Speaking from the heart about the Black Lives Matter Movement
This is going to be a long post. From the heart. From my personal perspective, and how I’ve decided to show support to the Black Lives Matter movement in the hopes that I can inspire you to do the same. Tuck in, pour yourself a warm cuppa and thank you for your time as you allow me to express myself.
The last few weeks have hit me like a ton of bricks as I’m sure it has you too. These last few months have challenged us in so many ways not only personally, but globally thanks to COVID. Then we were hit with the news of what happened to George Floyd.
Most days I am at a loss for words, have trouble processing how I’m feeling, and give gratitude daily to my art practice as I use it to fill myself up but also to distract from what’s really on my mind.
My focus and life i design’s focus is always about art and creativity. With every post I write, every photo I take, every class I create and every piece of art that comes to life, I intend to create with joy in mind.
Last Monday, I was at a loss. I couldn’t express how I felt. I was lacking any ounce of joy.
I consumed information from social media, news reports, and as I read about what happened to George Floyd, about the protests, and riots, I struggled with what my role was in helping people who I love, respect and admire.
You see, I am a first generation Greek, female who grew up in the 70s. My neighbourhood was a melting pot made up of 25% new immigrants and the rest a diverse mix. I always speak of my childhood with great fondness. Growing up, I had best friends who were Japanese, Black, Scottish, and everything in-between.
My kids have been raised knowing that everyone is welcome in our house. NO matter their race, color, how they identify, or religion. As long as they show up with love and respect, they are welcome.
My kids have had strong black male presence in their lives. Men who have taught them, coached them and encouraged them to see the greatness in them. I didn’t even think of this before last week. They were people in my kids lives who were not black, not colored, not anything but amazing people. When people say “I don’t see color” I understand. I just see people for who they present themselves to be, not the color of their skin.
But I see why that’s wrong now.
I spent the week reading, watching, listening and processing. I tried to understand what it meant for black people to live their daily lives and the experiences that they face which I would never have a second thought about because I’m white.
I watched videos of black mother’s teaching their kids how what they had to do to be safe, speak to officers and how to react. As a mother of a teenage boy, I could relate. I could feel the fear that they felt. I could understand. It hit home hard.
I read articles about what it’s like for a black family to move into a new neighbourhood and how they are received - or not received.
I read articles about what it’s like to go shopping, or out for a walk, or for a run as a black person.
How they feared. How they were treated. What was said to them.
I can feel the heaviness in my chest as I type these last few lines.
There is so much more that I learned over the last few days. I encourage you to take time to watch, listen and hear what is being shared at the moment. Have conversations with your family, friends and especially your black friends. Time to learn, so we can understand, so we can help to make change and stand together.
At first I didn’t know how I could show support to the black community until I woke up Tuesday morning and was hit with black squares of solidarity on Instagram. I’ll share more about that in a sec.
I do know that this generation is where the change is occurring. Our children are being taught differently about equality, acceptance and speaking out for what they feel in their hearts.
Energy is shifting. Barriers are being broken. And there has to be change.
I have had the pleasure of learning about organizations like Black Lives Matter Canada which I have chose to support as they work in my home city of Toronto.
I also thought about how life i design could share, celebrate and inspire using art and lettering. So I also spent every day looking for black artists and letterers who are talented, inspiring, successful and who I want to share with you too!
Like I said earlier in the post. I am all about sharing joy, uplifting others to follow their creativity and encouraging you to do the same.
I have found my part in how I can support my local black community. I can learn more, support more and share more.
I love sharing work of my students as a way to inspire others to try their hand at watercolor painting or calligraphy and as we continue on our “new” normal - that seems to be a theme for 2020, I’ll be sharing more black artist and calligraphers who’s work I admire and who’s messages need to be seen!
Thank you for reading this far and for sharing this space with me. I feel like there is so much more to say but this post has helped my heart lighten slightly.
If you have artist recommendations for me, please tag me on Instagram @lifeidesign and I’ll be sure to follow, share and support. I encourage you to find ways to support your local black community whether in person or online. Change is here and more positive energy is needed.
Stay positive, share joy and keep creating.
Nicki xx
