Chelsea Swan

I am on the side of believing that the vast majority of people are good, that most shitty behaviour is ignorance not malice. That yes we should all try to be better and some people are lazy as fuck at improving themselves but at the same time very few want to cause harm.

I am hurt easily, my biggest pains are when I believe in people or feel pockets of joy and then have the rug pulled from under me. People hurt with the smallest comments. Most people don’t even realise the pain they have caused, just how unstable I am.

My ex-husband said I am too nice. My current partner says I am a good person. My mum calls me mean and manipulative and believes me to be cruel. I try to be kind but you would never convince me I am. I want to be though.

Anyway that wasn’t the point. I wanted to talk about kindness in art.

I think that creating work is an act of kindness. Tracey emin makes me feel seen and accepted and normal. It is kind of her to share so much of herself. It is kind to be an authentic role model in that she does not try to be perfect.

I also think kindness in art requires doing no harm. Don’t be Picasso. Don’t think you are such hot shit genius that its ok to make women cry because you think it’s pretty you twisted fuck.

Finally I think it’s kind to share your process and influences. They might inspire others, or give others new ways of creating.