My name is Alicia Rocha Treviño. My initials are A.R.T. but despite “ art” being in my name, I never took an art class.

I migrated to Nelson, New Zealand from Mexico eight years ago after completing a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology and international studies. I started working as a support worker but then I got a severe concussion at work after I collapsed and had a blackout.

As a result of this brain injury, I experienced the worst migraines, nausea, hypersensitivity to noise, lights and smells, and I was overwhelmed by social gatherings where there was a lot going on.

As a result, I hardly ever left home for months. My occupational therapist suggested going to a Nelson creative space called Magenta because I was feeling isolated and depressed at the new limitations of my life with PCS (post-concussion syndrome).

I first went there two years ago. I remember clearly the first day I arrived at Magenta Creative Space: the warm and welcoming smiles, the non-judgemental casual vibe of the place, and the endless possibilities to create, with all kinds of art supplies provided.

At Magenta, I was encouraged to grab a brush and just paint. One of the tutors found a donated, unfinished landscape canvas and handed it to me.

And then the magic happened. After intuitive strokes my “Dreamland” landscape emerged and creatures of my imagination started to take shape from my deepest emotions: for example, my anxiety took the shape of a jellyfish, my loneliness became a whale.

I understood that my subconscious mind was at work when I painted, and I was able to have a better understanding of myself and others through art.

A place to create, connect, heal and be inspired

This was the beginning of a beautiful journey at Magenta, a place that offered me the possibility to create, connect, heal and be inspired on my darkest days while living with PCS and mental distress.

One canvas turned into a mural, which led to me joining in the creation of a community mural in Nile St. From there, I was offered a solo project, which was a painting of an axolotl on one of those electrical boxes around the city as a tribute to every migrant in New Zealand.

This was very special because I had the opportunity to think of my roots and where I am now.

I have connected with a lot of people in the Nelson art scene, including Tanya Nook, the Creative Manager and Director of Cultural Conversations, a creative space in Nelson supporting migrant women.

Helping women on their business journeys

Tanya invited me to be one of the artists at Cultural Conversations and also help the women there with their own business journeys. 

Art became a tool in my recovery. I can now advocate for art and mental wellbeing because I know how powerful art can be when you use it to connect and thrive.

I am now offering a workshop at Magenta called Women's Creative Circle to explore different possibilities to connect with our emotions and gain a clearer understanding of our experiences.

Sharing my love for the arts and for community

Recently I became a relief tutor at Magenta and I enjoy being part of the team, sharing my love for the arts and for the community I'm privileged to be part of. I also offer therapy sessions at the Women's Centre. 

It’s full of beautiful, kind souls who come to the studio every day. And despite their own struggles in their wellbeing journey, they are willing to share and inspire their fellow artists to keep going and brighten life with all their colours.

I will present my first solo exhibition in the gallery at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology from 13 to 19 October. Exciting times! 

Magenta Creative Space and Cultural Conversations are members of the Creative Spaces Network. Find out more about creative spaces in the Tasman and Nelson regions.