Thelma (recommended by April Sullivan)

This summer I saw the new movie Thelma with my sister and mother and mother-in-law (really, she is my sister’s mother-in-law, but I like to claim her as well). I don’t go to the movie theater often, so this was a real treat that our mother-in-law Sherry took us all to the Alamo Drafthouse for this fun new flick.

Thelma is about a grandmother who falls prey to a scam artist who swindles her out of money, which she thinks is going to help her grandson get out of jail. Thelma may have been tricked, but she is not going to let the scammers win. With help from a friend and his motorized scooter, she embarks on an adventurous journey across Los Angeles to reclaim what was taken from her. 

The movie is funny and sweet. Sherry, who uses a scooter, and my mom both really related to the main character and her old lady feistiness. We all got a good laugh out of it. It’s a feel-good movie I would recommend any to attend. And take your mother or grandmother with you.

Help (recommended by Celia Hughes)

This made-for-TV movie, streaming on Acorn TV, casts a light on the lived experience of people caught inside nursing homes during the pandemic. Sarah is a young woman new to the job who hopes she can make a difference. She is on night duty, alone, when the order comes through to lock down the facility due to Covid-19. We follow her for the next few days as she attempts to care for residents who have become ill, working with dwindling supplies and trying to keep everyone, some who have developmental and intellectual disabilities, safe.

I found my heart breaking for Sarah as she quickly learns how resilient she is, watching the people that she cares for become sicker and sicker. When help finally arrives, there is little attention paid to the enormous task she undertook, which to me underscores the forgotten people who are hidden away in nursing homes and the unsung heroes who care for them.

Inside Out 2 (recommended by Jerry Slayton)

Who remembers becoming a teenager? And the thrilling and confusing changes that came along with that? Yeah, me too.

And strangely, my ten-year-old daughter, who hasn’t reached those milestones yet, remembers it, too. (?!)

Inside Out 2 is a movie about the internal lives of people. And amazingly, no matter our age, we can all identify with that.

In the movie, the returning main character, Riley, finds herself aging into puberty. Internally, she develops four new emotions: anxiety, ennui, envy, and embarrassment. As in the first movie, we follow characters that represent these internal emotions as they react to Riley’s external experiences. The emotions also embark on an adventure through Riley’s mind that leads them to discover the true importance of all experiences, positive and negative.

With their Inside Out series, the team at Pixar have created a wonderful formula that unpacks our most complex topic, human psychology, and re-presents it to us in a digestible narrative that lets us embody all the feels. And as if that wasn’t enough, they make these movies for kids, too.

Tell Them You Love Me (recommended by Eric Clow)

I can’t think of another movie that left me feeling more conflicted than Tell Them You Love Me. This new documentary, streaming on Netflix, relates the story of Anna Stubblefield, a college professor who becomes romantically involved with Derrick Johnson, a nonverbal black man who has cerebral palsy. Through facilitated communication, Anna effectively gives Derrick a voice, but is it actually him? Anna insists that it is and that their relationship is mutual while Derrick’s family views their alleged romance as non-consensual and abusive.

This film asks more questions than it answers, challenging us to think critically about the meaning of consent while reflecting on the dynamics of disability, race, and power that can skew our perceptions. I have had a number of deep conversations with friends and loved ones about the issues surrounding this difficult documentary. Such conversations feel essential to the project of creating a more just, equitable, and compassionate society, one that values the real talents and contributions of people with disabilities without abusing their vulnerabilities. Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give this film is that if it was not made, people would not be engaging in these crucial discussions.

Tell Them You Love Me is a must-see for anyone who cares about disability justice and who wants every person, regardless of their abilities and modes of communication, to thrive.

Content Warning: This film involves discussions of sexual abuse against people with disabilities.

Walking through Peanut Butter (recommended by Nicole Cortichiato)

This ten-minute film follows an aspiring young female comedian who was recently diagnosed with narcolepsy. I’m sharing it because it’s pretty realistic, and I think it describes this rare condition in a way that people might understand. Watch it today on YouTube! (The full movie is below.)

Then Barbara Met Alan (recommended by MsBoye Nagle)

“What’s wrong with charity? I’ll tell you what’s wrong. It sees us as victims who need your help. We’re not f—ing useless. It’s society that’s disabling.” 

Then Barbara Met Alan (Netflix) is a “grown-up” movie, a pleasant change from the typical PG-rated disability-themed movies. It is the story of a revolution disguised as an irreverent, very funny, punk love story. It’s based on the true story of Barbara Lisicki and Alan Holdsworth, two cabaret performers who met in the 1990s, had sex, fell in love, and became key figures in the disability rights movement in the UK. They co-founded the Disabled People’s Direct-Action Network (DAN) and led direct action protests across the UK against societal ableism, culminating in the passing of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. The film tells the little-known story of how they created a ground-roots revolution of disability activists who fought for equal rights and the dismantling of discriminatory barriers faced by people with disabilities. 

