thursday (Sep 19) at 9 PM, to discuss her book and her experiences. Additionally, she will speak at a women’s group in Haverfordwest on Saturday (Sep 21) aiming to raise awareness about mental health and schizophrenia.
