In one of my favorite art classes, I had the opportunity to hear from the curator of a show called "Variance" at the RISD museum in 2021. This collection invited us “to consider how disability and illness are embodied and experienced, and how they have been represented by artists and deployed as visual tropes…We are, after all, incredibly varied in normative and sometimes extraordinary ways.” Our homework assignment was to make art about a disability of our own.
I created this artwork about my breast cancer journey, and came to know the true healing power of creative expression.
What I didn’t know, however, was that when A Mindful Line offered an 8-week program for individuals to connect around a shared variance, in this case, breast cancer, that there would be another lesson entirely...
Throughout that course, the healing power of art-making was definitely palpable. But, so was the force of the human connection around this shared experience – not only being breast cancer survivors but also in just coming together on a weekly basis to connect, practice mindfulness, make art, and commit to our practice in the week ahead.
This is what I didn’t realize – that the force of this connection would transcend the art-making not only for them, but for me as well.
This was the first Aha! Moment…We ALL need this!
Shared creative experiences bring people together by breaking down barriers and creating a space where diverse voices can harmonize. In communal space and with a felt connection, individuals can begin to weave a tapestry of shared experience that ultimately builds the foundation of a supportive community.
Turns out, the benefits of shared art-making extend far beyond the sketchbook. Engaging in art within a community has been shown to have remarkable health advantages. We already know that engaging in art-making can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and contribute to a sense of purpose. When done in a communal setting, these benefits are amplified, as the shared experience creates a positive feedback loop, reinforcing feelings of camaraderie and mutual support. This sense of belonging can then help us develop empathy, inspire deeper personal growth, and provide emotional support.
Creating together encourages us to step outside our comfort zone and learn to find comfort in the discomfort, to experience the joy of being creative, and to realize that our unique perspectives contribute to a richer, more vibrant whole.
A second Aha! Moment…A Mindful Line is perfectly poised to make this happen!
It is my intention to make this shared space safe, inclusive, supportive, and free from judgment of any kind. No experience is necessary, and the only materials you’ll need will be something to write on, and something to write with.
A Mindful Line now offers a FREE community art-making class on the last Monday of every month. Everyone and all variances welcome.
You can register by clicking here.