This movie is groundbreaking in its authentic portrayal of adults with disabilities. From the beginning of the project, the production company, Dragonfly TV was committed to genuine representation: “…we wanted to embrace the notion of ‘nothing about us without us’ and therefore bring together as many people from the disabled community as possible, across every aspect of production. Disability was put at the heart of all decision-making…”

It stars Ruth Madeley (Years and Years, The Watch (AMC), Doctor Who, Criptales) as Barbara Lisicki and Arthur Hughes (Shardlake, Help) as Alan Holdsworth. The movie also features Matt Fraser (American Horror Story: Freak Show, Loudermilk) and Liz Carr (Silent Witness), original members of the DAN movement who, with the help of wigs and makeup, play their younger selves. In this movie, I saw myself and my friends authentically represented, and I delighted in the most realistic dialogue I’ve ever heard between disabled characters. This is not surprising given the 30 disabled core cast and crew members and the 55 disabled supporting artists throughout.

Then Barbara Met Alan magically blends original archive material with manufactured footage to create a compelling narrative. The use of original archive material, provided by Barbara Lisicki herself, adds authenticity and historical accuracy to the film. Using original photographs and footage from actual protests and events, blended with manufactured archive material, the film re-creates key moments and protests with the actors. The result is not only brilliant visual storytelling, but it also took me back to the real-life rebellious spirit and radical activism I experienced as a teenager in the UK at the end of the 20th Century. 

Then there’s the love story, narrated by Barbara who is brutally honest and irreverent. It is a passionate, funny, chaotic whirlwind relationship between two militant young people. Characters who are deliciously complex and complicated. The narrative boldly includes steamy sexual scenes, violence, righteous anger, challenging stereotypes, exposing institutional ableism, and showcasing the full spectrum of disabled lives. All while reinventing how disability can be and should be depicted on screen.

This movie is a must-see for Disability Advocates, lovers of Disability History, and Anglophiles. 

Accessibility Note: Subtitles are a must for anyone who is not bilingual like me…I am fluent in both English and American! I am happy to offer translation services for any words or phrases that leave you baffled.

Honorable Mentions

She Came to Me: In this delightfully quirky romantic comedy, a struggling opera writer (Peter Dinklage) finds his muse in a tugboat captain (Marisa Tomei). Streaming on Hulu.

American Symphony: This intimate documentary follows musician Jon Batiste and his wife, writer Suleika Jaouad, as they navigate a year of highs and lows. Jon creates a Grammy-winning symphony as Suleika endures treatments for cancer. This film affirms the power of love, compassion, and creativity. Streaming on Netflix.

What Movies and TV Shows Have You Enjoyed?

Tell us in the comments!

Executive Director Celia Hughes:

Sadly, I have not been extremely creative so far this summer. Unless, of course, you spend some time in my mind and see all the projects that I am dreaming about. I dream a lot and bring to fruition a little, and still stay busy! But one project I have been stewing over for months is my backyard. After three years of letting it grow, while weeding once in a while, and then taking long breaks to think about things I would like to do out there, I finally brought in Nacho, the terror of lawn care.

For two days Nacho labored in the hot sun while I darted in and out putting ribbons on plants that were to be spared and agreeing to some major branch and bush trimming. The glint in Nacho’s eye as he wacked his way through the knee-high grasses and weeds and poison ivy – yes, the snowpocalypse really nurtured by poison ivy patch – was at times 20 carat gold. So, now I have a fresh start on the back lawn in the hottest and driest time of the year. The critters are slowly coming back after the killing machines have stopped, and today I saw three different lizards darting around the ground. I have 11 bushes and plants to put into the ground, but, for now, they are tucked up under the patio out of the hot summer sun, waiting for October when they can help me create a more hospitable oasis for the wildlife I so enjoy watching from the edge of my dreams.

Artworks Director April Sullivan:

This summer has been a little different from other summers, due to this slow reintegration back into society. I would normally be out and about, attending different events with friends and family. While there has been some of that, I have found it to be difficult for my brain and emotions to adjust. Thankfully, my boyfriend Ramon came up with a fun summer project that uses list-making and order, which I like, because that cuts down on the thinking and feelings of being out of control that the pandemic has caused me to experience.

We have been watching movies and reading books in order by years starting with our birth years. For me, that means starting in 1973. We research the top movies of a year and narrow down our choices based on certain criteria. First, we look through Oscar nominations for the year and write down only the ones we have not seen. Then, we look those up online and narrow the list down based on what we can watch for free on Hoopla or YouTube. We usually end up with one or two candidates to choose from.

One of my favorites so far has been The Goodbye Girl from 1977, starring Richard Dreyfus. So far, we are up to the year 2003 for movies. We are using the same criteria for books. That list is going slower. 1977 must have been a good year, because I really enjoyed the book I read from that year, A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick. I am up to 1979, now. You should try it! Pick a year and a list, and go! Our next list to tackle might be top pizza places in town. Pizza is always a good time.

Director of Outreach Susan Slattery:

Late spring and early summer were spent restoring our backyard tropical-tiki garden after most of it was ravaged by the Texas freeze aka snowpocalypse in early February. Almost everything died or sustained significant damage. It was so disheartening after all the work we had done to create our little oasis of green. Happily, some plants came back, albeit very slowly, despite the suffering they endured, but we had to plant new ones.

