Paige Korynta is a visual artist and poet whose main goal is to create connection among people, working against the dividing fear and shame that our society is so afflicted with. Unflinchingly, she holds that we have the power to create our own meaning in life, and that everything we consume and experience feeds into this personal meaning. Under these principles, it is one’s own choice whether their life is filled with peace and acceptance, or war and turmoil. Paige believes that we are comprised of many things. While anxiety, depression, or other mental illness may be a part one’s being, another part may be kindness, passion, sweetness, or countless other wonderful traits. With all of our differences we are somehow miraculously woven into the same cosmic tapestry as is everything else in our existence; and to realize that relationship and belonging renders us worthy of connection, without exception. To accept this connection is one of the choices we must make. Above all, Paige hopes that her art can offer solace for those who are courageously facing this life day by day.

“I’ve found that the parts of my mind and body and self I’ve tried to hide for so long, vomit themselves out when I start to scribble or write or cook good oatmeal. All we can do at the end of the day, after being a part of this confusion and consciousness, is be simply amazed. Go for a walk in the rain and get your feet muddy. Scream to your favorite song. Tell your friend her eyelashes are the most beautiful. Put the math homework away for a second and make some cocoa. You are a magnificent piece of whatever this existing thing is, your body is divine. Bumpy and scarred and freckled and bruised and dimpled and worn, divine. All that you are is enough. I hope you find a home in yourself.”

Image Credit:
Feature: Ben Raynal at Flickr, some rights reserved
Body 1: Paige Korynta, used with permission
Body 2: Paige Korynta, used with permission
Body 3: Paige Korynta, used with permission