Shana found social he(art) after Dawn decided to feature my blog on her site, under a list of several other similar resources. So, I’m absolutely honored to be passing along Shana’s story, as I’m so amazed at her personal strength. It’s rare (and brave) when you see people speaking, using their voice, to shatter silence and break stigma. As you’ll see, what Shana has experienced is tremendously difficult, and I’m hoping that more are inspired to start telling their own stories by the courage she shows here in letting you into her struggles.

“I got started thinking about, and painting about, the issue of Domestic Violence about 20 years ago. When I was 14 years old, my mother was murdered by my brother with a bow and arrow. He is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree intentional homicide and reckless endangerment. We are not, nor will ever (if I can help it) be in contact.

At the time, there was so much going on in my head, that I sought painting as a refuge from the testifying and the publicity and the hurt that came along with that event. I found that I had a lot of healing to do, and I started painting a lot of images of my mother. Working with my hands, images, seemed to help me mourn. So I just created and felt, rather than thought, for many years.

Painting helps me to understand events in my own life so much better than simply thinking them. In fact, I find myself still working out the emotions of this experience, 20 years later. I probably could have been the ‘poster child’ for art therapy, I have always done it, but just didn’t recognize it as such.

When I finally went to an art and design school for my BFA, I was starting to better understand the use that creating and art had in my life. I was also starting to understand its power; both in what it gave me, and in what others saw through my work. I felt that I had something to say, something of my experience. I felt that I had the ability and the means to say something powerful, and so I began to more consciously ‘speak’ with my art.

And along the way, I realized that I was fortunate to have had the release that I found through art. I also recognized that there were others that were still trying to find their own voices, their own freedom in that way. My work is all about a message, a dialogue; I strive to give ‘voice’ to the voiceless. I allow them to have a voice through me, if they need it. This is hard, emotional work for me, I’m not going to lie. But creating a narrative about these experiences is a must, and I will continue to ‘talk’ as long as anyone is willing to listen.

Recently, I felt that it was time for me to start giving back more and learning more, and the Sojourner Truth House happened to be in need of volunteers. Specifically, they were looking to fill a position at our county court house. Now I volunteer my time at the District Attorney’s Office waiting room, as a confidential advocate. There is a new, and unique partnership going on between Sojourner and the DA’s Office in my area. It is a program that is geared towards better helping and protecting victim’s rights. So my job is to answer questions, and protect the victims who have to testify that day.

I feel as if it is the perfect position for me, because I still remember being incredibly scared when I had to testify at my brother’s murder trial. It was one of the scariest moments of my young life, and indeed, I frequently see the victims shaking when I volunteer. So I am there to ease that for them, a little bit. I call for extra support, if it’s needed, and I make sure the defendants get nowhere near the victims/witnesses.

I am able to ease my own childhood fears at this job, as I do with painting. It helps me, just as much, maybe more, than I feel I help anyone else. It’s about listening and learning and crafting a universal voice from my own experiences and those around me. My mother’s violent death made me a stronger, yet more understanding woman, and I’m actually grateful for that. I’m happy to have been given this chance, this ability, and this ‘voice’ (always on loan to whomever needs it).”

You can check out Shana’s blog, where she updates frequently, at http://artinshanaty.blogspot.com/.