It was a way for me to step out of the caregiving role and into this artist role for a second to just be with the work that I was making. It was a way for me to process and cope with what was happening at the time. And I think that’s how I find balance. I’m able to create a space for myself through my art practice where I can just be and think and reflect. It’s really important for me to have that space.
Jobson: That’s really beautiful. I think that’s a really powerful thing to be able to have that outlet, especially in such a difficult and emotionally challenging time. And I think that’s what makes your work so special and so resonant with people. It’s because it’s coming from such a genuine and authentic place within you.
Bibbs: Thank you. It’s been a journey, that’s for sure. It’s been a crazy one, but I’m glad that I’ve been able to make my way back to my art practice and really find a place that feels like home for me. It’s been nice to be able to share that with others and to see how people respond to that.
As Bryana Bibbs continues to explore themes of love, loss, and nostalgia through her art practice, she invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences with grief and trauma. Through her Journal Series, she creates a space for contemplation and healing, inviting us to process our emotions and memories alongside her. In a world where mental health and wellness are increasingly important topics of conversation, artists like Bibbs play a crucial role in opening up dialogue and fostering understanding. Her work serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to connect us to our deepest emotions and to each other.
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It’s a grounding experience. You’re not just talking about these heavy things. You’re also creating something. It’s about documenting my life but also trying to figure out why I grieve and respond to trauma in the way that I do. Weaving is meditative for me, and I think it’s meditative for the participants. It’s a way to slow down and process information while also creating something tangible. It’s a way to take your mind off things but also be present in the moment.
Jobson: Your work seems to have a therapeutic quality to it, both for you and for the participants in your workshops. Do you see your art as a form of healing?
Bibbs: Absolutely. I think my art has always been about healing, whether it’s painting or weaving. It’s a way for me to process my own experiences and emotions. It’s a way for me to work through trauma and grief. And I think that’s why the We Were Never Alone Project has been so impactful for me and for others. It’s a way for us to come together, share our stories, and heal together through the act of making.
Jobson: What do you hope people take away from your workshops and your art?
Bibbs: I hope people feel seen and heard. I hope they feel supported and validated in their experiences. I hope they leave with a sense of empowerment and strength. I hope they realize that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is a community of people who are here to support them. I hope they take away a sense of healing and a sense of hope for the future.
Jobson: Thank you for sharing your story and your work with us, Bryana. It’s truly inspiring to see how art can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.
Each petal has a different hue of color, and I’m thinking about how to incorporate them into a piece. I like the idea of using objects that have a history, objects that mean something to me, and objects that give me a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It’s almost like a nod to the past, a way of honoring those who have come before me.
Jobson: Your work often feels very personal and intimate. How do you navigate sharing such personal stories and memories with a larger audience?
Bibbs: It’s definitely a challenge to share such personal stories and memories with a larger audience. I think what helps is that the work itself is so tactile and visually engaging that people are drawn in by that first. And then, if they choose to engage further by reading the titles or the artist statement, they can start to understand the personal history behind the piece. I also think that everyone has their own personal histories and memories that they can relate to, so in a way, sharing my own stories can open up a dialogue and create a sense of connection with others.
Ultimately, I hope that my work can serve as a vessel for people to explore their own memories and histories, to reflect on their own experiences and relationships. I think that’s what makes art so powerful—it has the ability to evoke emotions and memories in a way that words sometimes can’t.
Jobson: Looking ahead, what are some themes or ideas that you’re excited to explore in your future work?
Bibbs: I’m really excited to continue exploring the idea of memory and absence in my future work. I want to delve deeper into the relationships between objects and memory, between materiality and emotion. I think there’s so much untapped potential in weaving and printmaking, and I’m excited to see where these mediums can take me.
I’m also interested in exploring more themes of family and legacy, of honoring those who have come before me and preserving their memories in my work. I think there’s something really powerful about art that can connect us to our past and remind us of where we come from.
Overall, I’m just excited to keep creating, to keep pushing myself and my work in new directions. I think there’s so much more to explore and discover, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
Bryana Bibbs, a talented artist known for her intricate and meaningful weavings, recently shared some personal insights and upcoming projects in an interview with Colossal. One of the things that stood out in the conversation was her emotional connection to certain objects that hold sentimental value to her. For example, she mentioned finding dried flowers that belonged to her late grandmother and how she plans to incorporate them into her weavings. These flowers serve as a reminder of her grandmother’s passing, prompting her to preserve them in a creative and meaningful way.
In addition to the dried flowers, Bibbs also mentioned discovering a bag of letters exchanged between her grandparents in the 1950s. While she expressed hesitation in reading the letters, she acknowledged the significance they hold in her family history. She described her grandparents as classy and private individuals, highlighting the importance of honoring their privacy while still recognizing the value of these historical artifacts. The letters serve as a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the lives and relationships of her ancestors.
When asked about her upcoming projects, Bibbs mentioned an ongoing show at the Indianapolis Art Center, which is set to close on December 14. She also shared her excitement about participating in a family day event at the Smart Museum for Theaster Gates’ exhibition, “Unto Thee,” on November 8. Additionally, she revealed plans to facilitate a weaving program for the Haggerty’s Wellness Retreat on November 15. These upcoming events showcase Bibbs’ commitment to engaging with her community through art and creativity.
Overall, Bryana Bibbs’ work is deeply rooted in personal connections and storytelling. Her ability to infuse emotion and history into her weavings sets her apart as a unique and talented artist. By incorporating elements from her family’s past and sharing them with her audience, she creates a bridge between generations and invites viewers to reflect on their own histories. Through her upcoming projects and ongoing exhibitions, Bibbs continues to inspire and connect with others through the power of art. The Benefits of Yoga for Mental Health
Yoga is a practice that has been around for centuries, originating in ancient India. It is a holistic approach to health and wellness that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness. While many people practice yoga for its physical benefits, such as increased flexibility and strength, it also has numerous benefits for mental health.
One of the key benefits of yoga for mental health is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. The practice of yoga emphasizes deep breathing and mindfulness, which can help calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries about the past or future, yoga can help individuals feel more centered and at peace.
Yoga has also been shown to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. The physical postures and breathing exercises in yoga can help release tension and increase the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and endorphins. Additionally, the practice of yoga encourages self-compassion and self-acceptance, which can help individuals feel more positive about themselves and their lives.
Furthermore, yoga can improve sleep quality and help individuals manage insomnia. The relaxation techniques used in yoga, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help quiet the mind and promote a sense of calm that can lead to better sleep. By practicing yoga regularly, individuals may find that they are able to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep throughout the night.
In addition to these mental health benefits, yoga can also improve overall well-being and quality of life. The physical postures in yoga can help increase strength, flexibility, and balance, which can improve physical health and reduce the risk of injury. The practice of yoga can also increase mindfulness and self-awareness, which can help individuals make healthier choices and develop better coping strategies for managing stress and emotions.
Overall, the benefits of yoga for mental health are numerous and well-supported by research. By incorporating yoga into their daily routine, individuals can experience reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, better sleep, and increased overall well-being. Whether practiced in a studio or at home, yoga is a powerful tool for promoting mental health and enhancing quality of life.
