Hello everyone I have created a webpage for my Work Stress collection check it out https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/work-stress-collection-1

Hi Everyone here is my painting and poem of  

 also if you want to purchase any of my Work Stress art collection check out my website shop https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop/ols/categories/stress-collections 

Work stress collection

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES 

This collection is a point of view of a modern-day call centre worker in an anonymous call centre highlighting there stress in a pressured environment and has no detriment or bearing on my current role with my current or previous employers. My employer is an ethical caring company and is an extremely good employer and looks after the employees they employ. 

​

I AM NOT A NUMBER? (Work stress  collection) is a depiction of a call centre worker in an anonymous call centre who wants to believe he is not a number but questions the reality of this. The painting also depicts the stress of working in a anonymous call centre where the dehumanisation of workers treated as numbers by there log in codes, passwords, PC numbers, desk numbers and the never ending pursuit of tidy desk policies takes away the human element of people, leaving the feeling of being treated as just another number. The workers are in modern day slavery in the form of the telephone depicted as a ball and chain which they have to man for 7 hours a day to the second, there hands are handcuffed depicting the futility of there day to day struggles with stressful telephone calls, targets and pressures of the working day. 

​

The left hand of the painting begins with a slight human form gradually moving to the right of the picture the people begin to turn into computers depicting the ever increasing drive for efficiency and the feeling of being just a number, where the staff can be replaced by the next person in the dole queue. 

He is a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile.

This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time

​

Painted in a Abstract expressionistic style using free flowing brush strokes and pallet knife Painted in Acrylic

​​

How to Break the vicious cycle of negativity and turning negatives to positives

Negative thinking= The above painting, writings and feelings was painted and written to try and help show and deal with my feelings at work in a previous employment and in a difficult period in my life and trying to put my feelings down on canvas. My outlook on the working environment I was in at the time is depicted in the paintings of this stress collection. 

My work stress turned in on itself into anxiety, paranoia, insomnia and tears and fears and brought about a negative vicious cycle which snowballed into a larger problem for me at the time.

I succumbed to negative thoughts feelings and processes resulting in having a breakdown, I was fearful of letting my employer Know of my stress at work and this brought about a negative cycle of emotion and stress Like the uroborus Dragon eating itself and stuck in a negative cycle. 

Positive thinking= the paintings at the time were made to help relieve the stress and to put a lighter spin on the stresses and strains of work in order that it would help combat the problems I was experiencing at the time.

My spin on the comment “He is a number of many and like the Borg of star trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile” was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in to help with my work anxiety and stress.  This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time 

This work stress collection highlights my feelings at the time and the above painting highlights my thought process at the time. After many years of working in different companies I have been able to flip a negative feeling into positive feeling. Whereas In the past I focused on the negatives now I focus on the positives that can come from my artwork and I look at life in a different way. 

The “I am not a number painting?” is exactly that, I am not a number I am a man with feelings, thoughts and emotions and not a computer. I am free to choose my path in life and I choose to do positive things with it. I am not a slave.

I have refocused my mind on helping people and I have flipped into a positive and I look to see what I can do to help the customers on the phone and do everything I can do to help them. this is a mission for me to do the best I can to treat each customer individually and fairly  for the benefit of the customer and company.

In order for me to break the cycle of negativity in my life I need to focus on what good can be done and turn a negative into a positive. These stressful events happened and it has been a constant worry and cause of stress, anxiety, insomnia and paranoia over the years. Stressful events will happen in the future but I will have to deal positively with them in the future.

I accept that the stressful events happened in my life causing all my pain, suffering and misery and I now let this go to help break that vicious cycle of the uroboros Dragon eating itself in negativity and bring about a positive change in that cycle. Turning the negative uroboro Dragon  into a positive cycle Dragon 

Stress can be a good thing, the fight or flight response is a natural process for dealing with a threat or stressful event, it helps you react to a dangerous situation or perceived threat that can help you fight or run away. It’s a natural process. however too much stress can turn into a negative and lead to illness. How much stress is too much depends on each person individually, some can deal with a lot of stress others can crumble at a little stress. You need to strike a balance in work and home life to deal with the stress. 

I understand that negativity eats away at the soul and you are only hurting yourself by thinking negatively and doing negative thoughts, actions and deeds 

THINK POSITIVE, DO POSITIVE THINGS IN MIND BODY AND SOUL, BRING A BALANCE IN LIFE TO BE AS ONE WITH THE NATURAL ORDER OF LIFE. 

If you are also in a vicious cycle of negativity remember “always look on the bright side of life” as in the words of the life of Brian. This is what my Dad and I sing together to brighten up a dark thought or place. 

A lot of the time it may be a hard thing to do but always seek help because a brighter day will come in your life to overcome your worries and stress.

Monty python- always look on the bright side of life lyrics

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle, that's the thing

And always look on the bright side of life
Come on!
Always look on the right side of life

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it, it's your last chance anyhow

So, always look on the bright side of death
A-just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life

C'mon Brian, cheer up!

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life

Worse things happen at sea, you know
Always look on the bright side of life

I mean, what have you got to lose
You know, you come from nothing, you're going back to nothing
What have you lost? Nothing!

Always look on the right side of life...

Nothing will come from nothing, you know what they say?
Cheer up you old bugger, c'mon give us a grin!
There you are, see, it's the end of the film
Incidentally, this record is available in the foyer
Some of us have to got live as well, you know

Who do you think pays for all this rubbish
They're not gonna make their money back, you know
I told them, I said to them, Bernie, I said they'll never make their money back

Original artwork with signed Certificate of Authenticity

Aproximate sizes 

W 47.5” x H 15" D 1.5”

Media: Acrylic 

Surface: Box stretched canvas

can you do feedback and critique on the painting entitled I am not another Number ?

Absolutely—thank you for sharing this thought-provoking painting. Here's a detailed feedback and critique of “I Am Not Another Number”:

This piece immediately delivers a strong socio-political message through its title and composition. The phrase “I AM NOT A NUMBER?” scrawled across the top confronts the viewer with a personal, emotional appeal about identity, dehumanization, and conformity—particularly within structured, possibly corporate or institutional systems.

• Color Palette: The dark, cool blues and muted browns give the work a somber, oppressive mood, reflecting feelings of anonymity, control, or sadness. The stark whites used for the text and the numbered heads offer striking contrast, demanding attention and emphasizing the theme of depersonalization.
   
• Figures & Repetition: The repetition of faceless or semi-faceless figures at workstations, most wearing headsets, evokes a call center, factory, or even a prison-like environment. Each figure being labeled with a number reinforces the theme of lost individuality.
   
• Perspective & Movement: The linear perspective leads the viewer’s eye down the row of nearly identical figures, emphasizing the endlessness of this system. The distortion and painterly brushstrokes give the image an almost surreal, dreamlike (or nightmarish) quality—suggesting emotional chaos beneath an orderly structure.
   
• Textural Quality: There's a rich impasto and expressive brushwork, giving physicality to the painting. This texture contrasts with the mechanical roles of the figures—perhaps hinting that under this uniformity, human depth and emotion persist.
   

• Headsets and Screens: These elements are significant. The headsets suggest a lack of voice or personal choice, while the screens could symbolize digital surveillance, corporate monotony, or societal pressure to conform.
   
• Question Mark in the Title: The question mark is vital—it turns the statement into a plea or protest, possibly even self-doubt. It complicates the assertion, suggesting that the speaker may fear being reduced to just a number despite trying to resist it.
   
• Number 13 in Red: The figure labeled "13" is painted in more vibrant reddish tones compared to the rest. This could represent a moment of rebellion, awareness, or an individual beginning to reassert their identity amid the conformity. Alternatively, 13 is often viewed as unlucky or marked—maybe this figure is being punished for standing out?
   

• Strong visual metaphor for loss of individuality in modern society—be it corporate, bureaucratic, or technological.
   
• The ambiguity and roughness in the figures add emotional depth—they're abstract enough for viewers to project their own interpretations.
   
• It touches on timeless themes of identity, control, labor, alienation, and resistance.
   

• Legibility of text: The “I AM NOT A NUMBER?” text could be slightly more legible if the background had less texture behind it. This might help the message hit even harder.
   
• Pacing and rhythm: The spacing of the figures on the right side begins to feel slightly cramped. If that’s intentional (to show overwhelming scale), it works—but if not, a touch more breathing space there might balance the composition.
   
• Facial Detail: The faces are abstracted, which supports the theme. However, including just one or two slightly more expressive or detailed faces could increase the emotional impact—offering a point of empathetic connection for the viewer.
   

This is a powerful and deeply resonant piece. It makes a clear emotional and conceptual statement while leaving room for interpretation. The raw, expressive technique matches the rawness of the theme. It challenges viewers to question the systems they’re part of—and whether they, too, are becoming "just another number."

 please write a review and critique on my poem of I am not a number . 

I am not a number? Where numbers and answers  Dictate the rule  Its cruel  Names are erased in a neon haze  A call centre gaze  They graze on complaints galore  Theres much more  I’ll tell ya the score  Yeah the call centre worker  Tries to believe and achieve  More than just a number  Breaking the shell  From this living hell  Where people turn into computers  Handcuffed to a chair  7 hrs a day  He says no way   The number 13 says  “I am not a number” Wakes from his slumber  Rebelin and yellin  Times a tellin  At the end of the day  When he can walk away  From computers  Into commuters in a  Mancunian town  Where people frown and get down Grey Metropolis town   So yeah  I am not a number? Where numbers and answers  Dictate the rule  Its cruel  Names are erased in a neon haze  A call centre gaze  They graze on complaints galore  Theres much more  Number 13   He’ll tell ya the score    

Your poem "I am not a number" and the accompanying painting form a raw and compelling portrait of life inside a call center — a space where individuality is blurred, names are forgotten, and workers are reduced to digits. The synergy between the visual and the verbal is powerful. Here's a breakdown of my review and critique:

Theme and Message:The poem fiercely asserts human identity in the face of dehumanizing corporate structures. The refrain “I am not a number” is both a cry of resistance and a plea for recognition — it harks back to the iconic line from The Prisoner, but you’ve recontextualized it within the modern dystopia of call center culture. The imagery of being "handcuffed to a chair", and "people turn into computers", reflects the brutal monotony and loss of autonomy these environments create.

Tone and Voice:There’s a gritty, conversational tone that makes the poem feel grounded and real — especially in lines like:

"Yeah the call centre worker / Tries to believe and achieve"
 

and

"He’ll tell ya the score"
 

This choice of voice adds a sense of working-class Mancunian authenticity and brings a lived-in weariness to the poem.

Structure and Rhythm:The loose rhyme and uneven meter mimic the chaos and unpredictability of the job itself. Lines snap and shift with emotional energy — almost like a freestyle rant — which fits the content perfectly. Still, there’s a kind of looping structure that brings the reader back to the same painful cycle.

Imagery & Symbolism:

• Neon haze and call centre gaze beautifully capture the sterile, artificial nature of the setting.
   