One thing that cheered us up was the number of sunflowers that cropped up in our front yard and all over the neighborhood. I don’t know whether this was an after-effect of the storm, or my seed-flinging neighbor’s efforts (they shall remain nameless here), who may have gone on some late-night secret planting sprees. As for our yard, we can’t take all the credit for the restoration, as our heroes, Nicholas, Chano and their crew, helped with the heavy lifting, like the 10’ forests of dead bamboo that had to be removed. We would have been spent all summer on that part alone! Also, very thankful for all the rain we’ve had as it’s nurtured all the new plant babies.
The Garden Before and After

I also found a few evenings to spend time working on my rusty portraiture skills with teacher and artist Kemi Yemi-ese in an Afrocentric Portraiture class offered by Austin’s Carver Museum. Kemi’s beautiful style of putting pencil/pen/paint to paper really opened up my mind to try a looser style of drawing – and I’ve been really excited about the results. I really hope she’s going to teach some more classes – maybe something for Art Sparkers!

Communications Specialist Eric Clow

If you’ve spent any amount of time with me, then you probably know I’m a bit of a bird nerd. What you might not realize is how late my passion for birds arrived. Sure, I’ve always carried a minor fascination with the avian kind, but it’s only two years ago that I first set a goal of learning to identify birds by their songs and calls. Since then, my birding habit has unleashed a wellspring of excitement, awareness, and a feeling of groundedness in this small space of Earth I inhabit. As both my disability and the pandemic winnowed my movements to a standstill, the birds transformed my backyard into a galaxy, filled with frenetic activity and a multitude of stories that are constantly unfolding. The effect has been healing in every sense of the word.

In early April of this year, I began to share some of my bird observations on social media. These “bird updates” have garnered a modest following. I try to write them on a daily basis though sometimes the wonder and the awe that birds inspire render me speechless—as when I happened upon the courtship display of a black-chinned hummingbird, spotted a pair of yellow-crowned night-herons nesting in a neighbor’s tree, or first glimpsed the highly sought-after painted bunting. I hope to collect these writings in a book, and to bring this healing power of birds to others in need.

East Metropolitan Park, my new favorite (and surprisingly accessible) place to bird! My caregiver snapped these photos while we were seated perfectly between the thin, cheerful singing of a painted bunting and the raspy ko-ka-REE of a red-winged blackbird.

Education Director Jerry Slayton:

3 Collages
I’ve set the goal to complete 3 new collages by summer’s end. The work is labor intensive, with each piece being composed of roughly 50-100 parts, but I’m hoping that collage will allow me to express many ideas within one composition. Each piece is a capsule for my thoughts and feelings regarding the natural environment. I’m interested in encapsulating the shelter, comfort, and connection I feel when in natural spaces.

For me the woods are a place for healing, a place to learn through observation. It’s not an ecstatic state, it’s not always filled with pure joy, but rather a consistent and unfolding wealth that sometimes challenges me and yet allows me to connect with my surroundings and myself. There is a profundity to this feeling that I want to explore and share. So far, I’ve finished one piece and I’m thinking of titling it “a sleeping companion,” but who knows? Wish me luck!

OMOD/Speaking Advocates – Ms. Boye Nagle:

I have been investigating the intersections of my various identities and communities. I’ve written and directed my first full length devised play investigating an Intersectional Pride Festival, a Fairytale called “Alex and the Fairy Butch” and two monologues.

When You Know, You Know.

This is for all of you straight folks out there—who think you don’t know anyone—or have never met anyone—who maybe isn’t as straight as you -and for anyone who is questioning

that they might not be as straight as they hope they are—spoiler alert—it doesn’t occur to really straight folks to question their sexuality – they just take it for granted… just saying!

So, when did I know?—see the thing is you always know—even when you don’t know, you know—years ago there were people, especially women—who didn’t know

because, they didn’t know there were options—they didn’t know there was anything to know—so it didn’t occur to them—then my ancestors let Sappho’s secret out of the closet – and a universe of knowing possibilities was born

But even now,

there are kids who grow up not knowing—because they don’t ever see anyone who looks like them—because they don’t know anybody else that knows—so, they don’t even know to imagine what is waiting, longing to be known

but they do know in their hearts, that something is missing…wrong – when you live in a world

that undervalues and demonizes difference

it’s easy to assume the wrongness lives inside you

the thing is – It’s simple really—when you know—you know – and when you admit you know—others will start seeing you—and you will start to see them everywhere—what you don’t know is – they have seen you for years – but because you didn’t know, and they knew you didn’t know – they acted as if they didn’t know – which is irrelevant – because even if they’d told you they knew – it wouldn’t have mattered because you didn’t know – you couldn’t see what was possible so you couldn’t see them anyway – any more than you could see your self – no matter what anyone sees – only the knower gives power to the knowing

but when you know – they will know you know – and you will know that they know – and because really seeing needs really knowing and knowing requires seeing – you will start to see what you couldn’t see – know what you didn’t know and what you see will confirm what you know – so you see, acting on what you know – is the first step toward a life beyond any you can imagine…

you know?

Ms.Boye Belonging

SEU Art Spark Intern Lindsay Winters:

My Lush Summer Project
I remember reading an article once questioning why millennials love tending to houseplants as a hobby. It’s an unexpected hot trend, and I, a millennial, am an active participant in it. My plant journey started at the end of May and quickly turned into a summer project. As I dabbled in indoor gardening, things quickly escalated into becoming a collector of all things foliage.

