Jacob Davy back on track with art exhibition with support from HLNY CRC
Jacob Davy from Harrogate, who has a history of mental illness issues, was convicted of assault when he attacked his father after one of his episodes.
Jacob, who suffers from schizophrenia and other health issues, was given a 12-month community order for assault and was subject to a two-year restraining order preventing him from contact his parent.
Since then Jacob has worked closely with his case manager Claire Elsworth to put his life back on track with the support of his local church and new-found passion for art.
Jacob said: “I studied fine art at university but never graduated due to personal issues and a long-term problem with mental illness. But I have always painted – it’s just something I have to do.
“Working with the team at HLNY CRC has helped me to focus on what I really want to do and now I have an opportunity to showcase my work and hopefully make a living from my passion.
“Claire has been really encouraging throughout my work with her. She has helped me to get my work exhibited, helped me getting some business cards printed and introduced me to wide range of organizations such as the Mowbray Community Church in Harrogate.
“I paint on a variety of materials including canvas, wood and doors mainly in oils and acrylics to create a wide range of abstract woks inspired by the natural world, the jazz art of the 1940s and 1950s, street art and oriental calligraphy.
“I am now seeking to make a full-time living from my art and I have recently invested in a new website supported by my parents, friends, Claire and Mowbray Community Church Community.”
Claire said: “Jacob has really progressed since we began working with him and he has gained in confidence through support of the team around him. Expressing himself through art has helped him find a new focus and given him a purpose.
“When Jacob, who has more than 100 pieces of art in his portfolio, showed us his work we introduced him to a number of community organisations who could help support his ambition to earn an income from his art.”
Following an exhibition of his work at the Mowbray Community Church, Jacob is hoping to secure future exhibition at other churches and bars in Harrogate.
Mowbray Community Church Evangelist Peter Ingham said: “Jacob is a very talented artist and it is our pleasure to support him in presenting his art which has attracted a lot of attention within the church.”