• Number 13 becomes the anti-hero — the worker who dares to rebel. Thirteen, of course, carries connotations of bad luck and outsider status — perfect symbolism for someone pushing against the system.
   
• The "grey Metropolis town" reinforces the mood of bleak repetition and alienation, also grounding the poem in Manchester's post-industrial aesthetic.
   

1. Repetition as Power – and Risk:The repeated lines at the beginning and end:
    "I am not a number? / Where numbers and answers / Dictate the rule / It’s cruel"
   
   create a circular structure — echoing the idea of being trapped in a loop — but consider tightening the repetition slightly or varying it more on the second go-round to increase impact.
    
2. Punctuation and Flow:The lack of punctuation creates urgency but also makes some lines harder to follow. You might consider light punctuation to guide the reader’s rhythm, especially where meaning might be ambiguous.
    
3. Deeper Contrast:You describe the struggle within the call center vividly. What would help is sharpening the contrast with what freedom feels like outside — even just a glimpse of a different life beyond commuters and frowns. This would make the rebellion feel more hopeful and not just a temporary escape.
    
4. "Score" as a motif:You repeat “I’ll tell ya the score” and “He’ll tell ya the score.” It’s effective, but consider building on the metaphor of "the score" — is it a tally of wrongs, a football match, or some deeper accounting of humanity vs. system?
    

Your visual work complements the poem beautifully:

• The workers are faceless or featureless, all plugged in, robotic, de-individualized — a powerful visual echo of the poem’s theme.
   
• The large looming numbers on their heads speak directly to their erasure.
   
• The central figure, Number 13, stands out in color and shape, hinting at their awakening or resistance.
   

The background phrase "I AM NOT A NUMBER?" scrawled above them serves as both graffiti-like protest and existential question, reinforcing the urgency and desperation of the piece.

This is a deeply expressive piece — a blend of performance poetry, visual art, and social commentary. It captures the soul-drain of repetitive, target-driven labor while refusing to let go of the human spirit underneath.

You're not just telling a story — you're giving voice to a workforce that often feels voiceless. And Number 13? He’s all of us, trying to scream above the system’s hum.

   Hi Everyone here is my painting and poem of   

 also if you want to purchase any of my Work Stress art collection check out my website shop https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop/ols/categories/stress-collections  

Work stress collection

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES 

This collection is a point of view of a modern-day call centre worker in an anonymous call centre highlighting there stress in a pressured environment and has no detriment or bearing on my current role with my current or previous employers. My employer is an ethical caring company and is an extremely good employer and looks after the employees they employ. 

​

I AM NOT A NUMBER? (Work stress  collection) is a depiction of a call centre worker in an anonymous call centre who wants to believe he is not a number but questions the reality of this. The painting also depicts the stress of working in a anonymous call centre where the dehumanisation of workers treated as numbers by there log in codes, passwords, PC numbers, desk numbers and the never ending pursuit of tidy desk policies takes away the human element of people, leaving the feeling of being treated as just another number. The workers are in modern day slavery in the form of the telephone depicted as a ball and chain which they have to man for 7 hours a day to the second, there hands are handcuffed depicting the futility of there day to day struggles with stressful telephone calls, targets and pressures of the working day. 

​

The left hand of the painting begins with a slight human form gradually moving to the right of the picture the people begin to turn into computers depicting the ever increasing drive for efficiency and the feeling of being just a number, where the staff can be replaced by the next person in the dole queue. 

He is a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile.

This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time

​

Painted in a Abstract expressionistic style using free flowing brush strokes and pallet knife Painted in Acrylic

​​

How to Break the vicious cycle of negativity and turning negatives to positives

Negative thinking= The above painting, writings and feelings was painted and written to try and help show and deal with my feelings at work in a previous employment and in a difficult period in my life and trying to put my feelings down on canvas. My outlook on the working environment I was in at the time is depicted in the paintings of this stress collection. 

My work stress turned in on itself into anxiety, paranoia, insomnia and tears and fears and brought about a negative vicious cycle which snowballed into a larger problem for me at the time.

I succumbed to negative thoughts feelings and processes resulting in having a breakdown, I was fearful of letting my employer Know of my stress at work and this brought about a negative cycle of emotion and stress Like the uroborus Dragon eating itself and stuck in a negative cycle. 

Positive thinking= the paintings at the time were made to help relieve the stress and to put a lighter spin on the stresses and strains of work in order that it would help combat the problems I was experiencing at the time.

My spin on the comment “He is a number of many and like the Borg of star trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile” was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in to help with my work anxiety and stress.  This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time 

This work stress collection highlights my feelings at the time and the above painting highlights my thought process at the time. After many years of working in different companies I have been able to flip a negative feeling into positive feeling. Whereas In the past I focused on the negatives now I focus on the positives that can come from my artwork and I look at life in a different way. 

The “I am not a number painting?” is exactly that, I am not a number I am a man with feelings, thoughts and emotions and not a computer. I am free to choose my path in life and I choose to do positive things with it. I am not a slave.

I have refocused my mind on helping people and I have flipped into a positive and I look to see what I can do to help the customers on the phone and do everything I can do to help them. this is a mission for me to do the best I can to treat each customer individually and fairly  for the benefit of the customer and company.

In order for me to break the cycle of negativity in my life I need to focus on what good can be done and turn a negative into a positive. These stressful events happened and it has been a constant worry and cause of stress, anxiety, insomnia and paranoia over the years. Stressful events will happen in the future but I will have to deal positively with them in the future.

I accept that the stressful events happened in my life causing all my pain, suffering and misery and I now let this go to help break that vicious cycle of the uroboros Dragon eating itself in negativity and bring about a positive change in that cycle. Turning the negative uroboro Dragon  into a positive cycle Dragon 

Stress can be a good thing, the fight or flight response is a natural process for dealing with a threat or stressful event, it helps you react to a dangerous situation or perceived threat that can help you fight or run away. It’s a natural process. however too much stress can turn into a negative and lead to illness. How much stress is too much depends on each person individually, some can deal with a lot of stress others can crumble at a little stress. You need to strike a balance in work and home life to deal with the stress. 

I understand that negativity eats away at the soul and you are only hurting yourself by thinking negatively and doing negative thoughts, actions and deeds 

THINK POSITIVE, DO POSITIVE THINGS IN MIND BODY AND SOUL, BRING A BALANCE IN LIFE TO BE AS ONE WITH THE NATURAL ORDER OF LIFE. 

If you are also in a vicious cycle of negativity remember “always look on the bright side of life” as in the words of the life of Brian. This is what my Dad and I sing together to brighten up a dark thought or place. 

A lot of the time it may be a hard thing to do but always seek help because a brighter day will come in your life to overcome your worries and stress.

Monty python- always look on the bright side of life lyrics

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle, that's the thing

And always look on the bright side of life
Come on!
Always look on the right side of life

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it, it's your last chance anyhow

So, always look on the bright side of death
A-just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life

C'mon Brian, cheer up!

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life

Worse things happen at sea, you know
Always look on the bright side of life

I mean, what have you got to lose
You know, you come from nothing, you're going back to nothing
What have you lost? Nothing!

Always look on the right side of life...

Nothing will come from nothing, you know what they say?
Cheer up you old bugger, c'mon give us a grin!
There you are, see, it's the end of the film
Incidentally, this record is available in the foyer
Some of us have to got live as well, you know

Who do you think pays for all this rubbish
They're not gonna make their money back, you know
I told them, I said to them, Bernie, I said they'll never make their money back

Original artwork with signed Certificate of Authenticity

Aproximate sizes 

W 47.5” x H 15" D 1.5”

Media: Acrylic 

Surface: Box stretched canvas

--------------------

 Please can you do a review and critique on my painting entitled Ball and Chain 

This is a depiction of a call centre worker in an anonymous call centre where he feels he is chained to the desk for 7 hours a day to the second, The telephone and headset is replaced by the ball and chain of modern day slavery. His hands are handcuffed depicting the futility of his day to day struggles, His unlucky plight is depicted by the number he wears and uses as his identity to log into his everyday job.   

Your painting, Ball and Chain, effectively conveys the emotional and psychological weight of modern-day work struggles, particularly in an anonymous, dehumanizing environment like a call centre. Here’s my review and critique of your piece:

The raw, bold brushstrokes and vivid color contrasts in your painting immediately communicate a sense of distress and confinement. The deep, earthy tones of brown and beige create a grounding, almost oppressive atmosphere, reinforcing the feeling of being trapped. The pop of blue in the worker's chair and the subtle hints of yellow in the hands highlight key elements of the scene, subtly drawing the viewer's eye to the most significant parts: the worker’s hands, restrained by the cuffs, and the identity number on his head.

The figure is distorted and abstract, which speaks to the internal chaos and disconnect the worker feels. The unusual angles, like the twisted posture and the stretched arms, powerfully communicate the physical and emotional strain. The use of a ball and chain to replace the telephone and headset is a poignant metaphor for the oppressive nature of the job. The chain is a clear symbol of restriction, and by transforming the communication tool into a tool of bondage, you emphasize the sense of powerlessness and restriction.

The figure’s face is abstracted, suggesting that the worker’s individuality has been stripped away in favor of a faceless number. The "13" on the head, along with the anonymous identity number referenced, adds an unsettling, impersonal layer. The notion of a person reduced to a number in the context of the workplace is a strong and relatable commentary on the anonymity and isolation that many workers feel in corporate environments.

The handcuffs and the reference to "modern-day slavery" are powerful visual cues. This provides a critical reflection on the nature of contemporary labor, particularly in service industries like call centers, where workers may feel disconnected from their own humanity and stuck in a cycle of mindless routine. The use of the ball and chain, alongside the metaphor of slavery, speaks volumes about how modern work can be exploitative and soul-crushing despite its outwardly “ordinary” nature.

While the heavy, abstract style is effective in conveying emotion, there could be some refinement in the figure’s form. The exaggerated lines and disproportionate limbs work to suggest the physical toll, but some viewers may find it a bit difficult to follow the visual narrative of the character. A bit more clarity or contrast in the figure's pose could add more precision to the idea of being physically “chained” while also navigating the “mundane” reality of the work environment.

The text, Ball and Chain, scrawled in a stark, minimalist way, enhances the rawness of the piece, almost as if it's a grim reminder of the theme. However, there’s a risk that some might miss its significance if they're too focused on the figurative elements.

The overall emotional tone is one of frustration, entrapment, and resignation, which feels urgent and relatable. As someone who may not be familiar with this kind of work environment, the piece still speaks to the universal experience of being stuck in a system that feels overwhelming and unyielding.

Your work succeeds in capturing the complex emotions of disillusionment and oppression tied to repetitive, soul-draining labor. The abstract style and bold use of color make the painting impactful, while the symbolic elements strengthen its message. There’s a rawness and urgency in the work that effectively communicates the toll that the modern workplace can take on one's mental and physical well-being.

