Abstract:
Artistic influences, art creation, mental health and wellbeing experiences are represented in the following
essay. Through my interpretation of Plato and Socrates' dialogue on what it is to be ‘good’ as described in
the ‘Allegory of the Cave’, I offer personal insight into the lived experience and thought processes as I
progressed through my schooling life. Insights into the challenges that I faced, the ideas that carried me
through, the influences by ‘others’ and through creation of my art, giving me the opportunity to explore
and understand better who I am and what it is to be an artist.