David's Journey - The 'STOP and THINK' art exhibition

First Person Project CIC are proud to host the STOP and THINK exhibition, curated by one of our dedicated volunteers David Thomas Crawley.

David Thomas Crawley (BA (Hons), PGCE, MA, Artistic Director, and CEO of Up and Coming Arts) has had art displayed in Liverpool Biennial in 1999, and previously worked as a teacher and lecturer. David has struggled with his own mental health over the past few years and accessed support from services such as First Person Project CIC, Merseycare, Jade Roberts Project CIC, New Beginnings Improving Lives, Samaritans, MIND, and RASA. 

David, curator of STOP and THINK, said, “STOP and THINK is from my own personal experience being under mental health services and being diagnosed with Bipolar and PTSD. I wanted to do something that was creative, something that could help other people too - so STOP and THINK opens doors and gives the wider public access to participate through photography, painting, mixed media, and film. This means all of my past education and experiences have now given me the confidence to return back to my own creativity. I am now thinking of running my own business and looking at doing a PHD next year - but I am taking baby steps, and using all the support that the First Person Project staff and everyone at the FPP Men’s Mental Health Support Group give me. I am hoping, in the future, to take this to London, Venice, and Los Angeles, through curation or Arts Council funding. Thanks to Matty, Alice, Shannon, Joe, from First Person Project CIC, John from Ma’s House, and Mia from Cafe Oro, for all their support, and for allowing me to exhibit at all these establishments. I do feel that mental health is still stigmatised, but during these last few months I have made significant steps and feel a lot more positive about my future.”

David's fourth exhibition is titled STOP and THINK, and was brought about from David getting the buses in and around Liverpool. It explores mental health from diverse perspectives such as diversity in the city, global conflict, war, veteran mental health, homelessness in the UK, and more.

STOP and THINK exhibition explores David’s own personal journey over the past 15 years of being back in Liverpool and struggling with mental ill-health, as well as the mental health and experiences of those who have submitted work.

STOP and THINK brings mental health to the forefront. It includes artwork, paintings, and prints displayed on walls and tabletops, and interactive elements for attendees, such as STOP and THINK colouring sheets, and a whiteboard where they can write down what mental health means to them. 

First Person Project CIC, as a not-for-profit social enterprise, were able to fully fund the STOP and THINK exhibition through reinvesting monetary surplus. Our innovative model allows for us to support people who access our services through events that can aid in the development of confidence, self-esteem, and personal growth. STOP and THINK is free-to-access to the public, encouraging local community involvement in the arts and aiding in the de-stigmatisation of mental health.

Matty Caine, Founder/CEO of First Person Project CIC, said “David is a remarkable person and for him to choose to share his special talent with us is something which we are extremely grateful for. David’s work offers a creative commentary on a whole host of health, social, and political matters. Mental health is more of a social and political issue than it is a biological and chemical issue. STOP and THINK supports people in their empowerment to amplify their own voice through art. These are the reasons why we have invested in David and this fantastic project.”

 STOP and THINK will be displayed until 1st November. It also includes work displayed in Cafe Oro, Smithdown Road,  and Ma’s House, Rodney Street.

Find our more about David here.