If I were to suggest improvements, it would be to enhance the clarity of the central figure’s posture so that the symbolic message of entrapment is more immediately accessible, while maintaining the striking abstraction and emotional intensity. Overall, it’s a powerful commentary on contemporary work culture.

 ---------------------

 Please write a review and critique on my poem Ball and chain in a rich mans game. 

Ball and Chain  Call centre number  shackled with no name  is it a game  working man’s shame with scripts to follow Making you hollow   you’re just a number  a Ball and Chain  in this game of life  trouble and strife   but this man’s got a life  outside of work creatin and making  his dreams to come true  better days  at the end of his days   so, until then  he’ll be a ball and chain   in a rich man’s game     

Your poem Ball and Chain in a Rich Man’s Game, when paired with your expressionist painting, forms a deeply evocative and unified artistic statement on alienation, identity loss, and the quiet resilience of the working class. Here's a detailed review and critique of your poem:

The poem captures the emotional desolation and identity erasure of call center workers—reduced to mere numbers, bound by restrictive scripts, and suffocated by corporate expectations. The metaphor of the "ball and chain" powerfully evokes imprisonment, not just physically to the desk, but psychologically to a system designed by and for the benefit of the “rich man.”

This is not just about labor; it’s about class, dignity, and the quiet rebellion of the creative spirit. The central message is clear: the speaker may be shackled in the present, but his dreams remain unbroken.

• Repetition and Rhythm: The repetition of “ball and chain” strengthens the poem’s thematic core. It gives the piece a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality—emphasizing monotony while also underlining resistance.
   
• Metaphor: “Ball and Chain,” “rich man’s game,” and “scripts to follow / Making you hollow” are vivid and layered metaphors. They create a tension between being controlled and striving for autonomy.
   
• Contrast: There’s a strong shift midway—“but this man’s got a life / outside of work.” This pivot adds hope and humanizes the worker. It’s the poem’s emotional heartbeat.
   

The painting enhances the poem’s emotional weight with visual immediacy. The figure—twisted and contorted, head marked with a number, eyes wide with despair—embodies the line “Call centre number / shackled with no name.” The chained ball is literal, the stress monitor reads like a scream, and even the palette (heavy browns and shadowy blues) suggests suffocation.

Together, text and image create a modern-day lament, not just about labor, but about stolen identity and the deep ache of suppressed creativity.

1. Title Rhythm: “Ball and Chain in a Rich Man’s Game” is effective but a bit long. Consider tightening it to something like Ball and Chain or Rich Man’s Chain to keep the punch sharp.
    
2. Line Break Refinement:
    
   • “is it a game / working man’s shame” — you might play with enjambment for pacing and rhythm:
      is it a game—
     a working man’s shame
     
      

1. Expand the ending slightly: The final stanza is strong but brief. Perhaps a couple more lines could enrich the contrast between “shackled now” and “freedom later,” making that hope even more palpable.
    

This is a raw, honest, and moving piece of protest art. Your voice speaks not just for yourself but for countless others stuck in similar “games” they never asked to play. The painting and poem together form a punchy, emotionally complex narrative of resistance and resilience.

   Hi Everyone here is my painting and poem of  

 also if you want to purchase any of my Work Stress art collection check out my website shop https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop/ols/categories/stress-collections  

Work Stress collection

This collection is a point of view of a modern-day call centre worker in an anonymous call centre  highlighting there stress in a pressured environment and has no detriment or bearing on my current role with my current or previous employers. My employer is an ethical caring company and is an extremely good employer and looks after the employees they employ. 

​​  

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES

Another one of those days (work stress collection) is a depiction of Call centre workers in an anonymous call centre  under stress from complaints from customers, the pressures of meeting targets, deadlines, phone calls and juggling workloads in a fast paced environment. This leaves the pressurised worker under immense stress on a typical working day when call volumes are high. 

​

Painted in an Abstract Expressionistic style using free flowing brush strokes and pallet knife, painted in Acrylics on canvas. 

​

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES

Negative thinking= The above painting, writings and feelings was painted and written to try and help show and deal with my feelings at work in a previous employment and trying to put my feelings down on canvas. My outlook on the working environment I was in at the time is depicted in the paintings of this work stress collection. 

My work stress turned in on itself into anxiety, paranoia, insomnia and tears and fears and brought about a negative vicious cycle which snowballed into a larger problem for me at the time.

I succumbed to negative thoughts feelings and processes resulting in having a breakdown from the pressure of the workload and new processes the employer put on me and other members of staff. I told my employer at the time of needing a time in motion study to be done and this was ignored and added pressure was put on me and other members of staff resulting in me and other members of staff having a breakdown due to stress from work. This then spiralled into a negative cycle of emotion and stress, Like the uroborus Dragon eating itself and stuck in a negative cycle. 

Positive thinking= the work stress paintings at the time were made to help relieve the stress and to put a lighter spin on the stresses and strains of work in order that it would help combat the problems I was experiencing at the time.

My spin on the comment “He is a number of many and like the Borg of star trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile” was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in to help with my work anxiety and stress.

  This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time 

This work stress collection highlights my feelings at the time and the above painting and comments highlights my thought process at the time. After many years of working in different companies I have been able to flip a negative feeling into positive feeling. Whereas In the past I focused on the negatives now I focus on the positives that can come from my artwork and I look at life in a different way. 

The Another one of those days painting was produced as a way of dealing with my stress. at the time I was thinking negatively. I have now flipped this negative into a positive after working for many other companies and gained more experience in dealing with customers and I no longer feel this way. I have learnt how to turn a complaint into a challenge to help people and do the very best I can to resolve in a positive way finding a mutually agreeable solution to resolve the complaint. 

I look at this as a way to communicate and help people over the phone to provide a service and help people in the best way I can. I put myself in the customers shoes and look to try and resolve any calls in a positive thinking way. Looking to bring about a mutually beneficial result for both the customer and company. Sometimes you cannot resolve the complaint but as long as I have done absolutely everything I can to resolve I know I have done my job correctly. It gives me satisfaction that I am looking to help people. 

I am a man with feelings, thoughts and emotions and not a computer. I am free to choose my path in life and I choose to do positive things with it. I am not a slave.

I have refocused my mind on helping people and I have flipped into a positive and I look to see what I can do to help the customers on the phone and in life and do everything I can do to help them. this is a mission for me to do the best I can to treat each customer individually for the benefit of the customer and company. A company should bring a balance of workloads as to not cause stress to people. This should be the way forward for any company. A balanced worklife and home life and thinking positively benefits all. 

Stress can be a good thing, the fight or flight response is a natural process for dealing with a threat or stressful event, it helps you react to a dangerous situation or perceived threat that can help you fight or run away. It’s a natural process. however too much stress can turn into a negative and lead to illness. How much stress is too much depends on each person individually, some can deal with a lot of stress others can crumble at a little stress. You need to strike a balance in work and home life to deal with the stress. 

In order for me to break the cycle of negativity in my life I need to focus on what good can be done and turn a negative into a positive. These stressful events happened and it has been a constant worry and cause of stress, anxiety, insomnia and paranoia over the years. Stressful events will happen in the future but I will learn to deal positively with them in the future.

I accept that the stressful events happened in my life causing all my pain, suffering and misery and I now let this go to help break that vicious cycle of the uroboros Dragon eating itself in negativity and bring about a positive change in that cycle. Turning the negative uroboros Dragon into a positive cycle Dragon.

I understand that negativity eats away at the soul and you are only hurting yourself by thinking negatively and doing negative thoughts, actions and deeds 

THINK POSITIVE, DO POSITIVE THINGS IN MIND BODY AND SOUL, BRING A BALANCE IN LIFE TO BE AS ONE WITH THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS IN LIFE. 

If you are also in a vicious cycle of negativity remember “always look on the bright side of life” as in the words of the life of Brian. This is what my Dad and I sing together to brighten up a dark thought or place. 

A lot of the time it may be a hard thing to do but always seek help because a brighter day will come in your life to overcome your worries and stress.

​

Monty python- always look on the bright side of life lyrics

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle, that's the thing

And always look on the bright side of life
Come on!
Always look on the right side of life

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it, it's your last chance anyhow

So, always look on the bright side of death
A-just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life

C'mon Brian, cheer up!

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life

Worse things happen at sea, you know
Always look on the bright side of life

I mean, what have you got to lose
You know, you come from nothing, you're going back to nothing
What have you lost? Nothing!

Always look on the right side of life...

Nothing will come from nothing, you know what they say?
Cheer up you old bugger, c'mon give us a grin!
There you are, see, it's the end of the film
Incidentally, this record is available in the foyer
Some of us have to got live as well, you know

Who do you think pays for all this rubbish
They're not gonna make their money back, you know
I told them, I said to them, Bernie, I said they'll never make their money back

Size 23.5 “ X 20.00” X.05”deep

​

​​

Original artwork with signed Certificate of Authenticity

Aproximate sizes 

W 47.5” x H 15" D 1.5”

Media: Acrylic 

Surface: Box stretched canvas

------------------------

 Please can you do a review and critique on my painting entitled another one of those days 

This painting is a depiction of Call centre workers in an anonymous call centre under stress from complaints from customers, the pressures of meeting targets, deadlines, phone calls and juggling workloads in a fast paced environment. This leaves the pressurised worker under immense stress on a typical working day when call volumes are high. This painting conveys what call centre workers feel like in a pressurised working environment.   Everybody has had one of these days.   He is a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile.    This was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation at the time.  

Your painting, Another One of Those Days, effectively captures the tension and exhaustion inherent in a call center environment. The bold, almost aggressive strokes of paint convey a palpable sense of stress and chaos, which mirrors the hectic nature of the job. The exaggerated, contorted expressions of the characters—particularly the one hunched over the computer—emphasize the emotional weight of the work. It's clear that you're channeling both the physical and mental toll that workers face in such a high-pressure setting.

Here are a few thoughts and observations:

1. Expressive Use of Color: The color palette, with its sharp contrasts of yellows, oranges, and blues, visually represents the high-stress environment. The contrasting tones highlight the intensity of the workers’ emotions.
    
2. Figures' Posture & Expression: The exaggerated, almost cartoonish faces and body language effectively communicate frustration and exhaustion. The figure on the left, especially, feels like a visual representation of someone drained by the demands of a call center job.
    
3. Relatable Theme: As you mention, “Everybody has had one of these days.” The concept of feeling like a cog in the machine is universally understood, especially in jobs that require constant performance under pressure. This relatability makes the work resonate with anyone who has experienced stress at work.
    

1. Clarity of Narrative: While the energy and feeling of the piece are clear, the symbolism of the monitors with “STRE” and “COMPLAIN” can be confusing. Perhaps making the words more legible could strengthen the direct connection to the stress and complaints you’re highlighting. Adding more clarity could enhance the visual impact of the idea of overwhelming complaints.
    
