colours of resilience 2023
aRTWORK FEATURED INCLUDES SKETCHES BY Ann Reno (artist name), WHO SERVED AS INSPIRATION FOR THIS PROJECT
this project values anonymity for all of our participants, as we serve a vulnerable population.
any “names” shared are ways for you to find the artist and follow their work online, we will never post legal government names unless explicitly permitted otherwise
COLORS OF RESILIENCE 2023
IN 2023, the art show called colours of resilience debuted at artspeak gallery, and for 2 weeks, Windsor, on was invited to place bids on artwork done by participants of the show. shelter programs involved in this show included: the homelessness housing help hub (h4), women’s welcome centre (wwc), and Windsor youth centre (Wyc).
A series of workshops were conducted by a team of 5 volunteers from may 2023-august 2023; the show debuted august 18th, and wrapped up September 1st. this show was generously funded by the arts, cultural, and heritage fund grant of Windsor, on.
This is where I get to nerd out and talk about the thought behind this project. I'll be talking about some concepts I learned while I was studying for my diploma in Mental Health and Addictions, and referencing some research I've come across since.
Let's start by talking about the concept of Maslows Hierarchy. For those unfamiliar with it, Maslow's Hierarchy explains that an individual is unable to achieve self-actualization until all of their basic human level needs are met. Okay, still sounding like gibberish? Let's break down what ''self actualization'' means. Self-actualization, according to Maslow, is the desire to become the most we can be. He refers to it as a ''B-level need'' which is in contrast to ''D-level needs,'' which are needs that must be met, otherwise we experience a deficiency in our person. Okay, that definition kind of makes sense, right? Well, let's give some context to the levels. The way Maslow separates these needs is through a triangle, structured like this:
Self-Actualization: the desire to become the most we can be, as defined by fostering our creativity and our intellect
Esteem needs: respect, self-esteem,, status, recognition, strength, freedom
Love and Belonging: friendship, intimacy, family, sense of connection
Safety needs: security, resources, health, property, employment
Basic needs: food, water, shelter, physical connection
How many of these needs do folks WITH fixed addresses meet….
