​SUNITA BALA

Art is an open,free space for me to reflect on myself my relationship to others and the world I live in. Because of this, I make art for a number of reasons

 

On a personal level my art is my life journal! When I Iook back at past art I’ve made, it evokes in me a kaleidoscope of many feelings and memories. For me, to make a piece of artwork is to attempt to create a focus to process my many fragmented thoughts and emotions into something tangible.

Because of this, it’s a story that can’t be catalogued by one word or emotion. To categorize a piece of finished art in one word as say, “ sad or angry” for me, diminishes this experience.

 

On an individual level facilitating art practice with others is like reading a great book! It allows me to be immersed in that persons story without influencing or manipulating the process. Through my art practice, I know that good facilitation transcends all barriers of language, race, gender and religion because like birth, sex and death, the joy of making art is universally understood

 

On a systemic level, art has the potential to tell our collective story. It offers us a reason to come together and can be used as a powerful social tool. The best art practice I’ve been involved in is collaborative. Through sharing our stories and our struggles through our creative talents, our understanding of and connection to each other and our place in this world deepens creating a powerful momentum for change

As an artists I’ve seen collaborative art propel dramatic social change, breaking down barriers and creating a platform for advocacy in ways that policy alone cannot

 

For me, the process of making art is just as important as outcome. My Art tells my story.  It challenges me to write the next chapter. Its an opportunity to deepen my purpose, ask meaningful questions, eat nourishing food, unlearn my fears and blocks, access my heart, and open my mind to move more boldly in this world.