I heard a story recently: Following a previous night’s campfire, the storyteller went out to the fire pit, found a tiny burning coal, added some air and straw to it… and watched the fire rekindle itself back into a roaring blaze.
The story struck me, particularly in light of the events of the past week since the election. I’ve felt a fire inside of me rekindle and reignite far hotter and brighter than I’ve felt in a while.
And it’s clear it’s not just me.
As I stood at the National Women’s Hall of Fame last Saturday at the opening of the Creative Women of the Finger Lakes Art & Craftivism Exhibit, dressed in black and surrounded by other artists and patrons—like-minded women and men, still numb from the election results—I felt a collective power.
Months ago, I stumbled across the call for submission for this juried exhibit; a call for work that’s representative of how the women of the Finger Lakes view and express themselves on the subject of human rights, voting rights, gender roles, equality, and immigration.
I submitted two pieces:
We Were Born to Fly: A painting honoring my great, great, great grandmother, Maggie Collins, who braved a cross-Atlantic journey solo in 1830 with her 12-year old son, Martin, to give him a better life after her husband/his dad passed. The bravery of her and so many other women that came before me have given me the courage, strength, and permission to fly.
Reflecting Strength and Courage: A self-portrait painted with my daughter and granddaughter in mind, with gold and lavender for women’s suffrage, and forsythia as a commitment to continuing in my own healing so I can continue to fight for women’s rights.
I’ve long dreamed of my art residing in the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls. But I never could’ve imagined that my work would be accepted just weeks before misogyny won out at the federal level — and that it would be in this powerful context, where it’s standing amongst incredible other works in the name of activism.
I’ve let myself sink into hopelessness a few times over the last week… but attending the opening of the exhibit reminded me that the fight for human rights for all humans is alive and well in our communities.
And the coals that have been simmering just received the air they need to relight into flames and roar.
As I was writing this post, a newsletter dropped into my inbox from a fellow artist, Louise Fletcher. Her words were like reading my own thoughts:
“When things get tough, artists have a unique role to play. We are here to shine a light; to tell stories that comfort, challenge, and inspire. Our voices, expressed through art, music, dance, writing, and all forms of creative expression, are more than just our own—they are mirrors that reflect the human spirit back to those who may need it the most…
What would happen if each of us decided to let our art be a force for good in these times? Not to ignore what’s happening, but to offer an alternative—a space for peace, insight, and shared humanity. Imagine if, instead of sinking into fear or frustration, we used our brushes, pencils, and voices to remind others (and ourselves!) that hope is real, that empathy matters, and that we’re capable of change.”
We can continue to create with empathy, kindness, and connection in mind. We can keep the fire roaring, for ourselves and our future generations.
In fact, we must. And we will.
P.S. The exhibit is live at the Women’s Hall of Fame through March of 2025… if you get the chance to visit it, I’d love to hear about your experience connecting with the powerful works housed there.
And—if you can use a bit more light wherever you are in this moment, I’d love to help make that happen. From now until the end of 2024, use the code HEAL in my shop to redeem 50% off any of my paintings.
I’ve had the incredible honor of re-homing many of my pieces over the last few weeks since this sale started, and my heart could not be more full.
If you truly cannot afford a painting but still want to spread light and healing to someone in your life, please email me at cindy@harrisstudios.com and we'll make it happen.
My only ask is this: After you've gifted your art, please send me a note sharing the story of who you gifted it to and the impact it's had. 💛