How to portray a mental illness, self harm or suicide in a still-life painting?

Question

I have this assignment for art class where we have to make a still-life painting. I really want to do something my teacher won't expect but I'll like myself at the same time. I want to do something really morbid and sad, and the best things I could think of were depression, anxiety, self harm or even suicide. I suffer from all of these myself and I want to pour my heart into the piece. The only problem is that I'm not entirely sure how to portray these without making it too cliche or worrying my teacher. If anyone has any ideas I'd be really thankful :)

Answer 1

You already have enough information there to come up with your own idea.



Think of items that represent this idea and even the environment they would be in. Think of the color scheme.



You're on a good track, trust me ideas are the hardest part of a project.



Be cautious about the project though. If it's for high school you're more limited to what you can do. Because I know you can't show violence, drugs or any of that.

Answer 2

Morbid? Draw a man putting his head on a guillotine with one hand ready to release the rope.

Depression. A man on a small isle stands next to the single palm tree with a hangman's rope hanging down.

A man seen sitting in a closet on a small stool....door open...see from front of course.

Or a man standing at the edge of a long pier watching a boat sailing away on the horizon. Long view, small man ..........