‘Mercurial Tides’ showcases an intimate exploration of my lived experience with bipolar type 2 disorder, visually representing the emotional intensity and cyclical nature of this condition. I drew inspiration from the landscape around me, homing in on the opposing banks of the River Tay; Dundee, representing a dark, structured, man-made, eroding environment and Balmerino, representing nature, peace, tranquillity and freedom. Both sides co–existing and connected by the tides of the River Tay, yet the two polar sides contrast with one another – much like bipolar disorder.

I extract texture, marks and colour from the deep, murky, and gloomy water washing up onto the banks of Dundee and the soft, free-flowing waves rolling onto the beach at Balmerino. This differentiation of mood is further emphasised through my use of light and structure: the Dundee side of the Tay becomes increasingly darker and more rigid throughout my work, punctuated with bright bursts of colour that introduce a chaotic, bustling energy which flows throughout. This mirrors the low mood often associated with bipolar type 2 disorder.

In contrast, the Balmerino-inspired side is visualised through softer tones, more fluid and organic, free-flowing marks, and a sparser use of vibrant colour. These subtle hints of liveliness reflect upon the opposing side to bipolar type 2 disorder - a quiet, calming sense of happiness as the mind clears and positivity begins to flicker in, showcasing a sense of comfort and stability when compared side to side with the turbulent, crashing nature of rapid mood changes.

By visually representing the emotional factors linked with bipolar type 2, I have captured the beauty of nature and the emotional rhythm it mirrors. I welcome viewers to resonate with my designs at an emotional level, inviting them to evoke different emotions through visually consuming my work. I hope to inspire appreciation for not only the beauty of nature but the emotional highs and lows which come along with the natural world.