Art Empowers • by Sarah McMurray

Art saved my life. Two years ago I was horribly burnt out on my career and in the midst of quitting my job to move to my hometown. I embarked on a long stint in full time volunteer service with AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) during which time I rekindled my life-long love of art.

An Authentic Community
In the brokenness that followed leaving my job, community and friends of seven years, art helped me. Art was there through health problems, broken relationships and into a community that not only celebrated artful living, but celebrated authentic community as well. I was given the opportunity to be a resident artist at PoetHouse Art, a working studio and gallery in our community.

Permission to Call Myself an Artist
This gift of actually embracing art, giving myself permission to call myself an artist has changed my life, my dreams and my hopes for the future. Nearly two years after my transition and I am a more whole, healed, growing, authentic, loving woman because of art. I have declared it my true love and am excited about teaching art to empower others. In fact, inspired by artists like Kelly Rae Roberts and Sabrina Ward Harrison, I hope to one day use my art for inspiring global change and empowerment for women. There is something so wonderfully raw and beautiful about the healing power of art to inspire change. I wish many others the chance to explore it!

Sarah McMurray is a mixed-media artist who lives in Bend, Oregon. To see more of Sarah’s art and learn more about her, visit her blog at whereherfeetland.blogspot.com.

Comments

[Crystal Neubauer]

Giving yourself permission to call yourself an artist is truly an empowering step. Congratulations on taking this journey and reaching others through it!

[Lovey]

Beautiful art!

[Ellen]

Beautiful paintings; I am so happy your embraced art and found your way! Your future goal sounds amazing! I look forward to hearing more about your passion and wish you much success!