When working on healing, after leaving a toxic work environment where I experienced gender discrimination and sexual harassment, I started to paint miniature “postcard” paintings. When I create these postcards I let myself release expectations of what to paint or a “final image”. Instead I sit somewhere in nature and let my inspiration flow with what I am experiencing, feeling, and thinking. I’ve sat and painted lakeside with my feet in the water, while listening to an outdoor concert, under willow trees, and other beautiful places. Sometimes I even use nature as part of the painting process.
On the back of each postcard I write musings, as if writing a postcard to a friend about what I am ruminating on in that moment. Often I end with some form of well wishes to the reader or reminders around self-love. These musings are written out of a dream of collective healing for the world. They serve as reminders that even someone who doesn’t know you can want the best for you. Created with the intention that the world would be a kinder and safer place if we lean into kindness and compassion.
As a way to create connection by pushing out of my comfort zone (and thus challenging isolation and loneliness) I decided to offer these postcards to people I don’t know who make an impact on my day or who I just felt might enjoy a little piece of art and well wishes from a stranger. My process is to explain what the postcards are all about and if they person would like one I hand over the stack of what remains in my collection and let the person choose which one they would like. Some pick based on the design, others shuffle like they’re oracle cards. It always fascinates me to see how people choose. I like to believe that the message on the back was meant to find them.
Through the process I’ve gotten to witness the surprise, joy, and delight from people as they’re offered free art. Other times, I hear people talk about how cool it is I am painting in nature (whether said directly to me or to others as they pass by). I hope that my practice invites others to create in ways that are authentic to them.
This practice transformed the way I approach painting and the art I create. In many ways it helped free me from held perfectionism. It also helped me to connect to my belief that art should be accessible to everyone. Now, like a fairy, I am sprinkling a bit of sparkle through free painted postcards to strangers wherever I go. The art fairy of “Vancouver”.
This practice is not only liberating for me but helps me to create the kind of connection and change I want to see in the world. It’s a practice I continue regularly as I move about the spaces I inhabit. It’s my way of spreading kindness and joy with others in a time when I feel the world needs a reminder of compassion and interconnectedness. I hope to continue this practice for life.
ArtByLXC 