Art as Hope

Dominican faceless doll collection and original paintings on display at the Pittsford Community Library

I picked up a paintbrush today for the first time in over four months. As the warm weather set in, I just wanted to be outside. In other locales, spring sets in around April but in Rochester, we start feeling the love closer to end of May. I needed a break and without much thoroughfare, set my painting aside.

We've experienced the loveliest weather this year in the last six weeks or so, and with autumn now in full swing, I've been thinking a lot about art. Specifically, how to create in uncertain times. The state of the world has brought timeless, philosophical questions to the fore for me and I've been wondering how not to give into anxiety and dread. There are times I wonder what is the point of art when there's so much going on, but then I recall that even in the darkest times, art is made. Somewhere, somehow, people find the will to create beauty and experience joy. That at the bottom of Pandora's box we find hope.

So with that in mind, I'm painting again.

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This week, I dropped off my Dominican faceless doll (Muñecas Limé) collection at the Henrietta Public Library and the Pittsford Community Library for Hispanic Heritage Month. I'm also displaying two of my artworks at the Pittsford Community Library (see above). Artists, I highly recommend reaching out to your local libraries to discuss showcasing your art or other collections. It's a wonderful way to have the community access your work.

Dominican faceless doll collection on display at the Henrietta Public Library