Baycrest

THE COLOUR of Brain Health A ll it took was one university class about the brain health benefits of colour and Jacquie Comrie's life was forever changed. Comrie is one of The Yogen Früz Brain Project's 50 outstanding artists whose brain sculptures were on display around Toronto during the summer of 2019. It's no surprise that hers was one of the most colourful pieces in this year's charitable art installation in support of Baycrest. The Panamanian, Afro-Latina artist is a big believer in promoting brain health. "I am passionate about it. Any organization that is aligned with bringing awareness to brain health is important to me. I felt that The Brain Project was a terrific opportunity to put my artwork out there and align my work with Baycrest's. I love what they do. They're amazing," she says. "Public art is how I reach people. The Brain Project reaches so many people and makes an impact in a positive way." Comrie, a renowned muralist, is upfront about challenges with her own mental health and how dealing with those through the creation of colourful artwork has helped with her brain health. She is acutely aware that people living with dementia - and their families and caregivers - can also be impacted by depression. "About three years ago was the lowest I ever felt with my mental health," she reveals. "I looked for help and nothing seemed to be working. So I decided to try something I learned when I took art courses in university. It was a class called Colour Theory and its Effects On Mental Health and Human Emotion. I remember sitting there thinking, 'You're telling me that colour is actually a science? That through colour, I can make people feel better if I use it in a purposeful way?' This was a revelation to me. I surrounded myself with colours and after a time, my mood improved and I started to actually feel better. Since then, I've tried to use colour to help others improve their brain and mental health." Comrie notes that in her experience, it is sometimes harder for older adults to express or admit sadness when dealing with their brain health issues, which makes her work with The Brain Project all the more meaningful. "When you look at colour, you're actually feeling colour, whether you realize it or not. This applies to everyone. When someone sees my work, I hope that they feel uplifted, old and young alike," she says. When asked if she has been to Baycrest and seen how art is incorporated into its care strategy, Comrie replied that the organization is an inspiration. 6 BrainMatters FALL/WINTER 2019 "I love the fact that they integrate art into their care. It is so needed."

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