Creativity and activism in the midst of the apocalypse

Black Lives Matter piece done shortly after the murder of George Floyd.

I don't know about you all, but I have been on an emotional roller-coaster since March. As an empath, it has been difficult to function in a world that daily feels like it's falling apart. I often feel paralyzed by grief and isolation, yet I still want to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering, and I still want to learn all that I can to be a good ally and an anti-racist. This, combined with one of the most difficult classes I've experienced in my schooling career (Accounting, blech) has left me feeling exhausted, isolated, and empty. 

So how do we move forward when it feels like things are hopeless, or when we're too tired to move? I'm still not completely sure of the answer, but for now I'm trying to take things in small steps. Weeze, from the Check Your Privilege Summer Skool says, "This is a movement, not a moment. This is a lifelong commitment and MUST be sustainable." There is no "one right way" to be an activist, so a lot of this lifelong commitment is figuring out what is sustainable for you, but I have decided to give myself one hour a day for activism work. This includes reading, educating myself, calling representatives, and signing petitions (though not all at the same time!). In addition to this hour, I have made a commitment to art activism. For me this means throwing myself, heart and soul, into each piece I create. This also means recognizing where my personal biases lie and working towards dismantling those in my art. My mission as an artist is to create art that inspires, empowers and puts a smile on your face. I want women of all sizes and colors to see themselves represented in my art. For the rest of this year, I'm choosing to be like Anna from Frozen II and just "do the next right thing." We will find a way through this living nightmare together and with small, daily steps.  

What are some things you're doing to stay sane and to stay creative in this time of upheaval? 

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