Peace
These two pieces were created in the winter of 2020; a really dark time for the country and for us as individuals. Our lives upended, our worlds condensed. I was finishing art school at the time and completely gutted that I had to take classes from my bedroom. The realization that I couldn't be around my fellow peers, learn in creativity energy and have use of the studios was a hard hit.
Luckily, I was taking an Art Therapy class at the time which ended up being as meditative and cathartic and as it was educational. My professor challenged us to use materials that we had in our homes to make art. There was no pressure to have a certain kind of supplies, or access to a studio space. Just make art with what you have.
I chose to use q-tips as my focus material and made a few pieces that really surprised me. It was as though all of my worry and sadness fell onto the page and empty space before me. The two pieces I submitted are named "To the Wind" and "Peace." While making art without pressure of critic, or judgment or proper tools, my anxiety melted away and it allowed me to feel free if even for a few moments of creation.
I look back on these piece fondly, even though it was a really hard time, as it reminds me that there are always ways to shine light on the darkness if even for a brief moment. In those spaces are where I find comfort, peace and a moment of calm to get through the everything else.
