Winnie The Pooh: Tigger Warning (2023)

Oil on canvas - 100x100cm

Having a father who grappled with alcoholism after his tough childhood and time in the Vietnam War — a time when men were often silenced about their struggles — I saw firsthand how substance dependency could be a form of coping. While my own 'addictions' never involved substances, they manifested through an intense connection to the digital world. Whether it was gaming or diving into chat rooms, these activities became my escape, a safer way to interact than facing real-world social interactions. It was a way of channeling something that might have been inherited, but directed into pixels and chat windows.

Winnie the Pooh, from the stories by A.A. Milne, is often joyfully simple, yet profound. Each character depicts different traits, and it’s been suggested they represent various mental health issues. These characters deeply resonate with children and adults alike, perhaps because they reflect the spectrum of personalities and challenges we encounter in life.

This piece plays on the idea of addiction, acceptance and personal quirks. In the stories, Pooh and his friends accept each other's flaws and virtues without condition. Much like in recovery from addiction, where acceptance and accountability to oneself are crucial steps, the characters’ unconditional friendships offer a lesson in loving and accepting ourselves. Could there be a more relevant lesson for our times, as we navigate the complexities of digital engagement and real-life connections? This piece is a tribute to the innocent yet insightful world of Pooh, pointing us towards acceptance and self-love in an age where digital personas often obscure our true selves.

Extra Information: 

In Winnie the Pooh, created by A.A. Milne, each character in uniquely showcases traits that many interpret as reflections of psychological conditions. For instance, Pooh's honey fixation has been likened to obsessive compulsive disorder, Piglet reflects generalised anxiety disorder, and Eeyore's gloomy outlook mirrors depression. These interpretations, though likely not intended by Milne, have allowed the stories to resonate deeply with audiences, providing a gentle exploration of mental health through the lens of beloved characters.