Painting Journalism:
While at the Idea Festival last week, I met Ashley Cecil who is doing a neat thing she calls “painting journalism” which she characterizes as such…
Welcome to the marriage of painting and social activism. I’ve been creating art ever since discovering that my mom’s Chanel lipstick made a great oil pastel. Through formal art education and years of professional experience, the adult version of this vocation has evolved into my own job title, “painting journalist.” I’m addressing philanthropic issues utilizing painting as my medium of communication. Much like a photojournalist, I travel to locations/events of cultural interest and capture them, only with my brush.
She then sells her paintings and donates a portion of the proceeds to non-profit and progressive causes.
The left needs more creative approaches to media activism like this one. I agree with linguist Geoffrey Nunberg who argues in his new book Talking Right that the “perpetually aggrieved style of Pacifica Radio” not only turns potential activists off but it makes every issue seem like a hopeless David v. Goliath struggle. My hat is off to Ms. Cecil for lending her creativity to a movement that often lacks it.