Colby Paige Dowdle
Back in December of 2017, I met Colby Dowdle at a coffee shop in Dallas, TX. With her parent’s dog in tow, we sat outside next to a fireplace as it began to mist. Colby is an abstract artist who works full-time as a marketing director. Colby’s paintings feature playful details layered upon swirling textures and affordable price tags, allowing average households to own fantastic artwork.
Colby started her journey as an artist when she was 8 years old, taking lessons at a local studio. In high school she lettered in art. “I bet you didn’t know you could do that,” she laughed.
While we were waiting for the barista to come outside, Colby divulged that in college she started off as an art major but decided she didn’t want her passion to turn into a stressful career. Even though she decided to go down a different path, she began painting abstracts using acrylic paints in her dorm room. Ever since, Colby has “been experimenting with different styles and techniques.”
After talking about the challenges of moving back home and finding her own space, Colby shared that she’s currently painting in her bedroom. “Most artists know this,” she smiled, “but it’s hard to create in the same place you sleep.”
“I am the most creative when I’m in a tough spot in life, as sad as that sounds.” she told me. “Creating makes me feel like I have a sense of control. I get to decide what elements I want to work with and where I want a splotch of blue or orange. I crave that power.”
That need for control stems from the anxiety that Colby faces. As we were sitting side by side, Colby began to reveal her passion to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. Her voice became louder and confident. She leaned forward as she gave me a glimpse into her life.
“People disregard mental illness and treat it as taboo,” she said, “I want to start a conversation around it and turn mental illness into something that people aren’t afraid to talk about or even admit that they have.”
“I wish that people were more aware about what mental illness really is.””
Which is a very real reality facing America. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness. That number translates into almost 45 million people, or the same amount of people who live in Spain. Nearly 60% of adults with mental illness didn’t receive any mental health treatments in 2016.
“I struggle with anxiety. Back in college when I sought out medication, my entire life changed. It was something I needed at the time,” Colby explained. “Of course it was a hard decision to go on medication and the last thing I wanted was to have to admit that I needed it. A lot of people would look down on me because I was on it... ”
“I wish that wasn’t the case and that people were more aware about what mental illness really is, and actually understand how it affects lives. Because by not talking about it, we’re hurting the very people who suffer.” These conversations are difficult, but the consequences of not having them are even more difficult.
“I wish I had learned sooner to quit trying to be what everyone wants me to be, or even, what I thought everyone wanted me to be.” Colby stated as we were getting ready leave, gathering up the leash to her parents fluffy, white dog.
“No one cares, they really don’t, so be yourself."