A Letter from Emerging Artist Sara Prisma Williston
Radical Connections recently connected with Sara Prisma Williston an emerging neurodivergent “colourful artist”. She participated in Tangled Art and Disability’s Crip Ritual exhibition. Read Sara’s letter below to learn more.
I have a strong belief that art improves mental health - and for folks living in care facilities, art is super beneficial. It is so cool how Radical Connections is making efforts to create collective engagement and participation!
After doing live painting for my grandfather, who was slipping into dementia in his care facility, I could see how art is a wonderful way to connect. That was when art in healthcare settings became an area of interest for me.
I noticed Radical Connections has initiatives towards these things, it's such important work for society! I'm happy to see the team committing such full force effort towards making art more accessible. The Unmasked Connections option being offered for vulnerable populations during this pandemic is absolutely amazing!
I had written in my mentorship application for Arts Network Ottawa, how, in the future, I would be interested in coordinating something similar to Radical Connections is doing. I was very surprised to see folks already had initiatives going - made my heart glow!!
I'm working on establishing myself as an artist at this time, meeting wonderful creators and associations along the way - while seeing what is happening in the local art world! I am fairly new to the scene, having not really exposed my work publicly until recently.
I currently have two paintings on display in a Toronto juried exhibition at the Dorris McCarthy Gallery - in collaboration with Tangled Art + Disability. This exhibition is called #CripRitual and revolves around the routine rituals performed by artists living with disabilities. I participated in a panel discussion on March 17th regarding repetition & pace in relation to experiences of disability and ableism (link to recording coming).
As a neurodivergent creative, I have been driven to manifest colorful art to help with mental health - my intention is to inspire joyful and intriguing environments that encourage uplifting and optimistic feelings. I work to empower others to playfully explore life by innovating, connecting, and participating in the society we are all a part of collectively.
Later this year I will be offering workshops aimed at establishing a safe space to explore creating, with a focus on embracing oneself and the art that emerges. I enjoy sharing automatic styles of expression, which manifest without conscious thought or reflection. I find these ways of art-making lend way to wider participation, as there is no wrong way to create when practicing radical acceptance. Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics, my efforts help diverse folks make art that feels good to make - liberating their creative souls and inspiring others around them to grow.
Sara Prisma Williston: Colorful Artist & Mental Health Advocate
www.saraprisma.art
IG: www.instagram.com/saraprisma.art
FB: https://www.facebook.com/saraprisma.art
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraprismawilliston