Artist Connections

Art—especially high art—is better appreciated and understood when more is known about it.

To that end, for each significant work of art at Haven House and Cloud Nine Studios, we have recorded a video message from the artist to the residents, explaining the meaning and intention of the piece, how they made it, how they were feeling when they made it, etc., as well as anything else they would like to share with women recovering from trauma. When possible, these video messages are recorded in the place where the piece is displayed, which creates a deeper connection between the place and the artist and makes explanations of pieces made specifically for the space particularly powerful.

Essentially, Artist Connections deliver what the artist would say to a resident if they were both there in person in front of the piece, but are shared in a manner that preserves the complete autonomy and privacy of the resident. After viewing the Artist Connection, the effect a piece has will be exponentially multiplied, as the sensory memory of the artist’s explanation will be a vivid reminder of its intention and message that is triggered whenever residents see the work, which is especially important for pieces that convey crucial mental health concepts.

This approach depends on proper timing, however. Forcing an art tour at the wrong time during trauma recovery would be orders of magnitude less effective, if not counterproductive, insulting, or even harmful. Instead, on or near each work are tiny labels that display its title as well as a QR code, which leads to details about the piece and the video message from the artist. By this method, Artist Connections deliver information only when people are actively seeking and receptive to it.

A primary goal of Artist Connections is to amplify the efficacy of the artwork displayed by explaining their intended messages and symbolism in a highly memorable way. However, simply using this modality has additional therapeutic benefits.

Receiving messages of support and understanding from women who share stories of similar experiences or who have created artwork that visually expresses emotions a resident is feeling can, as the name implies, create a feeling of meaningful connection with the artist, which can combat isolation, detachment, and feelings of worthlessness. Learning more on one’s own is an empowering experience that can boost self-efficacy, and learning more about their living environment can combat detachment by making people feel more connected to the home and the works that share their same space. Furthermore, many will find they have more in common with some artists than they expected, and seeing beautiful works of art made by people similar to themselves can boost self-confidence and deter feelings of powerlessness. (See: Using Beauty to Empower.)

Artist Connections are used throughout Haven House and Cloud Nine Studios, in conjunction with the Décor Library, Healing High Art, and most notably, the Journey Gallery.