I AM... Echo Sculpture

‘I AM’ is a collection of art by artist Max Wel. The inspiration behind the collection is inspired by the mental health struggle the artist has experienced. Max suffers from several mental health issues including chronic depression and anxiety. After a failed suicide attempt, Max’s conditions worsened. Every night Max would sit in front of his mirror and insult himself for hours, this would continue for over ten years of his life. The mirror was a tool for self-torturing and pain. For years Max would use alcohol and drugs abuse to numb his pain. On his 29th birthday, Max stood in front of the very same mirror, he described hearing his inner voice telling him that he is powerful, strong and a survivor. He was so uplifted by this new voice that he grabbed a can of spray paint and immediately sprayed the words “I AM” onto the mirror in order to immortalise the feeling. Every day Max would look into the mirror and repeat to himself “I AM strong, I AM powerful and I AM a survivor”. The artist transformed the mirror from a tool for self-hatred and depression, into a tool for strength, happiness and love. Ever since the artist has been able to control his depression, having more good days than bad. Max has been making art ever since. Each piece with its imperfections and scars, just as he has his own. “Nothing is perfect, we shouldn’t strive for perfection but rather love ourselves with or without our impurities.” - Max Wel Today Max makes one-off pieces using vintage and second-hand mirrors, transforming them into unique works of art intending to lift the moods of the individual looking into them. He truly believes that you can be whatever you want to be if you look yourself in the mirror and declare it.