Finding a Voice Through Art
“I am here today exhibiting my art – something I had never thought I’d be doing.”
Scott, a man in his early 40s, joined Magic Carpet about a year and a half ago. With a quiet resilience shaped by years of trauma, loneliness, and a recent diagnosis of complex PTSD (cPTSD), he found in Magic Carpet a vital safe space – a creative sanctuary that welcomed him just as he was.
Attending our Open Studios sessions at Exeter Phoenix, Scott began his artistic journey with delicate pencil drawings of imagined landscapes. His process was simple and instinctive – random pencil dots joined into coastlines and continents. His materials were modest, his marks tentative. It was as if he were exploring the edges of a world not just on paper, but within himself.
As his confidence grew, so too did his artwork. With gentle encouragement from session leaders and support from the group, Scott began experimenting: better quality paper, different pencils, the introduction of shading and, eventually, colour. Though hesitant at first, he took small, courageous steps toward expanding his style. These changes mirrored a deeper transformation – from self-doubt to self-expression.
Preparing for The Creative Space Exhibition (Oct 2024) marked a turning point. Scott took initiative: sourcing frames, writing his own artist statement, and even choosing to include his personal photography – something he had never shared publicly before. In his own words:
“Magic Carpet is a much-needed safe space for me – not just to explore art, but to socialise in a busy, often overwhelming city… I’ve experienced loneliness, estrangement, and trauma since my teens. But by opening up and persisting, I am now exhibiting my art – and I wouldn’t have done that without everyone at Magic Carpet.”
Since the exhibition, Scott has continued to grow creatively. He’s ventured into large-scale abstract work, explored marbling techniques, experimented with pastels and acrylics – all clear signs of a flourishing creative confidence.
Scott’s journey is a powerful reminder that art can do more than fill a canvas – it can help rebuild a life. Through expression, connection, and a safe, supportive space, he is not only discovering new creative landscapes but also reclaiming his own.