Art as a Tool of Expression

This is a painting I created three years ago titled Superconscious Realm of Experience. It is an acrylic pour using color shift paints of aqua, pink, black, and glitter. The method used to create it includes adding a thinning agent to the paints and letting them flow across the canvas as it is tilted. The flow of the paint on the canvas created an abstract view of a man's face.

This art was created in the spring of 2021 when most of the world was growing tiresome of masking due to COVID-19 guidelines, and many of us felt a sense of betrayal by those who preferred "freedom" instead of being conscious of others' needs. Creating art allowed me to process emotions and dream of a better tomorrow. The shapes formed during the creation process reminded me of expanding consciousness, how our minds can "get blown" by an idea, with this thought forming in my mind of how I could best convey the interconnectedness of life to others.

This painting reflects how our minds can expand by an idea or thought. When we broaden our knowledge by pursuing higher education, our perspectives follow, allowing a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of life, which is a huge reason for my studies in social work. Puente M. et al. (2023) state, "Through a critical understanding of social inequities, critically conscious beings can engage in transformative action to dismantle unjust systems."  

Just as I am inspired to use my experiences and insights as an individual with a mental health condition to advocate for social change, drawing on empathy, resilience, and respect for the diverse stories that shape us all, others can see my work and become inspired by it as well, taking up advocacy work in their communities, further elevating the consciousness of the populous. This art piece hangs on the wall beside my bed and is a daily reminder to keep consciousness of the vulnerable at the forefront of my work.

 This art piece shows I am creative, expressive, and unafraid of getting messy. I'm not worried about the perceptions of others and choose to live boldly, often creating a sharp contrast in a world of desaturation. I can find flow through difficulties in life by adjusting my perspective and allowing freedom in my movement, voice, and presence. I find balance in the light and the dark of human experience. I shine in certain lights and reflect them with ease. I am a messy, beautiful masterpiece.
 

Puente, M., Rogers, K. D., Crawford, J., & Matschiner, A. (2023). Interrogating the self en route to critical consciousness: Cultivating higher education leaders through a positionality-centered, doctoral-level course. New Directions for Student Leadership, (178), 57-69. https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.20548