Cath Sheard Art

Tag: politics

  • Spreading a little light

    The world is difficult for a lot of people. I won’t list the reasons here because of the bots, but you know what I mean (unless you live under a rock!). In my career I have a constant awareness of the ways we can contribute as librarians. Indiviually I do what I can with things like submissions when Parliament provides the opportunity. But that’s about fighting back.

    I’ve been thinking about how I can lift others up, and scatter joy and light like fairy poop. The answer was pretty obvious … ART. Last night on Bluesky I listed a bunch of works with this wording “The world is a bit awful so want to spread some joy. I’m selling small artworks for $25 incl postage, NZ only. My usual artist grade mixed media supplies. Mainly pieces where I’m testing ideas, combinations. Comment sold then DM me.”

    All of them are rehomed already, which is great. What’s even better though is the sheer joy in the DMs I got from people. Am I all-but giving the works away by the time I pay packing/postage etc? Yes. Does it matter? No. I create becaue it’s in me to create, and it’s good for my mental wellbeing. I’d be creating regardless, so why not share the joy and light?

    Of course I’ll continue to create works to exhibit and sell on Felt. Pen Kirk & I will keep making collab works that we exhibit and sell. But this feel right at this moment in history. Sidenote – I just remembered one of my teachers accused me of “tilting at windmills”. Better that than stand by as the world burns and do nothing.

  • Opinions

    I’ve been reading some pieces on Twitter about politics, TERFs, the harm the Catholic Church has done over many decades / centuries, and the ocean being on fire in Mexico.

    I love Twitter; it’s a great professional network that I value. It’s also the place where I get most of my personal support. I’m much less honest on FB, for a number of reasons.

    But sweet baby cheezus there are some asshats out there. I worked with a woman once who I felt, if you fell face first in a puddle, would put her foot on your neck to make sure you drowned. Turns out, she’s not a one-off.

    It amazes me how little compassion and empathy is out there. It’s incredibly sad. A lot of the time I speak up against the shit opinions, especially around disability and the transgender community. Sometimes I let it go because I don’t have the energy. I think if we can speak up, we should, otherwise the haters win.