Sherry Barrett Art
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#MeToo - Hope in Release
Your right to freedom is much more valuable
​than your right to be hurt

This 48" x 72" acrylic painting was hosted by the Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge in Grand Rapids, MI for ArtPrize 2018.  Find out more here.
There are 3 kinds of forgiveness: Exoneration, Forbearance and Release. Release is for those unforgivable situations where the perpetrator hasn't asked for forgiveness and never will. It's for #MeToo victims who will receive no acknowledgment and no justice. Victims don't have to carry around the stinking trash of those unforgiven memories that replay rent free in their mind. Victims seem free because they can walk to infinity North and West on the pier. Victims think they can carry all the wrongs done to them because they're floating on the barge, but this trash is strangling them and keeping others at a distance. This painting highlights the options: incarceration to the wounds of your past OR letting go of the mountain of wrongs so you can do what you really want to do. Take the rope off your neck at any time by releasing the wrongs done to you and sailing away into a limitless future where your past doesn't rule you. There is hope for everyone in release.

Learn more with these useful videos & articles

What is release?
Dr. Stephen Marmer, Psychiatrist, UCLA Medical School,  taught me three kinds of forgiveness that I've now committed to memory and inspired part of the title for this artwork.

Forgiveness for the Victim
This conversation with Kathy Christopher started it all. Thank you friend for sharing your story and this image with me. Thank you for challenging me to name and release the rubbish I carry from my past and paint my hopeful freedom. 

Forgive Assholes?
Why do I need to forgive people who deserve to be hated? 

The Science of Forgiveness
Did you know there is a body of scientific research around forgiveness and the proper way to apologize? Check out these articles.


Find a Therapist
Sometimes we get stuck in life. For another perspective on your situation consider talking to a religious leader or  licensed therapist.

Health Benefits
Mayo Clinic explains how un-forgiveness can take a toll on your health and mental well being and provides healthy steps you can take towards forgiveness and improved health. 

5 Days to a New Self
Terry and Sharon Hargrave (PhD and MA, LMFT) helped me understand myself and the behaviors of people involved in my past drama. This lecture gave me hope that I can move from pain into peace. If you like the talk I recommend you purchase their book here. 

Vulnerability is Courage, not Weakness
Brené  Brown's research reveals that shame thrives in secrecy, silence, and judgment. We must courageously step into vulnerability to experience release. See the full TED talk here.

Free Others
Watch this TED talk to Learn how Blythe Hill turned her past hurt into help for others. Consider participating in Dressember this year.
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  • Home
  • Gallery
    • #MeToo - Hope In Release
    • #SpillGrace
    • Weird Pictures, Cool Stories
    • St. Nicholas Project
    • Abstract Art
    • Instructional Videos
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Other
    • Art Reference
    • Art Life Coaching
    • Line Dance Resources
    • Dance Blog
    • TOU