The concept of indoor gardening is pretty straightforward; it’s the act of growing produce inside your home due to improper climate or lack of outdoor growing space. I got my start planting herbs and microgreens, like basil, mint, cilantro, and sprouts on the windowsill of my kitchen. As my collection grew, I invested in a minimal Ikea bookshelf and indoor growing lamps and continued to expand my collection! I am just a beginner at indoor gardening, so my setup is not as lush as more experienced plant enthusiasts. Nevertheless, I hope one day, if not soon, I can have a space that looks similar to the elaborate decor of the Rainforest Cafe.
[Insert plants on shelves image]

My Summer Reading List
As a current college student, my relationship with reading has changed quite a bit, shifting from what once was something done for leisure to an almost chore-like activity. However, it is summer, after all, and I finally have the time to take in some good books. My favorite read so far is Tenth of December, a collection of short stories by George Saunders. I like reading short stories but hate writing about them. A short story is so fleeting and momentary; it’s like trying to describe a cloud! This collection of 10 short stories by Saunders is especially complicated. His writing is rich and visual and takes you inside a very personal and unique world where danger lurks for every character. Each story is unique, with different textures and difficulties.

However, the overall themes remain the same: class disparity, great compassion in the most ordinary people, and the stories themselves seem to take place in a recent US future where our current affairs have only gotten worse. The stories are abstract and quite dark at times, but Saunders does a great job at using humor to cut the tension. I enjoyed reading Tenth of December, and if you feel inclined or have the time, I recommend checking out these three unforgettable stories from the book: “Victory Lap,” “The Semplica Girl Diaries,” and “Escape from Spiderhead.”

by Lindsay Winters.

Hey, everyone! My name is Lindsay Winters (she/they), and I am an intern here at Art Spark Texas! I am white, queer, and non-disabled. I am a senior-level student at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas studying communication with an area of specialization in advertising and public relations. I’ve been working with Director of Outreach Susan Slattery and assisting her with outreach, primarily working on developing content for social media. Considering my interest in communication and passion for inclusivity, I am very excited to be working with Art Spark Texas, an organization that does a lot of good for people who otherwise might be left out of the conversation.

During my first week as an intern with Art Spark Texas, Susan supplied me with excellent reading materials and resources overviewing how ableism persists in our society through language. In brief, ableism is the social prejudice or discrimination against people with disabilities that is often expressed and reinforced through language. Ableist language creates harmful stereotypes and encourages a culture of separation based on the unsound belief that typical abilities are superior. However, ableism goes beyond language; we can cultivate ableism as an unconscious bias through mainstream media. Moreover, poor media representation of physical and intellectual disabilities, impairments, and mental illness in film, television, and other forms of media further reinforces these stigmas and societal exclusion.

Before proceeding any further, I’d like to put the three pillars of my life into words: first, stay connected. Connectedness allows you to relate to other people and recognize the challenges, difficulties, and stress they face and strengthens our sense of solidarity and community. Second, employ critical thinking. Analysis and criticism increase insight and perspective, and elicits change. Practicing critical thinking allows us to solve problems and develop new and creative ideas to do so. Lastly, whine about stuff in media that is derogatory and harmful. Although it may feel difficult to admit, our worldview is significantly shaped by what we see in the media and can heavily influence public opinions and societal norms. Being critical of the problematic elements we see within these works can reduce the normalization of harmful stereotypes while still allowing us to enjoy the media we consume for its overall merit.

So, here is my chance to whine about stuff in media that is derogatory and harmful.

Mainly, I’d like to discuss my reservations with one of my favorite media types, film. Specifically, horror movies. Some people like horror movies while others hate them. From the anticipation of what’s to come to watching shadowy figures lurk on screen, I have always enjoyed feeling scared. I can’t get enough of the mystery, twists, balancing between the doomed and the noble, and most notably, the monsters of all shapes and sizes. Whatever the human imagination can conceive, this genre takes it to the extreme. With this in mind, there is something about the horror genre that has never sat well with me; why is it so derogatory towards the marginalized?

Horror depends heavily on the taboo, which is bound to intersect with the ways people are marginalized in society. Further, a lot of horror is lowbrow, exploitative cinema that relies on playing up prejudices. Of course, this doesn’t happen in every horror film, but often enough to make you think twice about it. Like, the “Token Minority” trope, if there’s one Black character in any slasher or scary flick where people are dying in horrific ways, they are destined to be the first casualty. Or how queerness is otherized and associated with evil. For example, in Psycho (1960), the killer kills because they dress in women’s clothing, or similarly, the killer kills because they are transgender, as in The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Sleep Away Camp (1983).

In addition, people who are mentally ill are presented as dangerous, whereas in reality, mentally ill individuals are more likely to be victims of violence than the perpetrators. Take Split (2016) for example; in the thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the main character is labeled as dangerous and violent because they live with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Lastly, people who are disabled and disfigured are demonized and seen as villains. This trope is prevalent throughout the horror genre and can be seen in movies like The Chainsaw Massacre (1972), Friday the 13th (1980), Halloween (1978), and Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). These four franchises seemingly dominated the genre until the late 90s, with ableist attitudes galore, all attesting to mental illness and physical disabilities.

