Christchurch artist Wayne Webb has had a long history of mental health battles.
However, he has found an unusual outlet to overcome his struggles – using nature and a rake to make mandalas, tributes and messages in the sand.
“So many people truly think the world would be better off without them, that they are alone,” said Webb.
“I too was suicidal and using drugs and alcohol. It has been a journey but now, sand art has become my pub and my chemist.”
Now, his work has been captured in a short video, A Gift to the Sea, which will be showcased in the Aotearoa Mental Health Film Festival.
A Gift to the Sea will be screened at Hoyts EntX on November 23, as part of nine short films to be showcased.
The film can also be seen at www.newbrightononline.nz.
Webb started sand art about three and a half years ago and since then, New Brighton beach has become a daily – sometimes twice daily – destination for him.
“Sand art dissolves the chaos in my head. ‘Busy hands, settled brain’ is a saying I’ve stuck to,” he said.
“It gives me a power. The beach is healing and cleansing, and art has the power not just to change my life, but others’ as well.”
Webb was inspired by now-retired sand artist Peter Donnelly, who created on New Brighton’s shores from 1997 to 2014, and Jeremy Lillico, who helped Webb create his first piece.
“I want to reach as many people who feel alone as possible, and help get them to stay (living),” Webb said.
The video was funded by ChristchurchNZ, Rata Foundation, and Lottery Community.
It was produced by Jaunty Productions for New Brighton Online.
Said New Brighton Online project manager Talya Willson: “We’re very proud of the team – Wayne for his talent, Fynn McLaughlan as cameraman, Zak Abdullah for drone shots and Jaunty Productions director and editor Shea McKenzie.
“It is important for men to share their experiences and coping mechanisms to promote good health in others, and tell stories about doing things that still bring them happiness.
“I am happy to have a platform to share something that has helped me, with others in a similar situation.
“The whole point is to get people talking without any stigma.”
He said he wanted mental health “to be famous, not me”.
•For tickets to the screening go to https://mhfilmfest.org.nz or Facebook.
By Sasha Watson
