Defining Lines

In Fall 2020 and Winter 2021, through an Art and Change grant from the Leeway Foundation, I partnered with Educators for Consent Culture and Healing Our Work to host story circles and creative workshops. Co-facilitated by Nuala Cabral and Preeti Pathak, participants shared their experiences navigating boundaries and consent in relationships, at work, and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The stories offered affirmation and solidarity, and highlighted a culture where maintaining the status quo often comes at the cost of wellness, rest, joy, pleasure, and safety. I invited participants to explore boundaries in the form of drawing and haiku to reconnect with how yes and no feel in their bodies. These hand cut paper illustrations reflect on what it feels like to take up our voices and power, and build relationships and systems grounded in care, liberation, and consent. Some of the original pieces and color prints were displayed at the Painted Bride Art Center in Spring 2023.