Six years after the artist Charles Winthrop Norton took his life, his art is being used to help others with mental health struggles.

His colorful, whimsical and satirical characters are known as “The Pippins.” The elongated figures have a dash of haberdashery. Born in Washington, D.C., Norton grew up in Bali, Singapore and France, where his art leaned towards Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh. Along with his art, Norton, who was 24 at the time of his death, also wrote poetry. Now his work is being used in exhibitions, in medical facilities and through retail merchandise to destigmatize the conversation around mental health.

More than one billion people are living with mental health disorders, according to data released last month by the World Health Organization.

Norton’s father Chri

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