Then suddenly during its development, the vision shifted.
Read MoreWhile trauma is now sometimes overused to describe difficult, unfavorable, or inconvenient situations, in many cases the fundamental issues faced by the people I talked to were emotional traumas.
Read MoreRather than shaming a person for being themselves, we ought to be celebrating our differences because they make for a livelier, more robust world.
Read MoreIn this month of June, a month marked by celebrating diverse identities of all kinds, I think it is important to reflect on how many people (starting in childhood) are told - in one form or another and by various individuals or groups both in their family circles and beyond - that they are "terrible" because they differ from whatever hegemonic norm society says is the pinnacle of societal success.
Read MoreThis, of course, restricts people from being who they are, their authentic selves, and doesn't allow society to embrace the wonderful diversity that humanity has to offer.
Read MoreSince then, it has developed into an amazing, profound, and powerful work.
Read MoreThe link between scapegoats and narcissism has long been studied.
Read MoreEveryone's experiences, from a 2 year old's to a 102 year old's is equally valid.
Read MoreEach of these anecdotes reminds me of a quote from a movie by the Kazdan brothers: “Some people think because they are stronger, or meaner, that they can push you around. I've seen a lot of that. But it's only true if you let it be. The world is what you make of it.”
Read MoreHowever, when I create a work of art, I tend to follow an intuitive path, allowing the art to take me on its own journey and show me where it wants to go.
Read MoreAnd I saw all of that in me and I saw all of me in the quilt. And that's how it got its un-name. It's an untitled piece because it simply exists.
Read MorePlease don't touch the artwork. Please don't touch the quilts.
Read MoreA comfort zone is where you are comfortable **at this present time**. It doesn't negate one's growing & learning. A comfort zone is *not* equivalent to willful and stubborn ignorance.
Read MoreOne of the art quilts is near and dear to my heart, while the other one is turning out to be a much more political quilt than I had originally anticipated.
Read MoreLet’s learn to listen and let the quiet, subtle gems be our reward.
Read MoreThis year has been unusual, to say the least.
Read MoreThis piece I’m working on has a strong voice, as most of my art quilts do.
Read MoreI spent years selling my intellectual labor and abilities to colleges and universities so that I could thrive; now I enjoy selling my artistic and creative labor and abilities instead.
Read MoreWhen I'm on my deathbed, I'm not going to be laying there thinking, "Gosh, I really should have been more acerbic in my life."
Read MoreWhen I was teaching, each semester on the first day when I introduced the syllabus I told my students I had one classroom rule: Be Respectful.
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