Megan Renee Ginter

http://www.thefirebehindthetears.com/

Artist Statement
"I was raised in a very artistic family, and there were plenty of opportunities in the arts all around me. But it was an illness that turned art into something more than a hobby for me. At age 22 I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. This disease is kind of like the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder mixed together. I experience manic highs, depressive lows, paranoia, and hallucinations. It is sometimes hard for me to put into words what I am experiencing and that’s when art becomes a therapeutic tool. I can easily paint and draw what I am going through. The people around me can look at my art and for the first time be a part of my world. This makes me feel less isolated and better understood.
Currently I reside in Perrysburg , Ohio, attend classes at Bowling Green State University , work for our local mental health agency, as well as produce art. My favorite media include oil pastels, oil color, and acrylic. I enjoy using bold colors to represent how dramatic life is with schizoaffective disorder. I see my art as not just an expression, but also a call for advocacy for others living with mental illness."