My Coat
Brooklyn Payne
My involvement with the Hear/d Residency allowed me to artistically explore new ideas and mediums that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to pursue within my classes. I worked in a medium new to me, that I was not confident working in, and I pushed through that uncertainty. I was able to use my art from the peer residency to reflect on my journey and relationship with my mental health in a safe environment. I was able to be open up about my struggles, and get encouragement to keep trying to work towards a healthier and more manageable future. I learned about what goes into putting on an exhibition that I knew I would be proud of having my name attached to. Everyone involved with working towards the exhibition and creating the artworks were incredibly receptive – and all of the people that came to talk to us gave valuable and useful information.
Most significantly, though, I was able to work with and get to know a great group of supportive people. Before the residency I had not been especially involved with the AUArts community, and on a whim I applied for this residency - only knowing that I was interested in creating work focused on mental health. Over the weeks that we all met together, brainstormed together, and supported one another, we all became more dedicated to this exhibition. When the pandemic interrupted our normal ways of life, and our plans, we continued to work together. The theme of resiliency could not have been better expressed than when we were all physically separated, and uncertain because of the pandemic, but we remained to be stabilizing forces for one another. Over video calls, written messages, and social media we still came together. We are a group that has found kinship in our struggles, and victories. I’m truly honoured to have been a part of this residency and to have made the friendships that I have.
In future Hear/d residencies I hope that they will also get that group support and be able to receive the same useful information. The strength I found in this residency had a lot to do with its adaptability in a difficult situation. I wish I had more feedback on how Hear/d could further improve, but I genuinely enjoyed my time in the residency and felt like – despite the circumstances – it ran quite smoothly.