Stop by the ON::View Residency space at Sulfur Studios to meet the artist Kellie Martin, who will be working on her project Holding Storms!

Holding Storms will run from September 8th - October 3rd, 2021 in the residency space. There will be an Artist Talk via Sulfur Studios IG Live at 2 pm, followed by a workshop hosted by the artist. The Closing Reception will be held on Friday, October 1st from 5 - 9 pm in conjunction with First Fridays in Starland.

Holding Storms Project Statement

“The key aims of this healing dialogue between deaf and hearing communities 

are to build a strong bridge between these different worlds, to create resources 

for each others’ futures, and to create acceptance of various identities.”

“My artistic works are rooted in my exploration of the internal and external aspects of my queer, deaf, nonbinary identity. My art exposes its audience to the rawness of mental health, from the depths of subconsciousness to a place of consciousness. In my pieces, I aim for vulnerability as a deaf, queer, and nonbinary person navigating the hearing world. To me, being authentic is a way of reclaiming myself. My expression is rooted in my childhood traumas from the deep south, dealing with a lack of accessibility, and ignorance about deafness and queerness. “Holding Storms'' is a metaphor of the deepest of my internal and external identities that I have ridden with the storms throughout my life. Storms are always happening in our lives, and deserve admiration for their unrivaled magnificence internally.

“Lately, my work has been picking up traction based on the repetitive frustrations I experience in the hearing world. Many people are ignorant about interacting with deaf people, or any people with disabilities. I am trying to foster dialogues that matter with my online community, as I experiment with this new tool. I believe that powerful discussions about privilege help people to be empathetic towards others.”

— Kellie Martin

To learn more about the project, visit: https://sulfurstudios.org/residency/2021/9/8/holding-storms-by-kellie-martin