The themeof art coming from pain is all too prevalent. Sayings like “the starvingartist” and “the tortured artist” are so common, it's easy to forget thereality behind them. Art seems to have more meaning when it comes from pain anddanger. But what about art that comes from an environment that is safe andwelcoming? What I learned from the paint night was that art that comes fromsafety and happiness is valid and valuable.
For the paint night we were toldthat the subject would be a self-portrait, and I had no idea where to begin. Icouldn’t draw a face shape, let alone mix the colours to create any semblanceof brown. I could feel the pressure begin.
But this was a safe space. A placeto experiment and be free and open with what our interpretation was. Thesupport received at the event was something that I can only describe asheartwarming. The laughter at each table and the lightheartedness of the eventtook away the pressure of creating artwork. I was no longer painting somethingthat needed to be pretty or served a purpose. I was creating to create.
I’m sure that the positive environment had an effect on everyone’s art piece. We were not there to judge or laugh at, but rather to embrace and laugh with.
Making art in a safe space had a special impact on each individual and their process as well as their final piece. The simple act of creating was enough and nothing more was expected.
I truly hope that everyone gets toexperience something like this, and that if you have any hesitations about comingto an event, you’re more open to the idea.
I look forward to (hopefully!)seeing you there next time.
Kaitlyn Chorowiec
She/Her They/Them