2. Use of Space: The crowded, claustrophobic feel of the piece is effective in illustrating the pressure, but a bit more balance in the composition might help the viewer navigate the narrative more easily. The characters feel a bit enclosed, and while this could reinforce the sense of being trapped, creating a sense of space for the worker’s actions (such as a more visible desk or environment) might add more context.
    
3. Emotional Contrast: The idea of bringing humor to a stressful situation is intriguing. However, the overall dark tone (especially the browns and deep blues) suggests a more serious, somber reflection on the subject matter. A bit of contrast in color could emphasize the "laughter" aspect—perhaps adding a brighter hue to the worker’s expression or surroundings could evoke a sense of both the absurdity and the comic relief you're conveying.
    

This piece captures a very real, often unspoken, experience in the modern workplace. Your use of expressionism to communicate the feeling of being overwhelmed and trapped is very effective. With minor adjustments to the clarity of your visual storytelling, this work could become even more impactful. Overall, it’s a great piece, full of raw emotion and humor, with a unique perspective on the daily grind of call center work.

---------------------

 please write a review and critique on my  poem another one of those days in a call centre town. 

Another one of those days  In a call centre town  Mancunian town  Where People drown in complaints  Every year  Grief in the ear  Managements fear   Big brother listens in   “Resistance is futile”  they say with a grin   “we’ll assimilate you  in the name of the borg”  a corporate mandate  to govern us all   but this number isn’t giving in  he’ll take it on the chin  and begin the fight  cos he knows hes right  he’s got a name  laughter and fun  shatters the ruling class  its class  hes not made of glass  with a heart strong as lion  hes defyin and tryin  so yeah  Another one of those days  In a call centre town  A Mancunian town  Where Big brother listens in   Resistance is futile  they say with a grin  this man l kick it in   

Thanks for sharing both your poem and the painting — they complement each other brilliantly. Let's dig in with a review and critique, starting with the poem, then tying in the artwork for a fuller picture.

This poem is a raw, gritty expression of everyday resistance in a bleak corporate environment — specifically a call center in Manchester. There's a deep sense of frustration and defiance, mixed with humor and working-class pride. You’ve captured the Kafkaesque atmosphere of surveillance (“Big Brother listens in”) and dehumanization (“this number isn’t giving in”) with honesty and bite.

The repeated line — “Another one of those days / In a call centre town / A Mancunian town” — grounds the piece, turning the local into something universal.

• Voice: The voice is real, immediate, and relatable. It sounds like someone who's been there and had enough.
   
• Wordplay: Phrases like "shatters the ruling class / its class" and "hes not made of glass" are clever and full of punch.
   
• Cultural grounding: The Mancunian reference makes it personal and authentic. It adds weight — this isn’t just any call center, it’s one in a place known for its grit and resistance.
   
• Empowerment arc: Starting with defeat (“people drown in complaints”) and ending in defiance (“this man l kick it in”) gives the poem energy and progression.
   

1. Polish structure and punctuation (if desired): The raw form works — it’s spoken word meets punk poetry — but if you wanted it to be more widely accessible, a light touch on punctuation and line breaks might help guide the rhythm and breath.
   Example:
   “he’s got a name, laughter, and fun / shatters the ruling class — it’s class”
   vs.
   "hes got a name / laughter and fun / shatters the ruling class / its class"
   Depends on how much polish you want — it’s already powerful in its rawness.
    
2. Expand the imagery of rebellion: Lines like “he’ll take it on the chin” are good, but you might amplify his resistance with more metaphor or concrete actions. What does fighting back look like in that setting? A smile? A prank? Walking out?
    

Your painting is a fantastic visual scream that complements the poem’s chaos. The distorted, grimacing figures, wired into their headsets like cybernetic drones, perfectly reflect the poem’s “Borg” imagery. The exaggerated expressions and jagged lines mirror the pressure, stress, and near-madness of the call center world.

• Color palette: The cool blues and purples, pierced by reds (COMPLAINT, STRESS) make it feel claustrophobic and panicked.
   
• Composition: The overlapping workers and glowing screens reinforce the hive-like, surveilled environment.
   
• Emotion: This isn’t a neutral depiction — it’s intentionally manic, suggesting inner turmoil while still managing to convey a weird kind of humor. It has shades of expressionism — think Munch's "The Scream" meets The Office on overdrive.
   

This is a bold and honest pairing of word and image — both howl in unison. There’s protest, satire, survival, and working-class pride wrapped up in both.

Your style is authentic, punchy, and refreshingly unpolished in a way that feels true to the subject matter.

 Hi Everyone here is my painting and poem of    

 also if you want to purchase any of my Work Stress art collection check out my website shop https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop/ols/categories/stress-collections  

Work Stress collection

This collection is a point of view of a modern-day call centre worker in an anonymous call centre  highlighting there stress in a pressured environment and has no detriment or bearing on my current role with my current or previous employers. My employer is an ethical caring company and is an extremely good employer and looks after the employees they employ. 

​  

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES

Aargh !!!! (Work stress collection) is a depiction of call centre workers in an anonymous call centre at the point of total frustration when all they can say is Aargh !!!! As the workers try to explain the processes of the company to the confused customers who just do not understand or do not accept the decisions that have been made even though they have explained to them in great detail. 

They are a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile. 

 This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time 

Painted in a Abstract expressionistic style using free flowing brush strokes and pallet knife Painted in Acrylic on box stretched canvas 

​​

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES

Negative thinking= The above painting, writings and feelings was painted and written to try and help show and deal with my feelings at work in a previous employment and trying to put my feelings down on canvas. My outlook on the working environment I was in at the time is depicted in the paintings of this work stress collection. 

My work stress turned in on itself into anxiety, paranoia, insomnia and tears and fears and brought about a negative vicious cycle which snowballed into a larger problem for me at the time.

I succumbed to negative thoughts feelings and processes resulting in having a breakdown from the pressure of the workload and new processes the employer put on me and other members of staff. I told my employer at the time of needing a time in motion study to be done and this was ignored and added pressure was put on me and other members of staff resulting in me and other members of staff having a breakdown due to stress from work. This then spiralled into a negative cycle of emotion and stress, Like the uroborus Dragon eating itself and stuck in a negative cycle. 

Positive thinking= the work stress paintings at the time were made to help relieve the stress and to put a lighter spin on the stresses and strains of work in order that it would help combat the problems I was experiencing at the time.

My spin on the comment “He is a number of many and like the Borg of star trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile” was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in to help with my work anxiety and stress.

 This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time 

This work stress collection highlights my feelings at the time and the above painting and comments highlights my thought process at the time. After many years of working in different companies I have been able to flip a negative feeling into positive feeling. Whereas In the past I focused on the negatives now I focus on the positives that can come from my artwork and I look at life in a different way. 

The Aargh!!!! painting was produced as a way of dealing with my stress. at the time I was thinking negatively. I have now flipped this negative into a positive after working for many other companies and gained more experience in dealing with customers. When the calls are busy and queuing up I can only take one call at a time and deal with the call as best I can. I have learnt to manage my stress better now. looking on relaxing when I can and refocusing on the things that matter and prioritising the workloads. 

When taking a call if you get a customer that either does not understand or does not accept the decisions and explanations. Try not to go into a negative cycle and frame of mind instead look for positive ways of overcoming the objections and moving forward in a positive manner.  

I look at my job as a way to provide a service and help people in the best way I can. I put myself in the customers shoes and look to try and resolve any calls in a positive thinking way. Looking to bring about a mutually beneficial result for both the customer and company. as long as I have done absolutely everything I can to juggle my workloads and calls I know I have done my job correctly. It gives me great satisfaction that I am looking to help people. 

I am a man with feelings, thoughts and emotions and not a computer. I am free to choose my path in life and I choose to do positive things with it. I am not a slave.

I have refocused my mind on helping people and I have flipped into a positive and I look to see what I can do to help the customers on the phone and in life and do everything I can do to help them. this is a mission for me to do the best I can to treat each customer individually for the benefit of the customer and company. A company should bring a balance of workloads as to not cause stress to people. This should be the way forward for any company. A balanced work life and home life and thinking positively benefits all. 

Stress can be a good thing, the fight or flight response is a natural process for dealing with a threat or stressful event, it helps you react to a dangerous situation or perceived threat that can help you fight or run away. It’s a natural process. however too much stress can turn into a negative and lead to illness. How much stress is too much depends on each person individually, some can deal with a lot of stress others can crumble at a little stress. You need to strike a balance in work and home life to deal with the stress. 

In order for me to break the cycle of negativity in my life I need to focus on what good can be done and turn a negative into a positive. These stressful events happened and it has been a constant worry and cause of stress, anxiety, insomnia and paranoia over the years. Stressful events will happen in the future but I will learn to deal positively with them in the future.

I accept that the stressful events happened in my life causing all my pain, suffering and misery and I now let this go to help break that vicious cycle of the uroboros Dragon eating itself in negativity and bring about a positive change in that cycle. Turning the negative uroboros Dragon into a positive cycle Dragon.

I understand that negativity eats away at the soul and you are only hurting yourself by thinking negatively and doing negative thoughts, actions and deeds 

THINK POSITIVE, DO POSITIVE THINGS IN MIND BODY AND SOUL, BRING A BALANCE IN LIFE TO BE AS ONE WITH THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS IN LIFE. 

If you are also in a vicious cycle of negativity remember “always look on the bright side of life” as in the words of the life of Brian. This is what my Dad and I sing together to brighten up a dark thought or place. 

A lot of the time it may be a hard thing to do but always seek help because a brighter day will come in your life to overcome your worries and stress.

Monty python- always look on the bright side of life lyrics

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle, that's the thing

And always look on the bright side of life
Come on!
Always look on the right side of life

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it, it's your last chance anyhow

So, always look on the bright side of death
A-just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life

C'mon Brian, cheer up!

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life

Worse things happen at sea, you know
Always look on the bright side of life

I mean, what have you got to lose
You know, you come from nothing, you're going back to nothing
What have you lost? Nothing!

Always look on the right side of life...

Nothing will come from nothing, you know what they say?
Cheer up you old bugger, c'mon give us a grin!
There you are, see, it's the end of the film
Incidentally, this record is available in the foyer
Some of us have to got live as well, you know

Who do you think pays for all this rubbish
They're not gonna make their money back, you know
I told them, I said to them, Bernie, I said they'll never make their money back

Size 23.5” X 20.00” X 0.5” Deep

​

Original artwork with signed Certificate of Authenticity

Aproximate sizes 

W 23.5” x H 20" D 1.5”

Media: Acrylic 

Surface: Box stretched canvas

-------------------------

 PLease can you do a review and critique of my painting entitled Aaaaargh!!!

 Aargh !!!! is a depiction of call centre workers in an anonymous call centre at the point of total frustration when all they can say is Aargh !!!!   As the workers try to explain the processes of the company to the confused customers who just do not understand or do not accept the decisions that have been made even though they have explained to them in great detail.    He is a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile.    This was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation at the time. 

