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.
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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.”
MEET MORE WARRIORS
JEFF SCOTT
"Art is the most therapeutic thing I’ve found to express my thoughts and feelings. I’d be lost if not for art."
MARK ELLIS
“Art is a huge part of my life. It’s healing and meditative. It’s one of the few things that quiets my brain.”
LAURA BOZEMAN
“My military career depended on precision and attention to detail. When creating art, I can take risks and simply go with the flow.”
HARLEY MEAGLEY
“Art is kind of like going to the skatepark, but I don’t have to leave the house to leave my mind.”
MARCIA MEDINA
“Art helps me stay present — helping me block out intrusive thoughts and put my focus solely on creating art.”
BILL JONES
“Art is a representation of one’s well-being. It’s what made me unique, and everyone brings their own unique perspective to art.”
DANIEL WRIGHT JR.
“If you don’t wanna talk about it, guess what? You can draw about it. And that’s what I use art therapy for.”
PUERTO RICO PSG
“Art is a great provider of peace. It helps us think in new ways to expand our understanding and create room for connection, camaraderie, and healing.”
ANGIE LUPE
“Music and art have always been my life. It helps me heal and I’ve made it my mission to help other comrades heal.”
YOLANDA JONES
“Art is an entire experience. It's not always about what I wanted you to feel. Sometimes it's about what it makes you feel on your own.”
MELISSA MCMAHON
“Art helps me let go and accept things, even when I make mistakes. It’s learning to roll with life because there are so many things I can’t control.”
