Lewis Brillet

Studio Upstairs is a project I started in 2016. Following the loss of my elder brother in a tragic accident, I needed to focus on something to help me cope through the intense mourning process. Through my creative outlet being mainly photography and writing at the time, I sought to explore how art had become an integral part of the recovery process and a much needed form of expression for others, as it had for me.

Studio Upstairs is an arts and health charity with studios located in Bristol and London. I came to understand that although every member may have been going through different issues, they had found solidarity in the space provided by the art therapy studio. As someone who has difficulty expressing their emotions vocally, I was touched that I was accepted into their community. I was also going through my own personal process and I think that helped provide a connection between me and the members I was documenting.