Noah Burgan on Art as Healing

by Teague McDaniel

Meet multidisciplinary artist Noah Burgan (she/they). Burgan grew up and is based in Aurora, Colorado in a religious household. They have built resilience through her artistic expression. Noah spoke with OFM and shared inspiring insight on the impact of art on their mental health and how art can be used as a vehicle to address serious issues like suicide, trauma, and self-harm.

Can you describe your art?

The main driver of my creative practice is my need to have people understand what I go through. Being a trans woman, it can feel difficult to feel understood. I am able to depict my experiences through photography, fashion, painting, and drawing. In some ways, I am able to let go of built up trauma as well. In my artwork, people can see and understand things like my gender dysphoria or traumatic experiences without me having to relive those experiences.

People sometimes find it difficult to express themselves creatively during times when they are experiencing trauma or are struggling with their mental health. Have you been able to stay connected to your practice during difficult times? Yes, I have. As an artist, art is something that has always been extremely present throughout my life. Art is something that allows me to speak up for myself even when I am in situations where I have no voice.

What kind of advice would you give to someone who wants to continue expressing their creativity during a time of trauma, external stress, grief, or who is struggling with mental health?

If you create while you are experiencing something difficult, you will be able to look back and understand how much you deserve and how much you are worth. Creative expression can be something that allows you to let go of pain, trauma, and let go of something that really hurt you. Being creative will allow you to grow as a human being. When you are struggling, the best thing you can do is find people that push you creatively and emotionally and who push you to leave situations that hurt you.

How does making art impact your mental health?

Being a creative person has given me the power back to write my own narrative, create things that represent my identity, and share hopes that I have for my future. I often work in self-portraiture. I find a sense of comfort in self-portraits because they allow me to see myself as I truly am–as a woman, as a trans woman. It has been really empowering for me to see myself reflected back in my art.

One of my self-portraits that is in progress right now addresses suicide and self-harm. It is a conversation I avoided in my art for a long time. I have been working on this piece so that I can show people that you don’t have to hurt yourself or do things that make you feel less human. Being able to create this art piece has allowed me to heal trauma from when I was younger and the struggle that I have had with my mental health as a whole.

Do you feel that creative expression can be used as a tool by people to positively impact their mental health?

Creativity is so powerful for people who have trauma because you can harness pain from an experience and let it go. When you create art pieces and put art out into the world, it is no longer yours. That experience is so freeing because you are able to let go of that experience that you had.

Are there any organizations that you would recommend for people struggling with similar issues?

If you are trans and local to Denver, I would recommend that people utilize the Transgender Center of the Rockies. The Trevor Project is also a great resource.

What’s on your horizon?

My hope for my future is to be able to not only continue my creative passions but to work on understanding my self worth. In addition to that, I have dreams of moving into a city like Denver or New York to pursue art. I hope to continue to empower people with my experiences. I want people to understand that they deserve better and that it truly will get better.

You can find my work at noahburgan.com or through Instagram @_noah_poptart_.