A return
I am very near to completing my Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in sociology, gender studies and political science, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have learnt much about our unjust, unnatural, socially constructed societies fuelled by hyper-individualism, profit and competition. I have also discovered the importance of understanding society by applying theory that recognises social patterns and offers repair. My decision to pause my career as an artist and return to study in my late 40s was prompted by a need for fulfilment. While an enjoyable way of making some money, my art practice felt frivolous and part of the consumer culture problem. And although still requiring my attention, my teenage children no longer needed as much of my energy and focus. However, after many hours spent researching fascinating topics in gender studies, pulling apart the harsh realities of politics and bending my head around post-modern ideology, I have come full circle. I have recognised my need to connect with something deeply human and meaningful that conjures up the simplicity of joy. Our current fast-paced, demanding world often leaves us feeling overwhelmed, stressed and isolated. When we engage in and experience art, whether through painting, drawing, poetry, architecture, music or design, we open up and allow ourselves to be moved. This creative release prompts an attachment to good and a refusal of being overwhelmed by the bad or damaged. Art and creativity can draw people together in commonality and give us a sense that we have a wealth of resources to draw on beyond the pull of greed and profit. Art helps us not lose sight of hope, reminds us that we are not alone and are much more than mere human capital.
I am not sure where things will lead once I finish my degree (early next year) but for now, I am going to slowly ease back into my art practice in my beautiful new studio space and continue to offer affordable art that offers the simplicity of creative joy. Here is a little ‘shelfie’ with my art prints and Uni textbooks sitting comfortably side by side.
