Two weeks ago, I received an award at the Sooke Fine Arts Show—the Geri Pudwell Award for Fearless Creativity. What a surprise and honour to be recognized as having a voice that others can see and appreciate!
Thinking of myself as fearless is challenging—but I guess there's always an undercurrent of fear in actions which push me forward or shake my boundaries. Sometimes I fear the opinions of others, being judged as "less than" or failing to meet the standards I set for myself. I can also be my own harshest critic—declaring my work not good enough, not as accomplished as someone else's, not perfect, inferior to my previous efforts, or just plain horrible!
In all the years I've been creating, much of my work would probably be considered "nice," "interesting," or "pretty"—art that might hang on a wall to be admired, technically accomplished but not breathtaking. The kind of work that draws polite nods rather than gasps of recognition or excitement. As I have aged and worried less about the opinions or judgments of others, I started to find my voice. Frankly, I have been surprised at what I have been able and willing to say. I see myself growing into a larger understanding of my role as a woman—to speak aloud what others wish we would keep silent.
My voice has grown stronger not because I've become fearless, but because I've learned that courage doesn't require the absence of fear. It requires action despite fear. When I create now, I ask myself: Does this matter? Does this contribute to conversations that need to happen? Supporting others has become as important as creating my own work. I've been learning that lifting others doesn't diminish my own light—it creates more light for everyone.
Age has given me permission to stop being polite when politeness serves no one but those who prefer our silence. It has taught me that my voice, imperfect as it may be, has value. That the stories I tell through my art matter not because they're perfect, but because they're true. And truth is our power.
The Geri Pudwell Award represents more than recognition— for me it is a validation that fearless creativity doesn't require the absence of fear. It requires the willingness to create despite fear, to speak despite the possibility of being dismissed, to take up space despite being told we should shrink. Right now, today, in this minute, in our world, strong voices supporting and lifting one another up must be more important and vital than ever before.
This is what fearless creativity means to me and can/should mean to all of us: the courage to create work that serves a purpose beyond decoration, that contributes to conversations that need to happen, that supports the fight for justice and equality. Not because I'm without fear, but because some things are too important to leave unsaid. And so, the future is now, we can all rise to meet it!
I Love this! Your comment that fearless creativity does not require the absence of fear resonates deeply. As artists and as women it has never been a more compelling time than now to stand up and use our voices, get into the arena, support other women to be the best we all can be
Congratulations on the award, well deserved. I think Wendy Ward summed every thing up in her comments.
Congratulations on your award. The ability to comment on such an important women’s issue through such a beautiful installation is truly a gift. The award is well deserved.
Congratulations Susan on receiving the Fearless Creativity Award. Your message and your work continue to inspire and guide those of us struggling to find our voices.