FINDING WORDS FOR A SPECIAL ART ROOM AMBIANCE

Ambiance - a feeling, tone, atmosphere, aura, environment. What kind of ambiance do we want? What do we want the Soul Food Café Art Room to ‘feel’ like? Let us throw out some words. I will begin. I will begin with the word “Sanctuary.” A harbor shelter, protection, haven, refuge, retreat, somewhere away from the world that is set aside and dedicated to the purpose of art. A place that is protected, that is safe. I think there is much to be said for the word “safe” as a place of creation. Most of us do not feel able to create unless we are in an environment that feels safe; somewhere that we know that what we do will be appreciated, received with care and consciousness and not harsh critique. Traditionally Soul Food Café has been a place of pan de cielo, the bread of heaven, as described by Dr. C.P. Estes, author of Women Who Run With the Wolves:

"Being with real people who warm us, who endorse and exalt our creativity, is essential to the flow of creative life. Otherwise we freeze. Nurture is a chorus of voices both from within and without that notices the state of a woman's being, takes care to encourage it, and if necessary, gives comfort as well. I'm not certain how many friends one needs, but definitely one or two who think your gift, whatever it may be, is pan de cielo, the bread of heaven. Every woman is entitled to an Allelujia Chorus" (Clarissa Pinkola Estes)

I believe that the Art Room should be an extension of this feeling of safety and sanctuary that has always been a integral part of Soul Food.

Who will bring the next word?

~ Winnie