My Approach to Engaging as an Artist:
Part of being an artist is about being in conversation with the world. Increasingly, however, in a political and technological context where hate and hot takes can be delivered with just a few finger taps, I have found that it is necessary to put up some significant guardrails around how I engage as an artist.
I want to briefly share about these here. First off, my art represents my own perspectives but often includes consideration of perspectives that are not my own and that I may not fully agree with. Second and in a related way, my art is not a focus group to try and figure out what people want to hear and to feed it back to people, nor is it always my intention to be sensitive, politically correct, or trauma-informed. While I often hold those intentions in other areas of my life, unfiltered curiosity, honesty, and authenticity are essential to my artistic practice. Third, if my art does not resonate with you or doesn’t align with your personal experiences, I respect that. Furthermore, if my art is triggering, upsetting, or in anyway a negative influence for your mental health, I ask that you simply please do not engage with it. Art is subjective, and there are so many other talented artists, including disabled and trans artists, who would benefit from your support. Fourth, I choose to engage with the world as an artist through my lived experiences, my relationships out in the world, community-engaged projects, and the scholarship and art of other people. For me, these forms of engagement involve a depth and care that is lacking in online communications.
In line with these guardrails, I choose to largely share my art on platforms where I can disable comments, and in the event I do receive feedback from other people, I – in most cases – do not read it. I recognize that this approach may sound overly defensive or insulating. However, as a trans and disabled person who wants to create from my heart, I have found that it is what I need to survive and thrive creatively in the current moment.
Platforms to Follow My Art:
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/LyraMcMahonArt
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LyraMcMahonArt
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lyramcmahonart
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyramcmahonart
Contact Me:
For inquires and requests for collaboration, my email is lyra@lyramcmahonart.com.
