So I painted this recently. It's called Helpless. I didn't know why I called it that and I didn't know why I was so drawn to this image when it popped into my head but a few nights ago I had a realisation. I was sat staring at it, as you do, and mulling things over in my head and then I realised I was staring at myself. I had unintentionally painted myself and how I was feeling. I wanted to fly the flag for Ukraine, I absolutely wanted to show my support and help in any way I could. But I know there really is very little I can do by myself. For many of us, blue and yellow will be a constant colourful companion in some way to show our solidarity but behind that we wait and wish we could do more. What I thought was a comment on the helplessness of those who have been driven from their homes and lives torn apart, turned out to be an inward revelation and although some may think it a selfish one, I still think it is extremely relevant. I know I'm not the only one who feels helpless. When people say they find themselves through their art...they aren't kidding.
It doesn't matter how far removed you are from a situation, you are allowed to express how you feel about it, whether it's through paint, music, dialogue etc. If you want to keep it to yourself and scribble it out in a notebook, that's fine. If you want to scream from the rooftops that's fine too but don't feel bad for wanting to do something with it instead of bottling it up and letting it fester. Use that pain, discomfort, uncertainty or fear to make something beautiful.
Stay creative
Sarah x
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