Basil Wells

This piece highlights the struggle of being touched after surviving a situation that leaves the individual with lasting anxiety and PTSD. Every touch seems to leave a burning reminder on the skin that you can see every time you look in the mirror. The blank expression on the face is a result of the exhaustion that comes with suppressing and trying to deal with the mental illness symptoms that affect everyday tasks. Despite the constant struggle, there is still a small glimmer in the right eye that shows the light still going below the surface.

Basil Wells is a senior student at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania pursuing his Bachelor's degree in the fine arts with a concentration in digital media and ceramics. His portfolio has a focus on identity and mental health through the lenses of nature and often includes symbolisms for gender identities, sexualities, mental illnesses, and neurodivergent-related conditions. After graduating in the upcoming spring he plans on traveling across multiple continents to meet different communities learn about their experiences and view the local ecosystems to create artworks that will help bring awareness to these areas.

Anxious to the Touch

Acrylic paint on canvas

21 x 24 inches

website not available