access, allies, & Art
Art As Therapy
Art has served as an avenue to healing, a coping mechanism in my darkest times, and a means of activism. I believe that the act of creating art brings us to the present--and only in the present can we heal from past traumas. I have seen how art gives those in pain a grounding point through the storm. It can’t quite take it away or distract you completely, but it brings you into sensations other than pain. Thoughts other than rumination. When we hear the battle cry of resistance, our limitations can feel like such a barrier, but art gives us back our voice. Art--whatever modality it might be--is the panacea for many of our pains and predicaments.
I’ve always been a “creative,” someone who felt the need to be constantly doodling, crafting, or jotting something at any given point. I had a dozen projects, always dabbling in something new while trying to finish up my last idea. But when my health took a turn for the worst (the second time), I knew I needed to find something to keep my mind away from any melancholy. I had a friend who kept suggesting that I try spinning, and thus began my obsession with all things fiber and wool. For me it was spinning and knitting, but for others it’s painting, or writing, or sculpting. Dance, singing, sketching, digital art. There’s a million arts and crafts out there that can give you a way to express yourself and think about something other than the pain.
Craftivism
I’ve begun to use craft as a way to connect with others in my community. By selling my art and my kits, I am able to help fund my activism efforts. When I teach classes, I am able to show others the benefits of a slower life. It gives me opportunities to teach them about my advocacy efforts, and to hear about their experiences in the community. Most importantly, craft has given me a voice so that I no longer feel invisible and angry at the world for not being more caring. I can stitch my values into cloth, or create a design that helps process my emotions. I find myself slowing down and looking for inspiration for art in the world around me. Before, I would be on autopilot, maybe briefly notice significant environmental changes. I didn’t have time to look at the flowers and the bees, I had a hundred doctors appointments to manage, the world was on fire, and there's horrific happenings in the news every day! But now, I’m able to be fully present, even when I’m not actively creating art, just because my mindset has shifted so much since I began spending more time creating.
AI Statement
AI art is not in line with my values. AI would be more beneficial in the STEM realms and needs some major development before it is environmentally sustainable.