Flex Your Passion
A wise man, Professor Emanuele Cacciatore of Rutgers University-Newark, once told me, “Art is whatever the artist claims it to be.” When I started this project, I approached my research as a fine artist. I was determined to interview artists and non-artists all the while, forgetting about non-traditional artists. I quickly found this to be a limiting determination, so I expanded my research. In this second round of interviews, I worked with 6 individuals, including some who did not identify as artists. The thing I found most complex was the answer to the question, “Do you identify as an artist?”
Professor Cacciatore has identified as an artist since the age of ten. Through acrylic and oil paintings, sculptures and music, his art is inspired by an egalitarian ambition to maintain everything and everyone’s importance. He says, “Maybe I am idealistic, but what's wrong with trying to do things in a way that's big and great?” Our interview inspired me to include not only artists such as painters and writers, but people who express themselves in ways that aren’t always considered “art.”
Approaching Perpendicular
Incantation
Art therapy is not an exercise strictly for people who can draw; it is for anyone actively participating in their healing. Tyrese Henryel, age 21 from Newark, NJ, is a rising senior at Rutgers University-Newark majoring in journalism. Growing up, Tyrese found an affinity for basketball and aspired to play professionally. Eventually, however, he understood that this was a dream sparked by expectation and exploitation of the black community. He soon discovered sports media and commentary, which filled his life with passion. His job requires him to work as a team. Even during the pandemic he continues to find collaboration imperative. Although he does not identify as an artist he says, “Being a team or having a team...will call for improvement.” Art as therapy is all about cultivating one’s best and most productive self.
Janel Anicette’s therapy is fitness and health. From a young age she was encouraged to get involved in sports such as gymnastics in order to engage with her high energy. She loved participating in competitive sports, but since attending Rutgers University-Newark, her drive has slowed down. When she was unhappy with her body’s adjustment, she began weightlifting.This helped her confidence and allowed her to release pent up energy, anger and anxiety. She explains, “...I don’t care that there are a bunch of men in this area....I’m doing this for me and I am strong and I know that I am strong.” Janel has started a fitness page as a way to encourage other people, which she finds very rewarding. It motivates her to work hard and holds her accountable.
On the flip side of things, Carolina Acevedo, is a 23 year old Latinx woman from Elizabeth, NJ. She has identified as an artist for 5 years, but has always loved art. Unfortunately, her self-doubt hindered her from sharing her art with the world. Carolina started wire wrapping jewelry with stones and gems at a time where she felt lost and angry. Through her jewelry making, she began connecting with her Colombian and Bolivian roots. Because of COVID, Carolina’s work drastically changed with less demand and inspiration. She found it difficult to work with the pure energy of the metal and stones unders such chaos. “If I have a block with jewelry like with quarantine,” she says, “drawing helps me to work through that.”
Art is not just what we see, but also what we consume and who we are as humans. Alexa Sanchez, 21, a rising senior at Rutgers University-Newark and Samayia Taylor, 21, a rising senior at Howard University, both embody this notion. During quarantine, they both were encouraged to garden in their newfound free time. Alexa even built her own raised bed to protect her plants from harmful soil substances. Between the two of them, they have grown tomatoes, lettuce, mint, cilantro and many other goods. Samayia is not only a gardener, but also an advocate for a healthy vegan lifestyle. You can follow her tips and tricks on her instagram. Alexa blew my mind when she compared the life cycle of humans to that of plants. Our bodies, minds, and spirits deserve nourishment and investment, and learning how to tend to our specific needs is an art within itself. I asked them, “Is your gardening art therapy?” Samayia explained that she can be mindless while gardening, which releases the worry of problem solving. Alexa answered, “I didn't think of it as art but I guess everything is art if you try hard enough.”
Alexa Sanchez
Tomatoes from Alex and Samayia’s garden
Samayia Taylor