We recently connected with Bella Mfon and have shared our conversation below.
Bella, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from my life experiences, my passion for art, and my commitment to advocating for mental health. Art has always been my sanctuary—a way to process emotions and transform challenges into something meaningful. As someone who creates art to speak for those experiencing brokenness, loneliness, or abandonment, I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Additionally, my role as a mental health advocate has taught me the importance of self-awareness, inner strength, and vulnerability. Knowing that my work can inspire others to heal and find their resilience motivates me to keep pushing forward, even when times are tough.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a self-taught abstract visual artist and a mental health advocate based in Abuja, Nigeria. My work focuses on using acrylics and textures to explore themes of light, darkness, mental well-being, and the challenges of life. My art is deeply personal and therapeutic, serving as a way to express thoughts and emotions I can’t always articulate.
What excites me most about my art is its ability to connect with people on a deeper level. I aim to create relatable pieces that encourage viewers to reflect on their own experiences and embrace life, no matter the challenges. My work speaks for those who feel broken, lonely, or abandoned, reminding them that they are not alone and that healing is possible.
Recently, I’ve been working on expanding my advocacy efforts by combining art and mental health awareness. One of my dreams is to establish a foundation where children can learn to use art as a tool for self-expression and emotional healing. I believe nurturing creativity from a young age can have a profound impact on their mental health and overall well-being.
To anyone engaging with my art, I’d like them to know that every piece is crafted with the intention of inspiring hope and resilience. Art is not just something to be admired—it’s a powerful medium for connection, healing, and transformation.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, self-expression, and a willingness to learn and evolve.
1. Resilience: Life and creativity both come with challenges, but resilience has taught me to view obstacles as stepping stones rather than barriers. I have learned to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. It’s important to cultivate a mindset that sees failures not as the end but as lessons that make you stronger.
2. Self-expression: Finding and owning my creative voice has been transformative. It’s not just about creating art—it’s about telling a story that’s uniquely yours. If you’re starting out, take time to explore different mediums, styles, and concepts. Let your personal experiences and emotions guide you, and remember that authenticity always resonates more than perfection.
3. Willingness to Learn and Evolve: Being self-taught has required an openness to learning from everywhere—mentors, peers, books, and even mistakes. For those at the beginning of their journey, remain curious and humble. Seek feedback, invest in skill-building, and stay adaptable. Growth is a lifelong process, and each new lesson adds depth to your work and your perspective.
My advice to anyone starting out is to stay true to your purpose and passion. Your journey will be unique, and that’s what makes it valuable. Keep showing up, even on tough days, and trust that your growth is a process. Be patient and purposeful. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but if you remain true to your passion and are willing to grow, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. Trust the process—it’s just as important as the destination.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am always open to partnering or collaborating with individuals and organizations who share a passion for art, mental health advocacy, and empowering the next generation.
I’m particularly interested in working with:
– Mental health professionals and organizations to create programs that combine art therapy with mental health education.
– Fellow artists who are eager to collaborate on projects that explore themes of healing, resilience, and self-expression.
– Non-profits or educational institutions focused on supporting children, especially girls, through creative and emotional development.
– Corporate or philanthropic partners who want to support initiatives that use art to create meaningful social impact.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect and explore ways we can work together. You can reach me via email or social media. Let’s create something meaningful that inspires and uplifts others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instragram.com/bella.mfon
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/bellamfon-essien
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellamfon
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
