Artist Statement: Grace B.
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Sobriety Date: September 2, 2016
Favorite Media: Painting

Specs:

• Latex Paint on Plywood

• Framed

• 38 in x 20 in

Focus. Relax. Stay In the Moment.

Making art is just for me, it’s time for me to not think, not future trip, stay in the moment and put my all into what I’m doing. For me making art is a form of meditation in a cool and positive way. It’s a place I can always find God. I make what I want to make to clear my head and be present. The process of painting allows me to stay present at the moment, focus on the next paint stroke, relax, and see things without over-complication. If I have a problem, art helps me realize that it’s only a passing emotion or a thought, nothing more. My sobriety is better because of my making art. It’s an outlet to feel my feelings and let go of concerns in a truly positive way. Making art is peaceful. It’s a chance to take a break and look at something carefully. 

I love the scenery. I’m into sunsets right now. Because I’m working inside, or don’t make an effort to go outside, I miss out on sunsets. So, I paint them and take some time to focus on them. Color and different images inspire me. 

Since I’ve been doing Community Creation Events through Hope Creates, I’ve come to want to do art on my own time with my sober friends. I host creative community hangouts and have people over to paint, talk about what we are working on, relate to each other, work through ideas, try different mediums, and looking at things from different perspectives. We all share an interest in art or we do it because it’s stress-free. It’s become part of my life.