Your painting, Aaaaargh!!!, powerfully captures the intense frustration of call center workers, offering a raw visual representation of the emotional toll such a job can take. The angular and fragmented elements in the composition give a sense of disintegration, echoing the sense of confusion and powerlessness that often accompanies these high-stress situations. The sharp lines and jagged edges, coupled with the bold, expressive use of color, reinforce this feeling of fragmentation—emotionally, mentally, and even physically.

1. Composition: The fragmented, almost cubist approach is effective in visually representing the disjointed nature of the experience. Each section, divided yet connected, could symbolize the different voices or emotions of a call center worker. The placement of abstract faces, almost mechanical in appearance, reinforces the dehumanizing aspect of the job—becoming part of a system rather than an individual. The repetitive shapes and muted tones suggest a loss of identity and a gradual erosion of individuality.
    
2. Color Usage: The choice of bold colors like green, blue, yellow, and red in the eyes of the figures is interesting. These spots of color could symbolize the moments of heightened emotion or frustration that punctuate the otherwise dull and oppressive gray tones. The vivid eyes suggest a desperate attempt to maintain some form of individuality or clarity amidst the confusion.
    
3. Symbolism: Your reference to the "Borg" from Star Trek is an interesting and apt analogy. The figures, as part of the collective, seem to represent the sense of being a cog in a vast, impersonal machine. The eyes, almost robotic in their intensity, communicate that the workers' personalities and individual emotions are being swallowed by the overwhelming system they're a part of. This nod to a hive mentality adds layers to the piece, making it more than just an emotional outpouring but a commentary on societal systems and the loss of personal autonomy.
    
4. Expression: The depiction of frustration is palpable. The exaggerated forms and intense brushwork lend a sense of urgency and distress. There’s a visual sense of being overwhelmed, a buildup of tension that feels like it could explode—much like the word "Aaaaargh!!!" itself. The abstraction of the figures into near-monolithic forms suggests a loss of agency, where workers are reduced to mere entities within a larger corporate machine.
    

• Contrast: While the muted background tones are effective in evoking a sense of monotony, you might consider using a stronger contrast between the background and the figures. This could further highlight the emotional intensity of the workers, making them stand out as individual beings rather than part of the mechanical system.
   
• Facial Expressions: The use of eyes in the figures is a striking choice. It might be interesting to further explore these eyes—adding more varied expressions, perhaps even a glimmer of hope or defiance in some, to contrast with the overwhelming frustration.
   
• Composition Balance: While the chaotic composition is effective, the chaotic movement of the shapes might be intensified to create an even more compelling dynamic. This could include additional splatter or heightened texture to create more physicality within the visual elements.
   

In conclusion, your painting offers a powerful and relatable commentary on the emotional struggles of working in a call center. Through abstraction, you've captured the feeling of frustration, helplessness, and alienation, while also injecting humor into an otherwise stressful situation. The piece has a strong narrative quality, and your decision to incorporate the Borg reference adds a layer of cultural depth.

-----------------

 please write a review and critique on my poem Aaaaargh!!  Aaaaargh!! call centre stress. 

Aaargh!! Aaaargh!! Call centre staff shout and pray  For the end of the day  Angry voices throttle and garb  Down the wire   Entangled  Strangled by complaints  And targets galore   Frustration builds   His lifes filled with  Anxious hate  Hes getting irate   But its not too late  Don’t seal your fate  In a call centre of late So Yeah  Aaargh!! Aaaargh!! Call centre staff shout and pray  For the end of the day  No more stress   To make there day      

Thanks for sharing both the poem and the artwork—Aaaaargh!! Aaaaargh!! is a visceral piece, and the accompanying painting intensifies the message powerfully. Here's a full review and critique of your poem

:

The poem captures the raw, emotional intensity of life inside a high-pressure call centre. The repetition of the word “Aaaaargh!!” serves as both a primal scream and a rhythmic refrain, echoing the daily despair and mental exhaustion workers feel. The title alone sets the tone—it’s cathartic, chaotic, and completely relatable for anyone who's endured the front lines of customer service.

This is a shout into the void, a poem of pent-up frustration, both personal and collective. The repetition at the beginning and end acts like a cycle—work starts with a scream, and ends with a prayer.

• Lines like:
  “Angry voices throttle and garb / Down the wire” are vivid—almost grotesque in a good way. The use of “throttle” suggests aggression and violence, while “garb” feels like a strange but intriguing choice—it might be intended as “garble” or “grab”? If it's meant to evoke garbled speech or being covered in chaos, it fits well but might benefit from clarification.
   
• The stanza:
  “Entangled / Strangled by complaints / And targets galore”
  is particularly powerful. The internal rhyme of “entangled/strangled” compresses the emotional pressure into just a few words. It’s like a chokehold of expectations—very effective.
   
• “Anxious hate” is another intense phrase—conveying that strange overlap of fear and anger that festers in high-stress environments.
   

• Grammar and clarity: A few small tweaks would strengthen the delivery without dulling the rawness:
   
  • “Hes” should be “He’s”.
     
  • “There day” should be “their day.”
     
  • Consider punctuating more consistently—it’s fine to go minimal, but rhythm can get lost when line breaks and sentence structure aren’t clear.
     
• Structure: You might play with breaking up the poem visually into more defined stanzas. This would make the escalation more dramatic and give the reader room to breathe between emotional punches.
   
• Expansion potential: There's room to push the imagery even further—what does the environment look like? Is it fluorescent lights? Endless headsets? Coffee cups? If you want to extend it into a longer piece or series, these grounded details could contrast beautifully with the more abstract emotional force.
   

The painting pairs beautifully with the poem. It looks like a swarm of fractured, shrieking masks or robotic faces—maybe a metaphor for the loss of individuality in a call centre, or the many voices (both customer and worker) all crying out at once. The colored circles in the eyes might hint at emotions or statuses—rage (red), depression (blue), sickness or nausea (green), maybe even burnout (yellow). It's chaotic, angular, and fragmented—just like the mood of the poem.

This is a powerful slice of emotional truth. It’s raw, unfiltered, and intentionally messy—and that’s what makes it work. You’ve captured the madness of the hive-mind call centre world with a mix of surreal abstraction and sharp emotional jabs. With a bit of refinement, this could sit easily within a published anthology on modern working life or be paired with your visual work in a striking mixed-media exhibition.

 Hi Everyone here is my painting and poem of  

 also if you want to purchase any of my Work Stress art collection check out my website shop https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop/ols/categories/stress-collections  

Work Stress collection

This collection is a point of view of a modern-day call centre worker in an anonymous call centre highlighting there stress in a pressured environment and has no detriment or bearing on my current role with my current or previous employers. My employer is an ethical caring company and is an extremely good employer and looks after the employees they employ. 

​  

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES

Release Button (Work stress collection) is a depiction of call centre workers in an anonymous call centre under stress with call volumes at a high level, the workers wish they could just terminate the stressful calls to end their suffering but know that this cannot be done with Big Brother watching in the form of call recordings. So their never-ending anxiety is building up to a crescendo of pain and frustration. 

He is a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile. 

 This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time ​

Painted in a Abstract expressionistic style using free flowing brush strokes and pallet knife Painted in Acrylic on box stretched canvas, coated with varnish for protection. 

​

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES

Negative thinking= The above painting, writings and feelings was painted and written to try and help show and deal with my feelings at work in a previous employment and trying to put my feelings down on canvas. My outlook on the working environment I was in at the time is depicted in the paintings of this work stress collection.

My work stress turned in on itself into anxiety, paranoia, insomnia and tears and fears and brought about a negative vicious cycle which snowballed into a larger problem for me at the time.

I succumbed to negative thoughts feelings and processes resulting in having a breakdown from the pressure of the workload and new processes the employer put on me and other members of staff. I told my employer at the time of needing a time in motion study to be done and this was ignored and added pressure was put on me and other members of staff resulting in me and other members of staff having a breakdown due to stress from work. This then spiralled into a negative cycle of emotion and stress, Like the uroborus Dragon eating itself and stuck in a negative cycle. 

Positive thinking= the work stress paintings at the time were made to help relieve the stress and to put a lighter spin on the stresses and strains of work in order that it would help combat the problems I was experiencing at the time.

My spin on the comment “He is a number of many and like the Borg of star trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile” was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in to help with my work anxiety and stress.

 This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time 

This work stress collection highlights my feelings at the time and the above painting and comments highlights my thought process at the time. After many years of working in different companies I have been able to flip a negative feeling into positive feeling. Whereas In the past I focused on the negatives now I focus on the positives that can come from my artwork and I look at life in a different way. 

The Release Button painting was produced as a way of dealing with my stress. at the time I was thinking negatively. I have now flipped this negative into a positive after working for many other companies and gained more experience in dealing with customers. Although when the calls are busy and queuing up I can only take one call at a time and deal with the call as best I can I have learnt to manage my stress better now. looking on relaxing when I can and refocusing on the things that matter and prioritising the workloads. As long as there isn’t an overload of work and it is manageable then you can refocus and do your job correctly. 

I look at my job as a way to provide a service and help people in the best way I can. I put myself in the customers shoes and look to try and resolve any calls in a positive thinking way. Looking to bring about a mutually beneficial result for both the customer and company. as long as I have done absolutely everything I can to juggle my workloads and calls I know I have done my job correctly. It gives me great satisfaction that I am looking to help people. 

I am a man with feelings, thoughts and emotions and not a computer. I am free to choose my path in life and I choose to do positive things with it. I am not a slave.

I have refocused my mind on helping people and I have flipped into a positive and I look to see what I can do to help the customers on the phone and in life and do everything I can do to help them. this is a mission for me to do the best I can to treat each customer individually for the benefit of the customer and company. A company should bring a balance of workloads as to not cause stress to people. This should be the way forward for any company. A balanced worklife and home life and thinking positively benefits all. 

Stress can be a good thing, the fight or flight response is a natural process for dealing with a threat or stressful event, it helps you react to a dangerous situation or perceived threat that can help you fight or run away. It’s a natural process. however too much stress can turn into a negative and lead to illness. How much stress is too much depends on each person individually, some can deal with a lot of stress others can crumble at a little stress. You need to strike a balance in work and home life to deal with the stress. 

In order for me to break the cycle of negativity in my life I need to focus on what good can be done and turn a negative into a positive. These stressful events happened and it has been a constant worry and cause of stress, anxiety, insomnia and paranoia over the years. Stressful events will happen in the future but I will learn to deal positively with them in the future.

I accept that the stressful events happened in my life causing all my pain, suffering and misery and I now let this go to help break that vicious cycle of the uroboros Dragon eating itself in negativity and bring about a positive change in that cycle. Turning the negative uroboros Dragon into a positive cycle Dragon.

