An art and design student has used their mental health experiences to form the creative inspiration for a series of paintings.

Kae Beth, a level one art and design student at Blackburn College, has created a collection of paintings that describe some of their experiences with mental health from a few years ago.

Kae, who is originally from Newcastle, said: “I struggled with certain things and had a lot of experiences with my mental health growing up.

“I had to become quite independent when I was younger but I realised that the life I was living was not what I wanted to be doing for the rest of it, so I gave myself a lift and got my life together.

“A lot of my work is about self-worth. I felt that if I could draw and paint about what I have been through, I could then look back at it and know that I got through those times and overcame challenges that I faced.

“This year I feel like I’ve grown a lot. I moved down to Blackburn from Newcastle and had a fresh start and I am happy with my progress at Blackburn College.”

Kae is progressing to study the level two art and design course and wants to continue creating and producing art and design.

They added: “Painting has helped me with my mental health and has made me realise how strong I am. I’ve been through my own experiences and I’m still here making art, so I’m not going to stop.

“After I complete the level two course at college, I’d like to look into a career in the tattoo industry as that’s something I’m really interested in and I’m keen to explore further.”

Kae’s work is on display at Blackburn College’s FE Art and Design Show which showcases the final project work of students studying Creative Art courses at the College and is open for viewing until July 6 and can be found in the College’s Beacon Centre.