Artist and activist Suzanne Lacy (1995) states, claims that people “create maps of language that represent cultural pilgrimages and metaphoric journeys of transformation and empowerment,(p.19”) and my life is no exception. Art is and was the tool that I use as a method of processing my maps of language, which actively engaged me in questioning my life and cause me to challenge the lenses through which I view the world. Utilizing an organic framework through a combination of art, education, and one on one mentoring, has provided depth to my artistic endeavors, as I am able to build deeper relationships with those in my local community and abroad. Traveling to developing countries and engaging in traditional arts with local orphanages, I was able to witness the growth that these children were experiencing through their interaction with the arts. This strengthened my belief that art can play a role in creating social change worldwide and compelled me to further assess the combination of my own metaphoric journey, combined with art and the opportunity for utilizing these as tools for social change. Throughout this process of discovery, I greatly benefited from many artists and authors, such as, bell hooks (1996). She states, “The beauty lies in the way it all comes together exposing and revealing the inner life of a girl inventing herself-creating foundation of self hood and identity that will ultimately lead to the fulfillment of her true destiny (p.xi).” For me that destiny is becoming a social activist and artist.