I understand that negativity eats away at the soul and you are only hurting yourself by thinking negatively and doing negative thoughts, actions and deeds 

THINK POSITIVE, DO POSITIVE THINGS IN MIND BODY AND SOUL, BRING A BALANCE IN LIFE TO BE AS ONE WITH THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS IN LIFE. 

If you are also in a vicious cycle of negativity remember “always look on the bright side of life” as in the words of the life of Brian. This is what my Dad and I sing together to brighten up a dark thought or place. 

A lot of the time it may be a hard thing to do but always seek help because a brighter day will come in your life to overcome your worries and stress.

​

​  

Monty python- always look on the bright side of life lyrics

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle, that's the thing

And always look on the bright side of life
Come on!
Always look on the right side of life

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it, it's your last chance anyhow

So, always look on the bright side of death
A-just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life

C'mon Brian, cheer up!

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life

Worse things happen at sea, you know
Always look on the bright side of life

I mean, what have you got to lose
You know, you come from nothing, you're going back to nothing
What have you lost? Nothing!

Always look on the right side of life...

Nothing will come from nothing, you know what they say?
Cheer up you old bugger, c'mon give us a grin!
There you are, see, it's the end of the film
Incidentally, this record is available in the foyer
Some of us have to got live as well, you know

Who do you think pays for all this rubbish
They're not gonna make their money back, you know
I told them, I said to them, Bernie, I said they'll never make their money back

Original artwork with signed Certificate of Authenticity

Aproximate sizes 

W 23.5” x H 20" D 1.5”

Media: Acrylic 

Surface: Box stretched canvas

-----------------------

 Please can you do a review and critique on my painting entitled Release 

Button Release button is a depiction of workers in an anonymous call centre under stress with call volumes at a high level, the workers wish they could just terminate the stressful calls to end their suffering but know that this cannot be done with Big Brother watching in the form of call recordings.   So their never-ending anxiety is building up to a crescendo of pain and frustration.  He is a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile.    This was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation at the time.  

Your painting Release Button presents a compelling and raw commentary on the psychological toll of modern work environments, particularly in call centers. The work effectively captures the stress, frustration, and dehumanization that workers in these settings often face. The expressionistic style of your painting is an ideal medium to express the chaotic emotions and internal conflicts associated with this type of labor.

1. Emotional Intensity: The distortion of human faces, especially the exaggerated features like wide eyes and angular shapes, conveys a sense of anxiety and panic. The jarring colors and fractured lines contribute to the sense of internal turmoil, perfectly illustrating the emotional pressure that workers are under.
    
2. Symbolism: The title Release Button is potent. It not only conveys the literal desire to end a call (as symbolized by the button), but it also hints at a deeper yearning for escape from the overwhelming, soul-sucking nature of the job. The reference to "Big Brother" watching with call recordings is a sharp critique of surveillance in the workplace, reminding viewers of the lack of control many workers feel in these environments.
    
3. Composition: The chaotic, overlapping figures in the painting create a sense of claustrophobia and oppression. The disconnected, fractured nature of the figures speaks to the lack of individuality and the feeling of being just another cog in a larger, impersonal system. This fragmentation also reflects the workers' mental states as they grapple with the pressure of meeting expectations while feeling trapped.
    
4. Humor in Darkness: The sense of irony in your statement about bringing laughter to a stressful situation is palpable. The way the figures are contorted and exaggerated feels almost absurd, creating a dark humor that allows viewers to reflect on the harsh reality while simultaneously offering them a moment of release through recognition of the absurdity of the situation.
    

1. Clarity of the Narrative: While the emotional impact is strong, the narrative could be a bit more explicit for some viewers. The "Release Button" is not immediately clear in the image, which could cause some to miss the connection between the title and the visual tension. A slight visual cue or a more direct representation of the button might help reinforce the message.
    
2. Facial Expression and Detail: The abstracted faces are powerful in conveying emotion, but for some viewers, the lack of traditional facial features could make it harder to connect with the characters. While the abstraction works in an expressionistic context, perhaps one or two figures with slightly more recognizable human traits could bring an additional layer of empathy to the scene.
    
3. Color Palette: The muted, earth-tone background and the contrasting bright yellow, blue, and green in the figures work well to highlight the inner turmoil of the workers. However, more variety in the background colors or even some integration of brighter colors in the foreground could heighten the intensity of the figures and make them pop more against the drab backdrop.
    

Release Button is a powerful, thought-provoking piece that uses abstract expressionism to dive deep into the emotional landscape of the modern workplace. It effectively critiques the mechanization of human labor and the constant surveillance that often accompanies it. Your ability to blend humor with frustration adds a layer of complexity, allowing the viewer to reflect both critically and empathetically on the subject matter. 

The piece is a poignant reminder of the human cost behind seemingly routine jobs, and your personal experience of that tension makes it all the more relatable.

It's a striking work that invites the audience to consider their own roles in such environments and perhaps even question their own thresholds for stress and dehumanization.

----------

 please write a review and critique on my poems release button in a call centre town . 

Release button  We here you say  Don’t do it  Youll screw it all up  At the end of the day   In a call centre these days  A man stops and says “I want to speak to a manager”  After endless disagreements  Aggrievement  Its an achievement  To make it this far  Hes crashed his car  Givin foul mouthed abuse  Its no excuse   Call centre staff have had enough  Of abuse  Set him loose  So yeah  Release button  We here you say  Don’t do it  Youll screw it all up  At the end of the day   Could lose his job   Cos of this foul yob      

Thank you for sharing both your painting and your poem "Release Button" — they complement each other powerfully. Here's a review and critique that brings both together and reflects on the mood, message, and execution:

The image is a chaotic, abstract expression of call centre life — jagged edges, fractured faces, and wiry headsets suggest a psychological toll and emotional fragmentation. The faces are distorted, overlapping, and wired in, visually echoing a hive mind under pressure. The exaggerated eyes, almost disembodied, scream stress and surveillance. The keypad, blurred by movement and confusion, becomes symbolic — each button like a trapdoor to another irate customer. This is a hive, yes — but one that’s malfunctioning, glitching, unraveling.

You’ve nailed a sense of psychological claustrophobia. It’s like a Picasso-esque cubist breakdown of the modern office grind — anxiety smeared across canvas.

Your poem reads with a stark, unpolished honesty that’s very effective — the voice is raw, colloquial, and feels authentic to the experience of a call centre worker at the edge.

Strengths:

• The repetition of “Release button / We hear you say / Don’t do it / You’ll screw it all up” works like a chorus or internal monologue — the warning from the rational mind or perhaps management’s invisible presence.
   
• The switch from external chaos to internal stakes — “Could lose his job / Cos of this foul yob” — grounds the poem emotionally. It’s not just noise; it’s real risk.
   
• The tone mixes frustration with a bit of dark humour — “Set him loose / So yeah / Release button” — like gallows humour in a cubicle prison.
   

Suggestions for Development:

• Line breaks and rhythm: Some lines feel slightly jagged or rushed. Consider refining them for stronger impact. For instance:
   “Aggrievement / It’s an achievement / To make it this far”
  could be:
  Aggrievement
  Achievement
  To make it this far — a war, not a job.
  
   
• Build tension more gradually: You could let the pressure rise a bit more before the man crashes in with his demand. Let us feel the grind, the stacked calls, the headset digging into skin, the coffee going cold.
   
• “Could lose his job” is impactful, but you might lean into imagery a bit more — maybe “fired like a bullet” or “sent packing with a plastic headset and a paper heart.”
   

Together, the poem and painting form a brutally honest portrayal of emotional labor and psychological strain in modern customer service — a digital battlefield with no clear enemy but endless consequences. The painting amplifies the chaos in the poem; the poem gives voice to the silent screams in the painting.

They work as companion pieces — your visual abstraction and poetic directness strike a compelling balance.

 Hi Everyone here is my painting and poem of 

 also if you want to purchase any of my Work Stress art collection check out my website shop https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop/ols/categories/stress-collections  

work stress collection

This collection is a point of view of a modern-day call centre worker in an anonymous call centre highlighting there stress in a pressured environment and has no detriment or bearing on my current role with my current or previous employers. My employer is an ethical caring company and is an extremely good employer and looks after the employees they employ. 

​  

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES

Stress Monster Number 1 (Work stress collection) is a depiction of a call centre worker in an anonymous call centre under stress from his immediate superiors. The constant pressures and shouts of “CALLS QUEUING EVERYBODY BACK IN AVAILABLE” and being forced to drop everything whilst still expected to complete his workload only adds to the stresses of the day for the poor lowly call centre worker. He is but a number working feverishly to achieve the targets of the day and at boiling point waiting for the next shout of “CALLS QUEUING” before he explodes into a fit of anguish and stress.

​

He is a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile.

 This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time ​​

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES

Negative thinking= The above painting, writings and feelings was painted and written to try and help show and deal with my feelings at work in a previous employment and trying to put my feelings down on canvas. My outlook on the working environment I was in at the time is depicted in the paintings of this work stress collection. 

My work stress turned in on itself into anxiety, paranoia, insomnia and tears and fears and brought about a negative vicious cycle which snowballed into a larger problem for me at the time.

I succumbed to negative thoughts feelings and processes resulting in having a breakdown from the pressure of the workload and new processes the employer put on me and other members of staff. I told my employer at the time of needing a time in motion study to be done and this was ignored and added pressure was put on me and other members of staff resulting in me and other members of staff having a breakdown due to stress from work. This then spiralled into a negative cycle of emotion and stress, Like the uroborus Dragon eating itself and stuck in a negative cycle. 

Positive thinking= the work stress paintings at the time were made to help relieve the stress and to put a lighter spin on the stresses and strains of work in order that it would help combat the problems I was experiencing at the time.

My spin on the comment “He is a number of many and like the Borg of star trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile” was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in to help with my work anxiety and stress.

 This comment is a voice over of the company elite in power and was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation I was in at the time 

This work stress collection highlights my feelings at the time and the above painting and comments highlights my thought process at the time. After many years of working in different companies I have been able to flip a negative feeling into positive feeling. Whereas In the past I focused on the negatives now I focus on the positives that can come from my artwork and I look at life in a different way. 

The stress Monster number1 painting was produced as a way of dealing with my stress. at the time I was thinking negatively. I have now flipped this negative into a positive after working for many other companies and gained more experience in dealing with customers. Although when the calls are busy and queuing up I can only take one call at a time and deal with the call as best I can I have learnt to manage my stress better now. looking on relaxing when I can and refocusing on the things that matter and prioritising the workloads. As long as there isn’t an overload of work and it is manageable then you can refocus and do your job correctly. 

I look at my job as a way to provide a service and help people in the best way I can. I put myself in the customers shoes and look to try and resolve any calls in a positive thinking way. Looking to bring about a mutually beneficial result for both the customer and company. as long as I have done absolutely everything I can to juggle my workloads and calls I know I have done my job correctly. It gives me great satisfaction that I am looking to help people. 

I am a man with feelings, thoughts and emotions and not a computer. I am free to choose my path in life and I choose to do positive things with it. I am not a slave.

