By Haven H.

Specs:

• Acrylic Paint on Canvas

• Wrapped Canvas

• 48 in x 60 in

Artist Statement

Making Meaningful Connection

I started making art to express how I felt when I wasn’t able to verbally tell anyone else. Art gave me something to focus on besides getting high and was the most stable and positive thing I had in my life. I felt less lonely and anxious when I was creating something. Art gave me a way to boost my self-esteem and meaningfully connect with others and before I had the skills to do so.

Art has taught me so many things. Through the process, I’ve learned patience, dedication, forgiveness in mistakes, flexibility, problem-solving, discipline, and most importantly, to remain teachable.

My art represents a journey for me. Early sobriety art was very emotionless and sometimes cut and dry. Today, when I meditate, I use the emotions and images that come to me from that to form ideas and allow myself to create judgment-free.

Today, I still use creation as a way to connect with others and carry a message of hope and fellowship. Art is, and will always be a massive part of my life, recovery, and sobriety. It’s been beautiful to watch how they’ve intertwined through Hope Creates.