By William Stoehr – Artist – Boulder, Colorado
My art focuses on eliminating the stigma of substance use disorder and its related mental health issues. My sister died of an opioid overdose. She might still be alive if it were not for prescription opioids and the stigma which suffocates discussion, blocks action and causes pain.
The first step toward alleviating stigma is to normalize the discussion by getting people to talk about it and then help them understand that substance use disorders are a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing.
With alcohol and drug abuse, it’s never just one person that is impacted and so the faces I paint are the faces of all those affected – the victims, witnesses and survivors.
My exhibitions, along with presentations and discussions, are meant to cut through the wall of stigma, to confront the mental health issues, to start conversations, to cause people to respond, feel the emotion and to take action before it is too late.
My art is influenced by the ideas of the seminal Cubists and from concepts based on my developing understanding of neuroscience and the visual brain. You can learn more about my art, methods and collaborations at: www.WilliamStoehrArt.com.
I listen to the stories - families and communities devastated. It is all there - terror, intolerance, guilt, shame and helplessness as well as resolve, forgiveness, love and hope.
Art is clearly more than just a visual experience. It has a way of connecting with people on a deep, emotional level—it can open minds and hearts in ways that words sometimes cannot.
Art not only encourages dialogue but also inspires action, whether it’s someone seeking help, offering support, or simply rethinking their assumptions and biases about substance use disorder.