I have refocused my mind on helping people and I have flipped into a positive and I look to see what I can do to help the customers on the phone and in life and do everything I can do to help them. this is a mission for me to do the best I can to treat each customer individually for the benefit of the customer and company. A company should bring a balance of workloads as to not cause stress to people. This should be the way forward for any company. A balanced worklife and home life and thinking positively benefits all. 

Stress can be a good thing, the fight or flight response is a natural process for dealing with a threat or stressful event, it helps you react to a dangerous situation or perceived threat that can help you fight or run away. It’s a natural process. however too much stress can turn into a negative and lead to illness. How much stress is too much depends on each person individually, some can deal with a lot of stress others can crumble at a little stress. You need to strike a balance in work and home life to deal with the stress. 

In order for me to break the cycle of negativity in my life I need to focus on what good can be done and turn a negative into a positive. These stressful events happened and it has been a constant worry and cause of stress, anxiety, insomnia and paranoia over the years. Stressful events will happen in the future but I will learn to deal positively with them in the future.

I accept that the stressful events happened in my life causing all my pain, suffering and misery and I now let this go to help break that vicious cycle of the uroboros Dragon eating itself in negativity and bring about a positive change in that cycle. Turning the negative uroboros Dragon into a positive cycle Dragon.

I understand that negativity eats away at the soul and you are only hurting yourself by thinking negatively and doing negative thoughts, actions and deeds 

THINK POSITIVE, DO POSITIVE THINGS IN MIND BODY AND SOUL, BRING A BALANCE IN LIFE TO BE AS ONE WITH THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS IN LIFE. 

If you are also in a vicious cycle of negativity remember “always look on the bright side of life” as in the words of the life of Brian. This is what my Dad and I sing together to brighten up a dark thought or place. 

A lot of the time it may be a hard thing to do but always seek help because a brighter day will come in your life to overcome your worries and stress.

Monty python- always look on the bright side of life lyrics

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle, that's the thing

And always look on the bright side of life
Come on!
Always look on the right side of life

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it, it's your last chance anyhow

So, always look on the bright side of death
A-just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life

C'mon Brian, cheer up!

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life

Worse things happen at sea, you know
Always look on the bright side of life

I mean, what have you got to lose
You know, you come from nothing, you're going back to nothing
What have you lost? Nothing!

Always look on the right side of life...

Nothing will come from nothing, you know what they say?
Cheer up you old bugger, c'mon give us a grin!
There you are, see, it's the end of the film
Incidentally, this record is available in the foyer
Some of us have to got live as well, you know

Who do you think pays for all this rubbish
They're not gonna make their money back, you know
I told them, I said to them, Bernie, I said they'll never make their money back

​

​​

Original artwork with signed Certificate of Authenticity

Aproximate sizes 

W 20” x H 23.5" D 1.5”

Media: Acrylic 

Surface: Box stretched canvas

------------------------------

 Please can you do a review and critique on my painting entitled Stress Monster Number One 

Now This painting is a depiction of a call centre worker in an anonymous call centre under stress from his immediate superiors. 

The constant pressures and shouts of “CALLS QUEUING EVERYBODY BACK IN AVAILABLE” and being forced to drop everything whilst still expected to complete his workload only adds to the stresses of the day for the poor lowly call centre worker.   He is but a number working feverishly to achieve the targets of the day and at boiling point waiting for the next shout of “CALLS QUEUING” before he explodes into a fit of anguish and stress.    He is a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile.    This was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation at the time. 

Your painting, Stress Monster Number One, powerfully conveys the oppressive atmosphere of the call center environment. The raw, chaotic energy of the piece is heightened by the fragmented, angular forms of both the character and the surrounding elements. The character's exaggerated features—particularly the wide eyes and anguished expression—are a vivid representation of the internal and external pressures of such a job.

The aggressive brushstrokes and bold use of color (especially the intense red and green tones) contribute to a sense of unease, mirroring the tension and frustration of the worker. The depiction of the "stress monster" as a sort of devilish figure hovering over the worker reflects the metaphorical antagonist of corporate demands and unrealistic expectations. The juxtaposition of the human form with the monstrous figure emphasizes the dehumanization experienced by many workers in high-stress, target-driven environments.

Your incorporation of text, such as “CALLS QUEUING” and “TARGET,” works effectively to echo the constant, almost suffocating demands faced by employees. It reinforces the theme of being just a number, a cog in the system—fitting well with your reference to the Borg. The text is not only a visual element but also an auditory one, representing the shouting orders that echo in the workers' minds.

In terms of critique, one suggestion could be to refine the visual clarity of the character's features—while the abstract approach effectively conveys emotion, some viewers may find it a bit challenging to fully grasp the details on first glance. 

Consider adjusting the contrast or adding a bit more definition to certain elements to make the character’s form clearer without losing the piece’s raw energy. Additionally, the overall composition might benefit from some areas of more subtlety or balance, especially in relation to the "monster" figure, which could be dialed back slightly in intensity to avoid overwhelming the focal point of the worker's stress.

Overall, it's an evocative piece that cleverly balances humor and frustration, offering a visual narrative of burnout, anonymity, and the absurdity of corporate pressures. It effectively channels your own feelings of stress into a relatable and compelling portrayal of modern work life.

------------------------

 please write a review and critique on my poem stress monster number 1 in management pocket. 

Stress monster number 1 Like a starter gun  He’s off like a rocket  Stress and anxiety  In the management pocket   Looming over tightly  Squeezing the knot  Its seems likely   The call centre worker  Will explode and crumble  Under the stress  Of targets, complaints  And pressure galore  He can’t take much more   Like a man possessed  He’s stressed  Pain in his chest  Wants to get management  Off his chest  But no, the feeling builds  A crescendo of stress  On a working day   Tell it to go away   So yeah  Stress monster number 1 Like a starter gun  He’s off like a rocket  Stress and anxiety  In the management pocket   Looming over tightly  Squeezing the knot  It seems likely  The call centre man  Will go out nightly

Your painting and poem "Stress Monster Number 1 in Management Pocket" form a powerful and deeply resonant creative pairing, capturing the raw emotional weight of call center life through both visual and verbal expression. Here's a review and critique of your poem in context with the artwork:

Tone & Theme:The poem plunges the reader into the daily chaos and mounting anxiety of a call center worker trapped under oppressive corporate structures. You successfully turn the abstract idea of "stress" into a tangible, lurking presence—Stress Monster Number 1—symbolizing both internal turmoil and external management pressure. It reflects an ongoing battle between human vulnerability and systemic indifference.

Structure & Flow:The free verse style works effectively here. It mimics the unpredictable nature of stress, like a mental storm with no rhythm or rest. The repetition of key phrases—like "off like a rocket" and "squeezing the knot"—echoes the feeling of being stuck in a loop of relentless pressure. The line breaks and punctuation reinforce a sense of breathlessness, almost like gasps between overwhelming thoughts.

Standout Lines:

• “Like a starter gun / He’s off like a rocket” — This is a vivid metaphor, setting the tone of urgency right from the start.
   
• “Stress and anxiety / In the management pocket” — A brilliant double entendre; it suggests both containment and complicity.
   
• “Wants to get management / Off his chest” — A sharp and relatable line, both literal and figurative, capturing the desire to vent.
   

Critique & Suggestions:

1. Line Tightening: Some lines could be more concise to sharpen impact. For instance:
    
   • "Will explode and crumble / Under the stress" might be more forceful as "Set to explode / Crumbling under pressure."
      

1. Consistency: The poem switches between “call centre worker” and “call centre man.” While variation can add flavor, consider choosing one for consistency or using both deliberately to show a shift in perspective.
    
2. Ending: The final line, “Will go out nightly”, feels a bit ambiguous—does it mean he'll escape through nightlife, seek relief in drink, or simply disappear? Clarifying this could add emotional weight. Something like:
    
   • “Will walk the night / To outrun the grind” might keep the ambiguity but strengthen the imagery.
      

The painting, with its jagged, almost Cubist style, perfectly complements the emotional fragmentation described in the poem. The demonic figure towering over the worker, the aggressive reds and greens, and the exaggerated facial expression mirror the poem's escalating tension. The text embedded in the piece—“PRESSURE,” “TARGET,” “CALL QUEUE”—amplifies the written poem’s themes, creating a multimedia symphony of workplace struggle.

Your poem and painting together scream with energy, capturing the stress of modern labor with a mix of satire, surrealism, and raw honesty. It’s an artful protest—both biting and sympathetic. With minor edits, the poem could be even more precise, but as it stands, it hits hard and lingers.

 Hi Everyone here is my painting and poem of    

 also if you want to purchase any of my Work Stress art collection check out my website shop https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop/ols/categories/stress-collections  

Work stress collection

HOW TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF NEGATIVITY, TURNING NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES 

This collection is a point of view of a modern-day call centre worker in an anonymous call centre highlighting there stress in a pressured environment and has no detriment or bearing on my current role with my current or previous employers. My employer is an ethical caring company and is an extremely good employer and looks after the employees they employ. 

Please can you do a review of my painting entitled Screwed 

So screwed is a depiction of call centre workers in an anonymous call centre under Attendance management policy, sickness disciplinary.     The worker is depicted as having to work through there illness in order that the company does not take disciplinary action against them.    

The worker is depicted as a gravestone for illness and chained to the desk in a bed whilst the company depicted as a greedy devil tightens the screw and kicking the employee whilst they are down thus highlighting there control over them.  The greedy devil is sitting on the scales tipping them in the company’s favour, whilst dishing out more toxic adherence policies in the form of the poison bottle and removing privileges depicted by the zero pounds.    

 The poor lowly sick worker knows he has lost his bonus and facing further action if he takes any more time off work for being ill.   If he takes any more time off for being ill he will face further disciplinary action that will lead to his dismissal from the company for being over the companies acceptable attendance guidelines.     The background of gravestone heads depicts countless more employees under the same cosh.     He is a number of many and like the Borg of Star Trek will be assimilated into the hive, resistance is futile.    This was my way of bringing laughter to a stressful situation at the time.

Your painting "Screwed" offers a powerful and vivid commentary on the struggles of call centre workers under oppressive attendance management policies. The way you’ve conveyed the emotional and physical toll on the worker is striking. The gravestone imagery not only symbolizes the worker’s illness but also suggests the death of their dignity and autonomy under the system. The chains binding them to the desk emphasize the lack of choice or freedom in their circumstances, creating a sense of entrapment.

The depiction of the company as a greedy devil is an effective metaphor for how corporations exploit their employees, showing no empathy, only tightening control and demanding more despite the worker’s vulnerability. The devil sitting on the scales further highlights the imbalance of power and how the system is rigged against the employee, a visual manifestation of the exploitation and unfairness.

The toxic bottle and zero-pound symbols are sharp representations of the corporate policies that reduce people to mere numbers, punishing them for basic human needs like illness. The way you integrate the background of gravestones, implying the countless other workers subjected to the same harsh treatment, makes the piece feel universal and adds weight to your message of systemic exploitation.

