This post was created with GANGGANG as part of an Indy Maven newsletter Guest Editor issue with Malina Bacon.
Januarie, you’re who I think about when I think about artists. When I think of talent—something natural and easy, something that fills the body and the recipient—I think of you. I love the way words are organized for supreme impact when they come from you. I love the confidence you grant your words and art so they can reach their full potential. I love the freedom you take in writing. I love your craft and that you often share it. It has kept me inspired to create an infrastructure for artists, like you, to be cared for because of what you create. You, the artists.
For, I know that it has always been you. The ones speaking for us when there are no more words. The ones healing and inspiring, challenging us for change. The ones who make new sounds and contort bodies to make us dance. They are the painters, the ones who depict our ideas, visions, and sadness in intricate layers. They are the singers, from whom we can hear the Lord’s voice. The artists are everything. The innovation behind our favorite everything. I thank you for creating despite. For hustling, especially in Nap, where your resources are not as valued and continue to be swapped for a lesser priority. Thank you for designing our city. And taking care of it. Thank you for Indiana Ave and Norwood. Thank you for being a vessel. Thank you for the expressions of your vulnerability and your knowing. The heroes. I see you, and I’ve always loved you.
