Art as a response
Welcome to 2024 my friends! I do not have any resolutions to make or share - Hoping for Peace. I’m not very adept at pretending all is well. I haven’t written for awhile as although my personal world has been quiet, comfortable and my needs have been met I am hyper aware that across the world all is not well.
I admit to feeling depleted and less focused these days by the continuing war - deaths and all the horrors that come with this in Gaza . It’s heartbreaking and mind numbing .
Although I have claimed in the past to be able to take breaks from news and media related -this unrelenting horror of man’s inhumanity to man begs to be noticed.
I choose my news outlets carefully -and give myself a break when too much imagery overwhelms. But I cannot turn away. I am aware that unless you curate your social media and news to reflect all the information out there -and hear directly from those who are imbedded in Gaza the algorithms only take you to the surface ..If even that.
Feeling like an occasional post on social media wasn’t enough I started signing petitions to our members of parliament , local government..for a complete ceasefire .
I’ve attended a couple of local protests -and will continue to do so..
I feel that as artists we have something to say
I’ve been dealing with it the only way I seem to be able to
-by making art and sharing it .
There is a bleak feeling of helplessness which won’t go away
Sharing art is an outlet ..Another way to get the message out
of course it isn’t enough..
Do you create art in response to a situation globally or personally that has moved rattled or disturbed you ? Do you believe art has a place in activism? Does making art help you personally process events beyond your control?
A UK artist /illustrator I follow and admire who has offered a drawing online fundraiser for Gaza (which I participated in) is Sarah Dyer -You can also find her on Instagram
My artist friend Patti Waterfield is offering handmade peace dolls for sale-all proceeds in support for Doctors without Borders. You can message her to select your doll (while they last!) she uploads more every day until they are spoken for.
Thanks for reading ..
Peace! Heather
I understand and relate to how you feel! I didn’t decorate or celebrate the holidays. It didn’t feel celebratory with so many suffering! My birthday was New Year’s Day and as I struggled, I tell myself it’s a new year, a new beginning I can at least hope and continue to do my small part. Hoping that as we all do a part, it will add up to an impact to change what’s going on. As I spent time with my almost 2 year old grandson, I want him to have a better world...🙏🏾
Ive thought about your post quite a lot since reading it. I feel helpless. When I feel cold, I think about those people who don’t have the choice other than cold at the moment , when I’m settled comfortably in my seat or bed I think about those people who don’t have a bed of their own anymore. I feel safe here in quiet rural France – they don’t. What an earth can we do to stop this obscene horror from continuing?
Perhaps all we can do is be the best possible human being that we are able to be. None of us are born bad, but many grow up with prejudices and beliefs about others and ways of living different to theirs it’s so sad.