In times of crisis—pandemics, social and political unrest, and ongoing climate collapse—many experience both individual and collective grief that comes from watching systems fail, the environment unravel, and the future become uncertain. Expression of grief, in this context, is not weakness—it is evidence of care, conscience, and connection. Recognizing and sharing it, too, is an act of resistance and a step toward healing and awareness.
So how do we reclaim our power? In a culture that can dismiss art-making as frivolous and equates productivity with obedience and utility—a mindset that, as artist and creative coach Amie McNee states, “oppresses our innate instincts”—creativity can be revolutionary. Making art is a much-needed processing tool that helps us gain self-agency in a world where moving toward positive change can feel out of reach. In a society built to distract, giving one’s individual attention to creation is a radical act.