Coby Verkerk paints in bright colours to chase away dark thoughts. Feelings like fear, awkwardness, anxiety, and confusion are expressed through portrayals of colourful and endearing little misfits which evoke sympathy rather than judgement. By projecting these emotions on her creatures and characters, Coby can look at her insecurities from an outside perspective; in doing this she is able to view these feelings and their outward presentation objectively and see herself in a kinder, less negative light. Depression and anxiety are formidable opponents in life, but humour and creativity are her weapons. Coby chooses to wield those weapons to change negative into positive. she states, “… the process of creating can lift my mind from chaos for a few hours at a time as I focus my energies and thoughts on simple brushstrokes. The fact that I sometimes come out of it with artwork I can enjoy and which others might be able to relate to, is a bonus.”
