Words to Live By
In the aftermath of the 2016 Presidential election, I found myself despondent and overwhelmed even though I’m not even American. For many Canadians, what happens politically to the south of us has a huge impact—economically, socially and emotionally.
In January 2017, I resolved to keep the conversation in my head positive and action-oriented, to support positive change and counteract the massive attacks on social, economic and environmental justice that we’re witnessing, both in the US and around the world.
I came up with a list of 52 words to focus on (one per week for a year) and am creating a postcard-sized mixed media artwork to illustrate each one. As I began working and talking about this project with others, it became clear I wasn’t alone in my feelings. I ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to create printed postcards of the words and now send out a weekly Word to Live By e-postcard to subscribers, as well as the printed cards.
This project has evolved from a personal project to one that uses art as a way of encouraging positive action, building resilience, encouraging resistance to violence, protesting inequalities, spreading empathy and compassion, and just generally making our local communities (and by extension our countries) safer, more welcoming and inclusive places.
The Words are calls to pay attention, to check in with your mindset, breathe a little more deeply and remember you're not alone.
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To learn more about the project, please send me an email.