Art is complicated. It is a statement, a question, an explosion of anger or a whisper of sadness. It has always been a way for us to process life. Some paintings highlight the beauty in the world that we might take for granted.
Some art makes us examine our society’s values.
Art can be a weapon against corruption and greed. It is radical or subtle. It is entertaining as well as informative. Art can exemplify a feeling of hope, or shine a light on the shadows of society. 
Above all, art is a brave emissary of difficult messages. It is fitting then that this week, I don’t shy away from commenting on politics.
In some of my paintings, I play with the boundaries of background versus subject. One question that arises time and time again is: are we created by our environment or do we color and create the world around us?
I came to the conclusion years ago that it is a bit of both, shifting with life phases and goals. These days, though, I am convinced that things are out of balance. There is a picture being painted around us. It features splashes of hatred, harsh lines drawn as boundaries, and clashing colors refusing to blend. It is an environment that I refuse to let shape me and my children. Along with many people around the country, I choose to push back.
This weekend is the inauguration of the 45th president of the United States. This man has created an environment of fear and hatred. He has surrounded himself with people intent on dismantling healthcare reform, reproductive health care, social justice, environmental protections, and human rights. On Saturday, I’ll be joining the hundreds of thousands of people around the country marching to support social justice, human rights, equality, and nonviolence.
My political art project for this week- https://www.pussyhatproject.com
I hope you will consider joining me in making sure love trumps hate. You can wear a cute pink hat while you push boundaries. Paint a different picture of our country. Be brave.
Thanks,
Marla Bender