Creative Expression, Subtle Resistance and Hope
Creating art is one of the best forms of resistance, in my opinion, because it can be both subtle and inspiring.
Tragedy has the power to transform emotional pain into creative works of art. After the most recent tragedy of the execution of Alex Pretti (an ICU VA nurse, a cyclist), only 2 weeks after the murder of Renee Good ( a mother, a poet), both of whom were trying to protect others from harm, a friend of mine had created a pretty powerful piece of artwork. It was subtle if you didn’t know who it was about, showed emotion and was both validating and inspiring once you realized who it was a memorial for, while also having the power to call you into action.
After she’d created this artwork, she asked me, “who am I to put out more art when people are already doing amazing things?”
My response?
If every artist throughout history said “there’s enough art out there, who am I to put out more?” We wouldn’t have art history museums. Throughout history, art has inspired revolutions, uprisings, helped people feel less alone in their suffering and brought community together. Especially during a time, where fake AI generated art is being created in abundance, I feel that home made, hand crafted and created art is what we need right now. Something real and tangible that someone’s heart and hard work crafted into existence.
I believe not putting out art into the world is an injustice, and that you never know how your unique perspective or idea could change someone’s point of view, help them to relate, or to finally understand what’s happening and want to get involved with a movement or a resistance.
But, if you feel there are other things you could be doing, or other ways you could be helping that could be more productive? Sure, I understand that feeling. But, there are SO many ways to take action right now, and there is no one best way to be helping right now - - so don’t you dare try to tell me that more art, your art, doesn’t have the power to spark change, because it does.
Art carries meaning, and that has the power to inspire hope. Which is exactly what we all need right now.
If someone was creating art in these circumstances purely to be recognized by their own greatness and financial benefit? Then I’d say that’s definitely for the wrong reasons right now, and that’s definitely not a productive or helpful thing to be doing right now.
But, I know this friend well. She’s helpful and she’s considerate, and she would quite literally drop anything she was doing to help someone in need, no matter the inconvenience or cost. That’s just who she is. She’s also an incredibly talented artist that severely underestimates herself.
And in these dark times, we need creativity and inspiration and hope.
Art has the power to inspire revolutions and uprisings, while also bringing people from near and far together.
Additionally, something to think about is the very real possibility of not knowing how long we’ll be “allowed” to create art freely, without repercussions as this fascist regime continues to unfold.
And of course, my friend being the incredible person that she is, is drawing, carving and hand printing her art, and then delivering it all over Minneapolis and setting it out for free. There’s a Venmo code to donate if you’re able and the funds raised go to local mutual aid to help local community during this devastating time. *for her safety, I’m not including her name or art in this blog post (unless she gives me the ok) BUT I encourage you to please donate when you have the opportunity to help fund mutual aid and allow the art you see to inspire you to take action to help the community.
So. If this is speaking to you, if you’re reading this and it’s resonating with something deep in your chest that you’ve been holding back sharing your ideas or art from the world . . . please consider creating without letting fear of what other people might think, stop you.
Because you have no idea the people you may inspire along the way. ❤️
We don’t have to keep doing things the way they’ve have always been done, because that’s the way they’ve always been done. Right now, we need creativity, ingenuity and the courage to change, to learn and to create lasting positive impacts on the world around us, for the communities around us.
*Just be sure to check in with yourself first and be sure that what you’re choosing to do is coming from an honest place of integrity, let your emotions flow through your art and share some hope with the world. If you check in with yourself, and you find it’s your ego needing a bit of attention or you’re feeling left out not being the center of attention as tragedies unfold . . . . then, I’d tell you to please take a step back, dig a little deeper, do some inner work and find a different way to constructively help out. . . . and if your ideas are in support of the fascist dictatorship targeting people of color and stripping away our amendment rights and you want to cause harm then keep that shit to yourself, you’ve got a lot of inner work to do.
HOW TO HELP?
If you’re not so creatively artistic (like myself) there are so many other ways to be helping out right now! We can take action by :
donating money to organizations and non profits doing the work
donating food and supplies to your community
volunteering at a donation location to help organize and distribute
volunteering to deliver food and supplies to families who can’t safely leave their homes right now
donating money to help pay for someones rent who is being directly impacted by being unable to safely leave their homes and unable to work because of it right now
sharing resources
marching / protesting
CALLING or WRITE to your REPS (use the 5 calls app - - dialogue prompts and phone numbers and which state representative to call make it incredibly easy
*As always, mitigate the risks, take no shit but do no harm and keep in mind if you’re a person who is white, you have far less risk and far more privilege than many others right now.
DIFFICULT FOR SOCIETY, is my new motto, and that’s what I’m going to continue to strive to be. Because a fascism regime hates an unruly woman who follows her intuition, speak up, stands her ground and has the audacity to do anything but what she’s told to, or expected to.
Remember, we are stronger together. And as Minnesotans we’re used to long harsh winters, and we’re not afraid of a little ice.
While all of this devastation is unfolding, there’s also an URGENT need right now to PROTECT THE BOUNDARY WATERS (this is URGENT) please click here to contact the SENATE NOW.
***Disclaimer: I write from my own personal experience and my writings are to be interpreted as such. I cannot speak for those who encounter inequity and inequality for their identities that are not my own, but , I will amplify their voices to be heard and help to raise awareness and fight for equal human rights. I encourage you to use your own critical thinking when making decisions and major life choices. As always, you are your own person, capable of making your own decisions regardless of external influences - take no shit but do no harm. ***
