When I need a break from hard things, I turn to art. Hell, when I need to understand hard things, I turn to art. Beautiful art. Funny art. Fascinating art. Challenging art. Motivating art.
That’s the whole point of this blog. That’s why I’m writing about art every day for 30 days, leading up to the Inauguration. Because I need to get grounded and get ready. And the only way I know is through art.
I’m not alone. (Isn’t that cool?!?) In fact, there are endlessly amazing people who are making great art, sharing great tips about art that bolsters them, and encouraging us to share.
On Twitter, there’s a new hashtag: #ReadersResist. Every Friday, readers post quotes and tidbits that lift them up. It’s new, and it sounds amazing. Check it out.
One of my favorite podcasts these days, Our National Conversation about Conversations about Race, dedicated its first episode of 2017 to those modes of art (and self-care, also good!) that motivate and inform. It’s worth a listen. And I especially love Baratunde Thurston’s recommendation: Search “Grover waiter” on YouTube. Lots of delightful ridiculousness will ensue.
I hope that we continue an endless stream of sharing the art that keeps us moving forward. Because for every political action we take, and every good interaction we create or support, and every step back we inevitably have to suffer, we’ll need art to keep us whole. And understanding what inspires one another is another step to understanding each other better – which is always one of my goals.
We have to remember that, no matter what happens, art will help. Because we’re not alone, and it’s not impossible, and isn’t that what art reminds us?
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