Such infamous horror films have utilized the disabilities, mental or physical, of the antagonists to pose those with disabilities as a threat. In this manner, disability is depicted as interchangeable with fear.

Discerning the reality of disability, able-bodied and neurotypical people are far more likely to be perpetrators of violent acts than those who aren’t. Ableism is often an overlooked prejudice.

Of course, it isn’t my goal to argue that horror is a problematic or trashy genre as some might presume it to be. Recent movies like A Quiet Place (2018) and Hush (2016) go against the trope that most Hollywood horror films perpetuate. Both films feature protagonists who are deaf and not helpless because of their disability. This could be the start of a potential change in the genre and positive representation of disabled individuals in cinema.

I close by emphasizing a previous statement made above; as viewers, we are capable of noting when the media is being biased. It is likely impossible to prevent derogatory horror from ever being made again, as it is a genre that allows a lot of schlock and low-budget gore to roll through. However, addressing horror as a whole, it is possible to recognize and criticize its treatment of the marginalized groups at hand. I can’t say my confidence in horror is perfect, but I do have hope for it.

About Lindsay Winters: Inclusivity and social reform are my passions. Creating and sharing meaningful and accessible content is my calling. Empowering others to do the above provides me with immense gratification.

During my time here as an intern, I work with Jerry Slayton, Art Spark’s Education Director, and Silva Laukkanen, the Integrated Dance Director. Jerry and I work with Austin’s Go Project, which meets every Wednesday. The Go Project is a program that provides internship opportunities for AISD Special Education classes. Later in the semester, I will have developed three psychology lesson plans to implement into an art activity for the students to connect education with creativity.

While working with Silva, I have found works of art to present to the State School of the Blind and planned discussions and activity around forms of art that are presented on a particular day of class. The forms of art mainly include poems about life, adulthood, visual representations of earth and Ted Talks about happiness. Not only do I work with two wonderful individuals, but I also attend staff meetings once a month to observe the work environment of Art Spark Texas.

This internship has really developed my understanding for many walks of life and has given me a better appreciation of the simple things. If I am being honest, I had a few hiccups on proper terminology when speaking about people with disabilities, but I am now well-informed on that topic! I really enjoy working with this program and I would highly recommend interning or working here to anyone open to learning more and who enjoys being around kind individuals.

About Jazmine Jackson

Jazmine Jackson is a student athlete at the University of St. Edwards. She mentions, “I am also the oldest of seven children, which has allowed me to develop a sense of responsibility and leadership.” In her free time (which she says she rarely has) she likes to spend her days outside enjoying the weather, painting on her balcony. Jazmine is from San Antonio, Texas and has lived there her entire life. Her plans after graduation in the Spring are to try to move out of the state of Texas. But, as she says, “I learned in the last year, you have to stay where your feet are or you begin to stumble and miss the simple moments in life trying to get to ‘next’ too fast.”

–by Jazmine Jackson

Hi! I’m Sydney Hicks and I am an intern for Art Spark Texas. I am a senior at St. Edward’s University here in Austin. I have always had an interest in how the mind works and about what makes people do the things that they do. Because of this curiosity of mine, I am majoring in Psychology. I am also especially excited to be helping out Art Spark Texas Artworks Director April Sullivan with the Veterans Program! I am going to be researching how creativity affects the mind and body. Interning at Art Spark Texas is a great way for me to apply what I have learned throughout the years. I love being able to be a part of this friendly community.

As cheesy as it sounds, life really is like a roller coaster

I spend most of my time looking for some stability in my life. I go through different phases of self-improvement almost constantly. One month I could be trying to reframe my thinking, then the next month I am focused on making my body healthier by exercise. When thinking about this in hindsight, I sound kind of obsessed. Maybe I am kind of obsessed. I am obsessed with becoming a better version of myself. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I just have to shed some light on the little things in life.

The point of this blog post is to give myself (and hopefully you) a different perspective on how you are treating yourself. Come on! I think we really do deserve some recognition. Sure, I could pick out some little things that I could have done better, but for now I am focusing on the things that I am doing great. I did some chores and made myself food that made my body happy today. I took some time to reply to those emails that seem so very daunting, and I also bought myself my favorite sweet snack. It really is the little things that I do for myself throughout the day that truly matters.

Gratitude really is an amazing thing, but why can’t it be easier to practice?

It’s true; Practice does make perfect. It is as simple as that, but it isn’t really that simple, right? Thinking about the things that you are grateful for could be hard to remember. There are so many instances in the average day where someone could be grateful, but actually remembering to think about that gratefulness slips one’s mind. Maybe you could try to make a habit of listing a few things that you are grateful for each night as you hop into bed. Maybe you could cut yourself some slack and simply think about your gratitude when you remember to do so.

Trying to set guidelines for your gratitude practice could end up making it feel like a chore. Cut yourself some slack and reap the benefits of being grateful when you can. Eventually your mind will pick up on this habit. Recognizing what you are grateful for is amazing because it is proactive. It is proactive because you can begin to recognize what exactly makes you grateful while being in the moment. The interesting thing is……You can even be grateful for negative experiences. You must practice seeing the light in every situation. With practice and repetition over time, your mind will be in tune with seeing the bright side in everything.

Okay, that’s my wisdom. This blog post is manifesting more gratitude into my daily life. I hope whoever is reading this found some inspiration as well.

