Windows to the Inside
The Refuge of Art and Creativity
There is a lot going on in the world right now. As I try to do my part to support my community, I have to also consider my mental health. Creating art is one of my primary tools to alleviate stress and anxiety. Among all the circumstances in the world that are out of my control (Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians with American tax dollars and weapons, climate change, ICE kidnappings of immigrants and people of color, etc.), I have complete autonomy and say-so over the visual and musical art I make. There is calm and safety in having realms of my own through which I can privately wander.
(Also, daily cuddles with my cat Chopin, pictured above, help too.)
Have a look at some of the art I have made lately out of pencil, ink, and photography.
My windows are open. Take a peek.
COLOR NOTEBOOK
I love drawing sunscapes, especially since I cannot actually look directly at the sun.
ABSTRACT FLOWERS
I avoid overthinking when it comes to these abstract flowers I grow. Once the pencil hits the paper, I let the intention go where it will.
ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL
Every week, I enter thoughts and images about the previous week. It is a fun way to practice spacial composition and decompress.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Here are some recent photos I took on my Sony DSLR camera of rehearsals for a queer opera called Leland & Silas that is being mounted this weekend at Chinkapin Craftstead (the local queer arts nonprofit where I work part-time).
STILL LIFE
Last Sunday was Mother’s Day. My family and I celebrated at a restaurant at a marina on Old Hickory Lake in Lakewood, TN. A sunny day at a table in the open air, delicious food, and the usual family chatter made for a sweet and memorable day.
I hope you have found your own private realms for calm and safety. Go there as often as needed.
Everyone deserves a space for refuge.
Claim yours.