“Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable”
These words of course belong to Brené Brown, and they offer an elegant explanation for the complicated nature of vulnerability.
London-based Artist & Creative Director Raissa Pardini has also ruminated heavily on the matter - what it means in her practice, and also in her personal life.
“I see vulnerability as a strength. Something that makes you stronger each time you are true to yourself and open up a door to your vulnerable side. I used to be annoyed at my mistakes, my failures, my misunderstandings. I now see them as an opportunity to learn and channel my human side - full of imperfection.”
As humans we are generally taught to exude perfectionism and veil any perceived weaknesses. This conditioning is damaging regardless of profession, and especially so for artists, whose work relies on genuine expression. But by acknowledging her imperfections, Raissa taps into her human side, allowing her work to become more authentic and relatable.
“I also believe you get to be as creative as possible if you share your own story. It’s unique and it should be celebrated.”
Raissa acknowledges that there are forces that can curtail vulnerability, one of those being the significant role that social media plays in how artists present themselves and their work. She recognises the power and potential of platforms like Instagram as free outlets to showcase your work, but also cautions against the pitfalls, where personal lives often overshadow the work itself.
“The stories people see the most are the ones with my face on it. There’s an interest in who I am rather than what I do. I decided to stop celebrating my personal life as much on Instagram as I started to feel “cool” about posting certain things. We all do but we dont tell ourselves the truth. So I’m challenging this dynamic at the moment.”
Another powerful force is the nature of the industry itself. Inspiration and innovation cannot be confined to rigid schedules and demanding deadlines, and these pressures have an adverse effect on expression.
“Creativity isn’t Monday to Friday 9-5 business. The more we understand that, the more we achieve from anyone. We need to allow everyone to have their own time to research and dive into the project. Last minute work, demanding deadlines and commissions, it's all killing the creativity.”
For those looking to incorporate more vulnerability into their creative practice, Raissa offers empowering advice.
“Vulnerability is a weapon. Showing your true colours can only bring honesty and joy to your work, and to your relationships. Though people tried to make me feel bad about opening up in the past, it’s only because these people are insecure and try to take you down, somehow. Listen to your gut and go for it.”
By embracing her vulnerabilities, Raissa has harnessed a strength that enables her to create meaningful, authentic work and build genuine connections with her audience.
“Perfection is boring and it's a utopia. It’s all about connecting with our weaknesses and allowing it to happen. That’s how you reach happiness in my opinion.”
Follow Raissa Pardini's work here.