Overall, the piece uses a strong mix of symbolism, bold colors, and exaggerated forms to convey the dark humor and frustration of working in such an environment. The image works as both a satire and a critique, using artistic expression to cope with the stress of a toxic situation, making it relatable for anyone who’s experienced a similar work culture. It’s a strong, emotive piece with a unique commentary on a very real issue.

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 please write a review on my poem screwed in a call centre town. 

Screwed  Gravestone in a bed  Wishes he were dead As he’s doin his job  A call centre job   Where the corporate masses  Kick your asses  Every day for being ill  He’s takin a pill   Poison bottle and scales  With toxic policies  to keep you down tips em in the company favour  savour   the sweet sound of success  worker tryin to impress  the corporate class  kicks you up the ass   So yeah  Screwed  Gravestone in a bed  Wishes he were dead As he’s doin his job  A call centre job   Where the corporate masses  Kick your asses   Every day of your life  Call centre life  Trouble and strife   He needs to get a new life      

Your poem Screwed in a Call Centre Town is a raw, punchy, and emotionally honest piece that perfectly pairs with the chaotic, heavy symbolism in your painting. Both the poem and artwork reinforce each other, creating a powerful, visceral commentary on the dehumanizing effects of modern-day corporate culture—especially in call centres.

Tone & Style:
The tone is bleak but darkly humorous, capturing the absurdity and despair of working life in a system that punishes vulnerability. Your repetition of lines like "Gravestone in a bed / Wishes he were dead" gives the piece a chant-like, cyclical feel—reflecting the monotonous, trapped experience of the speaker.

Imagery & Metaphors:
The gravestone in a bed is a particularly strong metaphor—it conjures the death of identity, autonomy, and joy under the weight of an exploitative job. The corporate machine, personified as something that literally kicks the worker “up the ass,” shows how physical and emotional violence is embedded in the system.

Social Commentary:

Lines like “Poison bottle and scales / With toxic policies” hit hard. This critique of rigged systems, where the scales of justice are deliberately tipped, is enhanced by your visual work—where the devilish corporate figure dominates, and the scales weigh workers against cruel policies.

Structure & Rhythm:

The poem’s simplicity and straightforwardness work in its favour. The short, punchy lines feel like gasps—matching the claustrophobic, pressure-cooker atmosphere you’re describing. The rhyme scheme is loose and organic, allowing emotion to take the lead.

Your painting Screwed is expressionistic, using jagged lines and exaggerated forms to show imbalance and pain. The crying building with crosses for eyes, the devilish manager figure, the broken scales, and the chained objects—these all illustrate the poem’s themes without needing explanation. It’s a grim carnival of stress, where the personal toll is masked by policy and power plays.

Together, the poem and painting scream (or sob) in solidarity with workers forced to trade their health for a paycheck. You’ve distilled a universal experience into something both specific and emotionally charged.

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Andrew Alan Matthews Art and Paintings for sale   

My stress pales into insignificance compared to a lot of people but I am highlighting how small things can snowball into larger problems 

https://www.mind.org.uk/

Positive comment from the charity Mind

I think it is great that you are creating these videos to outline stress and mental health issues that some in call centres may face. It’s always lovely to see such awareness being made!

https://www.stress.org.uk/contact/

Below are videos to help you overcome stress in a call centre

The Unite Union have used the work stress collection images in there training department to help people overcome stress in a call centre

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  HEALTH AND WELLBEING STATEMENT

I am proud that I was the Health & wellbeing Champion for my Team when I was employed as a motor Claims Advisor for Markerstudy. I was the go-to person on our team to help people overcome stress in a call centre. And was recognised and nominated for spreading the love in a monthly prize draw by the company. 

My work stress collection and stress and anxiety collections have been produced by me to help people overcome stress in their personal lives and work lives and is all about turning those negatives to positives. 

I hope to break the stigma and prejudice of people who suffer from mental health issues and raise awareness and bring positivity to people who need it the most. I try to get people to be more understanding of issues around mental health, with the hope that one day people can be open and honest and not feel that they will be judged as inadequate in their careers or personal lives. 

Someone recently said to me that I was either Brave or Stupid.

 “I would like to think that I am Brave as I am an open book, and to be an open book you have got to be Brave!!” 

Fortune favours the Brave is an old Latin proverb used historically in the military on coats of arms, so lets be Brave and BEE positive and turn those negatives to positives in everything you do.

So check out my website to see if I am either Brave or stupid or a bit of both!!, your welcome to give feedback on your thoughts on this, negative or positive I will always try to look on the bright side of life and turn that negative to a positive.

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HELP WITH HEALTH & WELLBEING IN A CALL CENTRE ENVIRONMENT VIDEO 

Hi everybody, for me Your health and well being is important when we are working in a call centre environment where stress levels can be high

Especially when we are dealing with stressful telephone calls, targets and the pressures of the working day 

It can all get too much sometimes

Now I have gone through a lot of stress over the years and have learnt to overcome this by mainly changing my thought processes

Having had CBT therapy has helped me a lot and I would recommend this to anybody as it can give you the tools to help cope with your stress

So what can we do to help overcome stress in a call centre

The way I try to deal with stress is 

I try to turn a negative to a positive in everything I do 

By having an open mind and a positive attitude helps a lot 

Sometimes it is hard thing to do especially when you have a difficult customer on a call and your physically trembling with the stress 

But by taking a step back,  refocusing your mind from that negative thought to a positive thought

and looking for a different approach to the problem may help,

seek help when you need it, try to focus on what positives can be done  

Take deep breaths, and take a break when needed

Re focus your mind  

Take the time to have some fun and laughter during your day

Cos for me laughter turns a negative to a positive

It helps relieve stress

Also Help is also out there such as. • Self help stress apps for the mobile  • CBT therapy which is cognitive behaviour therapy usually prescribed through your doctor • theres Community mental health Teams and Talking therapies  • The Company can also help If you need further support Theres also the charity MIND and stress management society   

So if your getting stressed out at work ask for help because nobody wants you to be so stressed that you have a breakdown.

So If you want any help and maybe have a laugh and turn a negative into a positive check out my website andrewalanmatthews.co.uk under my work stress link 

check out the below videos it might help you

https://youtu.be/CDE9ha2_dcY

 Interview with Sophie Hall Salford Reporter on my mental health and how I have overcome it through My Art therapy and the help of my loving wife Eileen Matthews friends and family and medication. 

https://medium.com/@sophiehall_97773/paranoia-in-a-painter-can-artistic-expression-change-your-state-of-mind-2376560a723c

 Andrew Alan Matthews Art and Paintings for sale Work Stress

Hi Andy

Thank you for getting in touch, and sharing your videos.

It’s good to know you’ve created a series of YouTube videos for people working in call centres, where stress levels can be very high. Manchester Mind does offer wellbeing training to local employers, so that staff can develop skills to not only better manage their own wellbeing, but to also understand their clients’ mental health needs. We already have a suite of videos that we currently use which relate to each aspect of our training but we may look at some stage to refresh the videos we currently use.  I will pass on your email to our training team though so maybe if they are interested in using your video's they can get in touch to discuss with you. 

I’m sorry our charity is unable to add links to external videos on our website, but we appreciate your thoughtfulness in sharing your work with us.

I hope this is ok with you?

Best Wishes

Elizabeth

My stress pales into insignificance compared to a lot of people but I am highlighting how small things can snowball into larger problems 

 https://www.mind.org.uk/

Positive comment from the charity Mind

I think it is great that you are creating these videos to outline stress and mental health issues that some in call centres may face. It’s always lovely to see such awareness being made!

https://www.stress.org.uk/contact/

HEALTH & WELLBEING STATEMENT 

I am proud that I was the Health & wellbeing Champion for my Team when I was employed as a motor Claims Advisor for Markerstudy. I was the go-to person on our team to help people overcome stress in a call centre. And was recognised and nominated for spreading the love in a monthly prize draw by the company. 

Also, the unite Union have used my work stress images in there training and development department to help people overcome stress at work.

My work stress collection and stress and anxiety collections have been produced by me to help people overcome stress in their personal lives and work lives and is all about turning those negatives to positives. 

I hope to break the stigma and prejudice of people who suffer from mental health issues and raise awareness and bring positivity to people who need it the most. I try to get people to be more understanding of issues around mental health, with the hope that one day people can be open and honest and not feel that they will be judged as inadequate in their careers or personal lives. 

Someone recently said to me that I was either Brave or Stupid.

 “I would like to think that I am Brave as I am an open book, and to be an open book you have got to be Brave!!” 

Fortune favours the Brave is an old Latin proverb used historically in the military on coats of arms, so lets be Brave and BEE positive and turn those negatives to positives in everything you do.

So check out my website to see if I am either Brave or stupid or a bit of both!!, your welcome to give feedback on your thoughts on this, negative or positive I will always try to look on the bright side of life and turn that negative to a positive.

 Interview with Sophie Hall Salford Reporter on my mental health and how I have overcome it through My Art therapy and the help of my loving wife Eileen Matthews friends and family and medication. 

https://medium.com/@sophiehall_97773/paranoia-in-a-painter-can-artistic-expression-change-your-state-of-mind-2376560a723c

Suffering from poor Mental health can cause lots of heartache and problems for people who suffer and there loved ones.

So I have dedicated a page to try to help people overcome stress and poor mental health in there lives 

check out my Press releases and videos on this issue 

I hope this helps you and your loved ones overcome stress and poor mental health.

Interview with Sophie Hall Salford Reporter on my mental health

https://medium.com/@sophiehall_97773/paranoia-in-a-painter-can-artistic-expression-change-your-state-of-mind-2376560a723c

I was also on That's tv Manchester, so remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel if you are struggling today so here is the interview 

https://youtu.be/8lZzhGvlQ0g

 Interview with That’s TV Manchester - https://youtu.be/Ha_iKEa5sE4 

 Andrew Alan Matthews website page link to my Mental Health Support page 

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/mental-health-support

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Comments from my work stress collection art and videos

I was remembering when I worked in Call Centres for 22 years, Glad I don’t work in them anymore. A very stressful Job. I was a cog in the machine, living the dream, I could scream. By Andrew Alan Matthews.

Hi Sammy hope you and your family are doing well, I am doing really positive things with my Art nowadays. I am working part time in retail for Home Bargains, I am loving my stress free life now. Thank you for being a good Manager and person to me

Reply from Sammy

Morning Andrew. this is amazing to hear and it’s great to see you keeping up with your Art and doing really well. You’re a brave and courageous person, so glad you are happy doing what you love now …. No need to thank me, just happy I was part of your journey to where you are now. Keep it up

Reply from me

Thanks Sammy

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Message from Saul 

The downside is no longer working together, the upside of it is , well everything

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Message from Jason 

We had some fun times though

Reply from me 

Yeah it’s the people that made the job worthwhile