Imagine Belonging, 2011
Five panels. Cotton, wool, rayon, and polyester thread. 36″ x 60″
When we begin to ask each other what we need for our families and our communities to thrive and take seriously people’s diverse needs and desires, we will begin to hear, see and experience health equity. In this five-part stitched collage of cotton, wool, and rayon, I offer vignettes of how it might feel when we have fostered the collective will to enable rural, suburban and urban neighbors from all races and ethnicities and parts of the globe to thrive….
Listen to Filipino and Mexican farmworkers laugh together over lunch—a right afforded to them under labor laws that, after years of struggle, protect historically excluded agricultural and domestic workers.
Observe racially and culturally diverse friends meeting in neighborhoods created by federal housing policies that encourage and support, rather than obstruct and undermine, neighborhood integration.
Listen to children of all backgrounds swim together because their community supports each of them and a public pool that welcomes everyone.
Imagine Belonging, detail
Overhear neighbors sharing their enthusiasm for their parrots on their day off because labor laws safeguard the weekend.
Watch a child play on the sidewalk, her parents confident that she is safe outside because mental health and substance abuse services are available to those who need them.
See a single mom enjoy a relaxed walk with her young child because parental leave supports new parents.
Hear a disabled veteran waving and calling to a friend walking in the street below because he is recognized as an important community member and has not been forced to leave his home and community for lack of funds.
Listen as neighbors discuss the decisions impacting their lives over a cup of tea because weather the decision to be made is about what to cook for dinner or a city proposal to increase housing density, strong social networks and a commitment to civic engagement, strengthens well being and health.
These are the signs of health. These are the signs of equity. These are the signs that the well being of every human being and every community lies at the heart of every law, every policy, and every decision about shared resources that we, as a caring society, would make together.
You can watch a video of my talk explaining this artwork. Begin at 21:00: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhUix6ntYqg