About Sydney: I am a small-town girl who is excited to learn more about the world. I will be graduating with a psychology degree in May 2021, and I aspire to be a therapist in the future. Until the future comes, I want to do all that I can to bring more awareness to mental health.

Home Away from Home

By Gillian Davis
Having been raised in Texas my entire life, going to college (Bennington College in Vermont) over a thousand miles away from everything I have ever known was a bit daunting. The weeks leading up to my “moving” day were nerve-wracking, and the drive itself was even worse. I was constantly worrying about whether I had managed to pack enough, if I would end up hating school, if I would be lonely without my friends and family — all the general anxieties that come with going to college amplified by the long distance between school and home. The whole three-day drive to Vermont I remember asking myself: Why am I doing this?

After two weeks on campus, I realized I was going to be okay. I had already found my niche and was interacting with people who were unlike anybody I had met before. Half way through the semester, though, I found myself once again thinking on the same question that had plagued me just a few months prior: Why here?

As I mentioned, I was born and raised in Texas, but not in some bustling city like Dallas or Austin. My graduating class had only 86 people. After learning that, it’s not hard to visualize just how small my life felt. All of my friends were going to the same four colleges, all of which were less than a day’s drive from where we had all grown up. As much as I loved my friends, I knew that I wanted to see more of the world than what Texas could offer.

Going to college across the country has allowed me to open up in new ways, as if I have shed my old skin and grown comfortably into a new set of cells. I’m learning more about myself and the world around me. Sure, the college experience is a universal one, but allowing myself to tackle new challenges and overcome obstacles without the ability to fall back on childhood familiarity has allowed me to stand my ground more firmly, and made my new skin grow back that much thicker. I was terrified that being so far from home would make me feel isolated and small, but I have instead grown so much more as a person than I thought possible.

This opportunity has been amazing for me so far. This time last year I was afraid that I would have to stay close to home, feeling shut in and claustrophobic. I am so grateful that things worked out in such a way that I get to experience life without feeling held back (though there are obviously some restrictions currently in place). It’s only been a few months, but I’m starting to see the benefits in allowing myself to take such a huge chance, and I cannot wait to see what else I pick up during the rest of my college experience away from home.

Gillian Davis is a currently a freshman studying literature and art history at Bennington College.

One thing I miss the most about life before the pandemic is traveling. My friend and I often drove a dozen hours to spend the night in a new city, only to head back the next day for work or class. These adventures are some of my fondest memories – driving to a city that neither of us had been to before and seeing what it offered. Our trips were often last minute, which led to nights with nothing to do.

We are both underage and look for cheap, safe things to do in cities, which naturally led to our exploration of parks. We collectively fell in love with parks. Exploring new places to sit and play cards, finding a place to watch the bustling city or just experiencing nature, were all things I realized I was craving. A change of scenery was doing wonders for my happiness. Traveling to new places provides a new outlook on life, but going to a park in a different part of town found can do similar things.

When Bennington College campus closed last March and I returned to my parent’s house in North Carolina, one thing that devastated me the most was seeing my neighborhood park covered up in police caution tape. While this was the right call in preventing further spread of COVID-19, it still broke my heart to see my childhood park closed up like a crime scene. 

Months later when I was looking for an internship, I discovered Art Spark Texas and their work with parks. ATXgo is one of the many things I have learned that Art Spark Texas does. Crowdsourcing information and making sure that parks are accessible to all is something that I am passionate about. As a park lover myself, I do not want anyone to miss out on the opportunities that they offer. A quiet place to sit, to read, and to chat with a friend is a necessary space and one that parks should provide to all. I encourage everyone in Austin to check out ATXgo and see how you can contribute.

My neighborhood park has since opened up again. Although my friend and I have not traveled together in quite some time, we still can meet up, masked, on opposite sides of the swings most weeks to hang out. I look forward to the day when we can drive north again and discover something new. But, for now, I am learning to appreciate the things I have access to. 

About Zoe
My name is Zoe and at Bennington I study Japanese language and gender studies and am a second-year student. Outside of my studies I play guitar, write songs and do wheel throwing ceramics. I have two cats that I love more than anything and when I am not playing with them; I am playing a video game or cooking something I do not have the knife skills for.

Why I Will Never Stop

By Malach Dorell

I’ve often been asked by school and by institutions or programs to which I’ve applied to discern my interests and worth by reflecting on the past. I know that my fellow students–as well as professionals deep in their careers–can relate to such requests to analyze and explain our early creative or academic decisions and feats in an attempt to prove why we deserve a spot, whether it’s to gain access into an institution, or to graduate from one, or even to get a new job. Time, and time again, I have retraced commemorative steps through my mind to the so-called inception of my deepest creative loves; for years I’ve had to effectuate application after application, essay after essay, all recounting the lifelong intensity of my desire to study and make films, to write, to develop as an artist and expert of my crafts. But all this time, all those years of proudly expounding the earliest days of my journey into the world of cinema, I left a key moment redacted. And yet still, like some deep-seated form of guilt, it remained within me… And like all things suppressed and denied; it was only a matter of time before it returned. 

