Takeaway
I realize that I lose control of the painting the minute I quit work on it and it is seen, experienced and interpreted by others. So often viewers react in ways I never intended or foresaw. My artwork portrays the pain and loss experienced by those affected by substance use disorders. I hope it helps clinicians gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of stigma, prompting more empathetic and non-judgmental patient interactions.
Creative Arts in Medicine | March 2, 2025 | 1 min read
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 that 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
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.