08/07/2026
This week we had some thoughtful discussions around the art table as we considered the small and possibly invisible steps and moments that have that led us to where we are now. The hard bits that aren't always celebrated but collectively contribute to the big wins. The "one week sober" starts with a brutally real conversation, the "90 days clean" started with a decision and a whole lot more little decisions; all adding to the weight of that win... as we sat around the table we contributed to a collaborated art work talking about our wins, looking back at the things that seemed impossible while sticking small pieces down to create a representation of those small victories - creating a patchwork of shared stories and shoulder to shoulder wisdom.
We then drew a coffee cup to represent those much needed but often hard to have conversations to remind us to keep having them, to keep connecting, to stay close to support. We cut out the silhouette of our cups and put the collaborative patchwork underneath to highlight the support, care and people with similar stories and wins.
This was a significantly moving day and creating an artwork to represent so much more than just a cup. A cup that is full of tools, wins, success and moments of vulnerability that is unique to each of us. Our larger multi-cup artwork is to hang at Art East to represent belonging, whanaungatanga, having a cuppa in space that is ready to receive you as you are and celebrate those unseen moments with together. People and support that will help us grow and have those conversations with. A beautiful reminder of the community we have created here at Art East.
"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata"
"What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people"