It was some point last year, as society attempted to retain its constructs during a period of mayhem, and children all across the globe were abruptly exposed to an instability unseen before, that suddenly I recalled one of those innocent, desperate expressions of a child to its parent–a calling out for reassurance in the midst of absolute confusion and fear. This child, of course, was myself: a six-year-old raised after witnessing the attacks of 9/11 and during two brutal, seemingly never-ending wars–a child who communicated with sadness to his father that he was perturbed by what appeared to be ahead of us, as a world, a civilization, a planet. The only way I could compartmentalize this existential fear was by expressing a devastating disappointment that, as an adult, I’d never be able to direct films during a time of global dread, of impending apocalypse. My father–being the great parent he is–hastily dampened my anxieties with an amused scoff and the simple, “Oh, don’t worry. It won’t be like that.” And so I went on with my life, satisfied to remain confident in my father’s assurance. 

In 2020, this moment came back to me like a smack in the face. A moment I had almost lost. A moment I had–like my father–looked back on with amusement because of its typical childish absurdity. However, it appears that these absurd things somehow always prove most pertinent. 

As I tried my best to remain collected, and focused during that year of utter pessimism, in a period of mass hesitation, of mass doubt for the things we love to do and create, and whether those were important anymore, I decided to face that six-year-old within me, now brought back to the surface in some twisted form of “I told you so”. But I didn’t head to that, no. I couldn’t. I faced him and told him what he needed to hear, what I keep needing to hear, now, more than ever, that like a bulb, your efforts to do these things, these things that propel us from some otherworldly place within, will generate the light of our future. 

I needed this memory to return to me, specifically at that time. I needed to face that fear again, like so many others, so that I could again realize and restore the sheer importance of the things that make me happy, and how necessary it is never to forget them. And so, as I prepare to finish my last semester of college and enter a new life as a new person, I aspire not only to continue reflecting on my past with honesty and openness; I hope that with my endeavors I can recount such a needed assurance to the next six-year-old, or the next any–year old, during this unpredictable time, as we move forward, making sure that the generator for our bulb stays on. 

Malach Dorell is currently a senior at Bennington college concentrating in film/video production and creative direction with additional work in digital art, photography, and illustration.

For the new year of 2021, the Art Spark Texas staff dug deep and came up with the books that have nurtured and inspired us. For some, if not all, it was a chance to do some re-reading, and even some re-evaluating of how we got into our practice of creating art in its many forms – and where we are now, or where we went, with the knowledge and inspiration we gained. Maybe you will find one or more of these books worthy of your attention, and if so, we hope you will find something to inspire you in your art practice.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
I was given “Writing Down the Bones” in my 20s, by my first girlfriend Trina, who was the first person to recognize me as a poet. This book gave me permission to call myself a writer and declare myself a poet. I recently listened to the 2005, 20th anniversary version of this book, with commentary and reflections by the author. Even though I’ve known this book was influential in my life, it was amazing to recognize how many of the practices continue to influence my writing and my creativity. Writing with a fountain pen, writing first drafts without correcting errors and carrying a notebook and pen in every bag, are three of many practices that are now second nature. This book is a must for anyone who writes, and a great gift for anyone with the heart of an artist.
Ms. Boye

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
For Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art, the obstacle that stands in the way of accomplishing any creative, personal, or professional goal we set our eyes upon is Resistance. Resistance is an insidious, invisible force that arises from within ourselves whenever we seek to fulfill a higher calling – as ambitious as writing a novel or as quotidian as a diet or workout routine. Pressfield repurposes the idea of “knowing one’s enemy” from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War to identify the many faces of Resistance, then outlines a strategic battle plan to defeat it – what he dubs “turning pro.” Last, he describes the sublime sources of inspiration unlocked once we begin to create our art, finish that project we’ve been putting off, or improve those aspects of ourselves we want to change. Concise and engaging, it’s a book you can read in an afternoon. If the inner critic, fear of failure, or procrastination impede your creativity, I highly recommend it!
Eric Clow

The Everyday Work of Art, or How Artistic Experience Can Transform Your Life  by Eric Booth
In the mid-1990s, I had the opportunity to work with the author Eric Booth as he organized his theories and practice for teaching artists in the United States. VSA (the international arts organization dedicated to inclusion of people with disabilities) was developing standards for including students with disabilities in arts education and instruction, and Eric was a key figure in our early conversations. I attended the first VSA Teaching Artist Institute in Georgia, where we filled the chapel walls with column upon column, row upon row of strategies, challenges, comments and solutions. It was an exhausting, but exhilarating time in our work, and it changed the trajectory of his work, and ours.
His book, published in 1997, is a comprehensive deep dive into his philosophy and practice of art as it moves us in everyday life. I remember him standing on the stage at the end of the five days, surrounded by the towering monument to the work that had occurred during those days, and bouncing up and down on his toes saying, “It all comes down to one thing, you’ve

got to ‘make stuff’.” In his book, Eric goes on to name it ‘world-making’ and defines it as “the master key to the work of art.” Through this book, I began to understand the everyday work of art – the habit, the practice, the world-making skills that are the cornerstone of any creative endeavor. It is not meant to be a text book, or a how-to guide, but merely a vehicle that “provokes and inspires readers rather than proves anything.” In this new year, let’s all hope that we can be provoked into making stuff every day.
Celia Hughes

