Everyone is So Creative!

By Editor in Chief Clare Watson

Well, well, well... back for another one already? We couldn’t keep you away from this paper, even if we tried. Go on then, we’ve got plenty of fabulous articles in store for you this week. 

Our News Editor put together a stunning piece on the recent controversy regarding the Chamber’s. Cormac sits down with local drag performer Krystal Queer, to investigate how local artists and workers were affected by Chamber’s harsh rebrand. 

If you are a queer artist or performer, consider reaching out to LGBT+ Society to have your work promoted across campus. Check out their Instagram for more info. 

I wanted to talk this editorial about my personal experience with art, and why I think everyone should be making some. As a person that identifies as queer, art has been one of the few avenues for me to explore that identity. 

But during my undergrad, I felt my art got pushed to the wayside. When I lost the time or energy to sit down and create art, I lost a bit of myself too. I had no idea how intrinsic creating art had been to my identity, and so when I finally did have the time to draw, it felt emotionally draining, and I couldn’t put my heart in it.

I’ve slowly been learning to turn art into a form of self-care. It’s a space for me to let loose. Sometimes thoughts are too intense or abstract to put into words. Art can be a place for me to explore what I can’t rationalise in my head or my journal. Or it can be a way of floating out of reality. Letting all the negative thoughts and anxiety spirals fade into the background as I put felt pens to paper.

I think it’s important for everyone to be engaged in art in some way or another. It’s like a massage for your brain. Whether your painting masterpieces or doodling on the back of your class schedule, art is one of the most accessible ways of getting in touch with your inner self. Make art, and make bad art. Let go of the words in your brain and put shapes onto paper.