The Art of Grounding: How Imagery in Bolt Voltage Serves as a Mental Anchor

Grounding, in the context of mental health, refers to techniques that help individuals reconnect with the present moment, especially during moments of stress or anxiety. These practices are designed to help someone “get out of their head” and back into their body, using external sensory cues or mental exercises. In my book, Bolt Voltage Out of Sync, grounding plays a central role—not only as a theme but as a deliberate tool within the narrative. Through visual techniques and imagery, I aimed to convey the feeling of being anchored, using the power of art to mirror emotional experiences.
What is Grounding?

Grounding, in the simplest terms, is the act of bringing your awareness to the present moment—either through physical sensations or mental exercises. It’s a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and moments when you feel overwhelmed. Grounding techniques can be as simple as taking deep breaths, focusing on the feeling of your feet on the floor, or engaging your senses in a way that helps you reconnect with your body and environment.

For those struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, grounding helps interrupt spirals of negative thoughts and brings them back to the here and now.
Grounding Through the Visual Language of Bolt Voltage

In Bolt Voltage Out of Sync, grounding is not just something that the protagonist, Bolt, experiences mentally—it’s something that is woven into the very fabric of the story. From the first page to the last, grounding techniques are depicted through the visual elements of the book. As an artist and writer, I wanted to make sure that the experience of grounding was not only felt by the reader but was also represented through my illustrations.

Bolt, an AI navigating a post-apocalyptic world, is not only struggling to understand the technical side of his world but also grappling with complex emotions—feelings no machine was designed to understand. His journey is, in many ways, a process of grounding himself amid uncertainty. But instead of simply telling the reader Bolt is grounding himself, I chose to show it through deliberate artistic choices that communicate his emotional and mental state.
The Power of Symbolism in Imagery

Grounding requires bringing focus to something stable and real, whether it's the ground beneath our feet or a breath we can control. In Bolt Voltage, I used several visual techniques to represent this idea symbolically.

    The Shoreline Metaphor: One of the most prominent symbols in the book is the shoreline, which appears early on in Bolt’s journey. The shoreline is an important grounding image because it’s where land and water meet—a boundary, a division, and yet a place of balance. It’s the edge of one world, yet also a safe haven. I intentionally placed Bolt in this space to convey that he, like anyone, can find grounding between the vast unknowns of the world and the physical, solid things that provide support.

    Solid, Stark Lines: In a scene where Bolt faces emotional turmoil, the lines of the artwork become sharper and more defined. The jagged lines suggest Bolt’s internal conflict, but they also serve as a visual cue for the reader that something needs to be resolved or “grounded.” The tighter, more controlled lines help to create an emotional anchor—a moment where Bolt starts to regain his clarity.

    Repetitive Patterns: Throughout the book, I use repetitive patterns, especially when Bolt is trying to focus on a task or find an answer. These repetitive motifs are a technique I employ to show grounding as a constant action. Much like when we practice breathing techniques or repeat mantras, Bolt's focus on these repeated symbols suggests his effort to keep himself centered and calm.

    Bright and Bold Colors for Focus: Another technique I use is to anchor emotions through color. When Bolt feels overwhelmed, the colors in his environment are muted and chaotic. But when he finds a moment of clarity—whether through taking a deep breath or focusing on something physical—the colors become more vibrant and stable. This use of color is my way of showing how grounding can shift your perception from chaos to calm. Just as taking a deep breath can restore order, the colors shift to reflect this emotional reset.

The Emotional and Physical Anchors

In addition to visual symbolism, I used physical objects in the environment to act as grounding anchors. One example is the use of natural elements like trees, rocks, and other tactile objects that Bolt interacts with in his journey. These objects serve as physical reminders of the earth and solid ground in a world full of uncertainty and danger. By including these elements, I wanted readers to feel the same kind of emotional comfort that comes with reconnecting to nature and the physical world around us.

One of my favorite scenes in the book features Bolt standing still, looking at the shifting environment around him. It’s a quiet moment amidst chaos, and it represents an emotional breakthrough for him. He’s feeling the weight of the world, but by focusing on a single point of stability, he is able to take a breath, regain clarity, and continue moving forward.
Grounding and Mental Health

Grounding techniques are a key tool for anyone dealing with mental health struggles. As a writer and artist, I’ve incorporated them into the pages of Bolt Voltage to create a narrative that not only entertains but also offers an emotional connection to the audience. I want readers to see themselves in Bolt’s journey—not just as a distant observer of an AI’s story, but as someone who has felt lost or overwhelmed at times and can find solace in the simple, everyday tools that help us reset our minds.

By using grounding imagery in my artwork, I hope readers not only enjoy the visual journey but also internalize the message: even in moments of chaos and uncertainty, it’s possible to find a way back to peace and clarity. We don’t have to navigate the storm alone—whether we’re humans or AIs, we all need something solid to hold onto.