Making an Entrance by Adam Benjamin
There are books that you read, and then there are the books that you read and reread. This book has been a cornerstone of my 15-year career. Not only is it a reliable source of ideas for my next class, but I also keep coming back to it for its beautiful and thought-provoking stories and experiences. Each reading unearths another gem or clarifies my understanding of a movement score at a deeper level. Some of my favorite exercises to teach or experience also come from Adam’s work, such as “Stretching a Point.” In 2017, while studying with Adam in Plymouth, and participating in this exercise, I remember being lifted with my eyes closed and carried so gracefully around the studio by my fellow participants, that it felt like flying. This book was published in 2002, and yet, its context is still wonderfully relevant. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand inclusive dance theory and practice.
Silva Laukkanen

The Painter’s Keys by Robert Genn
Not a new book by any means, having first been published decades ago, but an entertaining and very informative one which follows the teachings of Canadian artist and author Robert Genn shared during his well-known, two-day art seminars. A more 2020 description by Genn’s daughter is “a timeless, universal guide to lifesmanship masquerading as a painting blog.” I couldn’t agree more! I first read this book in the mid-90s at the recommendation of a beloved painting teacher. It was a period of time in which I was able to devote time and space to my painting practice, and immerse myself in classes and workshops to improve my craft. These days, opportunities to simply kick back and spend hours in front of a canvas, or scribble/type away on a script or story, are few and far between.

At the time I first read Genn’s book, it gave me fresh perspectives—how to find joy in productivity, find the inner child that is in all of us, determine one’s own level of quality in the art that one creates, find motivation when one needs it most, and many more ways to become more creatively effective. Genn’s writing style is accessible, and often humorous and anecdotal. It’s a great read and in writing this little review, I found myself rereading and being reminded why my 2021 New Year’s resolution is to make more art!
Susan Slattery

Art and Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time, and Light by Leonard Shlain
This wonderful book examines the connect between the artistic and the scientific discoveries of the modern age. Shlain builds an interesting parallel between the advances in science and how artists have sought to represent them in pictures. This narrative of art following science, and science being inspired by art, creates a unique way of seeing history and allows you to tickle both the creative and analytical sides of your brain. Shlain’s colorful writing style will leave you feeling inspired with a new understanding of art history that most text books leave out.
Jerry Slayton

The Art of Everyday Joe: A Collector’s Journal by Michael K. Corbin
In thinking about a book that has inspired me creatively, my choice is a little odd, but let me explain. As an artist, I am always curious about what it is that draws a viewer to a piece of art or what makes them want to buy it. I love my art! But do others? And will they buy it – because my walls are getting crowded! What is an art collector looking for? What does an art collector look like? Where do I find them? This 2008 book reminds me that art collectors are looking for artists to create from their hearts so that the collectors can buy from their hearts. Art collectors are anyone and everyone – the “Everyday Joe!” This is a great book with short essays and lots of color art images to inspire you to create and feel confident that you aren’t the only one who likes your art!
April Sullivan

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
Celebrating its 25th year edition, The Artist’s Way is one of the best books about creativity. It is a self-help book written for people looking to start their artistic creative recovery. Using techniques and exercises, artists can gain self-confidence and learn to use their creative talents and skills. It’s an international bestseller and loved by millions—Julia Cameron is hailed as the Queen of Change by The New York Times, and it is a fitting title. In 2009, in between jobs (again), I took the book off my shelf  and cracked the spine. The book had remained on the shelf unread for nine years. Originally, I bought it when the Dot.com bubble burst as I considered new career options. I graduated from art school but found myself in the high-tech industry, no longer doing creative work. That day in 2009 started me not only on a creative journey but a personal one too. For twelve weeks I did every exercise and used every technique until I knew that I wanted to be a writer and return to my first passion, visual arts. All these years later, I continue to use the tools I learned–my favorite being what Julia Cameron calls “morning pages” (three pages handwritten stream of consciousness writing) to clear the clutter out of your head and get on with your creative goals. It’s not a book to read for entertainment, it’s a guide to use when you are ready to change your life.
Gina P. Woodruff

What’s a creative book that’s inspired you?

Tell us about it in the comments or share with us on social media.

As we watch 2020 grow distant in our rearview mirror, I think it is a good time to write a poem.

This is a lesson called Borrowed Lines.

After reading the list below twice, choose your favorite line and borrow it as your first line. You may change or delete any words in the line. You may repeat the line or vary the line. You may introduce another line from the list after you have written at least five lines of your own. Be playful, be brave, and do not worry whether it is a poem. And then, if you like please share it in the comments below.

• I am told but I do not believe
• Some memories won’t sleep
• When two times two was three
• We’re seated face to face take off your mask
• Time’s honey
• I’d like to tell you something with my hands
• Let the light of the late afternoon
• Everywhere that summer there were angels
• Dear Phoebe, wherever you are
• How can I make bread speak
• How will we get used to joy
• In the dream I am burning the rice

And now that you have written your poem to 2020, I want to thank our artists, staff, board members, their families and community supporters for staying with us this year. We faced this crisis together, and although there are still more economic and social challenges ahead of us in the new year, we go forth with the confidence that we stand on a sound foundation, able to bend with the winds of change and hold firm.

Celia Hughes, Executive Director
Art Spark Texas