This Image is of my safe place

My Creative Activism Journey

My journey into creative activism is relatively new and something I'm still navigating. It began in August 2022 when I collaborated with Imara to organize an art auction aimed at raising funds for their cause. This initiative was sparked by a poem I wrote called Sea Glass, which was inspired by my lived experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse (CSA). Writing this poem was a way for me to process my struggles and begin healing.

The poem created a ripple effect, leading to the Sea Glass exhibition, where I not only showcased my artwork with many other talented artist and CSA survivors but also facilitated creative workshops. One piece from this exhibition, Safe Place, was based on the personal safe space I worked on during therapy, and I wanted to bring that to life through my art.

Through this exhibition, we raised awareness of CSA, a topic many shy away from because it’s often too difficult to confront. But for me, and many others, this is our reality, and it’s a conversation that needs to be had. This work has become a form of creative activism because it provides a platform for survivors like myself to share our voices and experiences.

Following on from the Sea Glass exhibition, in October of 2022, I participated in a series of workshops focused on the theme of resistance—what it means, how it manifests for each of us, and how we use it in our everyday work. During this time, I wrote a poem titled Resistance is a Dandelion, a metaphor that captures the resilience and quiet strength that grows even in the harshest conditions.

Alongside poetry, I expanded my artistic practice through photography, collage, drawing, and embroidery. These pieces culminated in a collection of zines and a large tapestry created in collaboration with other young people. This tapestry is not just a piece of art—it’s a platform for dialogue, showcasing the different ways resistance takes shape in our lives.

Through this body of work, we raise awareness and create space for conversations around resistance, giving a voice to those who often go unheard.

In 2023–2024, I participated in a course with the Viv Gordon Company, which focused on upfront survivor-led creative workshops. This group was designed specifically for survivors, offering a safe space where we could learn how to deliver creative workshops ourselves. One of the most impactful lessons was understanding and addressing our own access needs—something many of us had never considered before. Recognizing these needs was empowering, not only for ourselves but for our community as a whole.

This course also introduced me to the concept of creative activism, something I had never heard of before. I realized that through my art and workshops, I had already been practicing creative activism—creating change and providing a platform for others to speak out. The course helped me refine my approach, perfecting my ability to deliver workshops and honing my public speaking skills.

By the end of this journey, I felt more confident in both my work and my ability to share my message with the world.

Follow along with my journey