As a socially engaged artist, I often feel the tension between possibility and doubt. There are moments I am plagued by uncertainty — at finding the right venue, confirming guest lists, and managing resources — that can overpower creative impulse. I have come to understand that part of my practice is sitting with this anxiety and trusting that the process will unfold exactly as it should.
I remind myself of past wins like conferences, festivals, private dinners, workshops, and classes. These were all uncertain ideas at first yet pieces fell together as the right people supported the projects and outcomes eventually exceeded what I had imagined. Through research, I learned about participatory work and Conditional Art. These works are not meant to control every possible outcome but instead focus on creating the platform where meaning can emerge.
Trust is not passive. It requires curiosity and question-asking; active listening; intention; and a willingness to thoughtfully respond to input with necessary pivots. Trust asks for collaboration with uncertainty and the understanding that this unknown space is exactly where the spark of magic lives. My role is only to set the stage and invite others to join me in the kindling of connection.
I have to trust that the right people will enter the spaces I create. That the right venues will emerge as suitable platforms. That symbols and prompts will resonate. Most importantly, I trust that if I remain committed to the values of curiosity, generosity, and community, the work I make will become exactly what it is suppose to be. Yes, planning and research is required, but so, too, is hope and the embrace of the unknown.
