A Space of Resilience & Hope

I’m not going to lie, the last few weeks have been difficult. I left December excited to start the new year, create new work and REALLY dive into my art practice. I saw serious growth ahead of me.

And then, although not surprising in hindsight, the world seemed to crash around me. My algorithm filled with pain, fear and anger. And I felt it. I still feel it. Although my artwork is not overtly political, I stay aware of what is going on in the world around me.

This has made it very difficult to talk about my work. To see the value in it at times, especially when juxtaposed with everything else in my newsfeed. Simply showing up on social media or in your inbox felt tone-deaf. I found myself juggling the desire to speak out and share my frustration alongside wanting to stay true to my artistic vision: one of hope and resilience.

The truth is, I feel very passionately about my political beliefs: I care deeply about the Earth, about justice, and human dignity. I am firmly progressive and opposed to systems and leaders that rely on fear, exclusion, cruelty, or the erosion of truth.

However, I want the space around my artwork to be a positive place. One that feels calm, hopeful and resilient. I want you to feel welcome here. I want to be the peace that exists in an otherwise chaotic world. Afterall, if we don’t make space to nurture the good and hopeful, how can we expect it to survive and grow?