‘Keep Calm & Carry On Colouring’ is a publication featuring 16 drawings which were selected by the team, with accompanying statements from the artists about themselves, their work and why they wanted to be involved in this project.
The aim of the book is to encourage students studying at Loughborough to manage their stresses through a creative outlet.
The collection has drawings dedicated to space, architecture and quirky iconography as well as more abstract designs.
All of the contributed pieces have been submitted by Fine Art and Graphic Communication and Illustration students and graduates, who were paid for their work.
They are available to Loughborough students free of charge at various LU Arts events and on campus throughout the year.
Talking about the book, Director of LU Arts Nick Slater said: “Mindfulness is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing in the moment, free from distraction and fully focused on the activity we are involved in.
“We hope that this colouring book will help other students to escape the stresses of daily life, providing an opportunity to channel their thoughts and creativity through colouring in the imaginative and intricate drawings contained within the book.”
One of the contributing artists, Becky Shepperson, added: “Colouring is one of those things that can benefit everybody, there’s nothing more relaxing than cosying up with a hot drink and a colouring book to destress – it’s helped me many times!
“I hope my design will allow people to forget about life’s stresses for a while and fall in love with art.”
Another student, Lily Bohanne – who also designed the front cover of the book - commented: “I wanted to create a fun and entertaining style to reflect positivity and to give users a taste for creativity.
“I believe colouring is a great way to focus on ourselves and to reflect on things we ordinarily never give a moment’s thought to.”
The mindfulness colouring book is just one way in which LU Arts is helping to support the health and wellbeing of students this year.
A weekly programme of fun and uplifting activities is taking place this term to encourage students to take some time out from their studies and escape the pressures of daily life.
Activities range from hands-on practical sessions to more energetic and physical ones, learning new skills and techniques along the way which can be used to help reduce anxiety and contribute to a sense of wellbeing. More information on this free programme for students can be found here.
LU Arts provide a variety of creative opportunities for students throughout the year, including Happy Mondays, clubs and societies, and tuition and classes. For more information on how to get involved, visit the LU Arts website.