By Courtney DiPietro
"Artistic Signing"
Being artistic reveals creative skills that most people can identify with in
some way, shape, or form. For Deaf and hard of hearing people, Artistic Signing
has been influential in creating art that has not only been inspirational, but
has also created educational and professional opportunities. Deaf organizations
promote these opportunities, establishing the Deaf culture in a predominately
hearing world and aim to raise awareness through art and entertainment. Artistic
signing as a ‘space' for Deaf Artists is evident in many facets of life for the
Deaf, and established terms such as De'VIA (Deaf View/ Image Art) has provided
insight into the experiences of Artistic Signing.
There are a wide variety of Deaf Art organizations and programs. Shape Arts is
one organization which aims to promote arts and culture, extend access to the
arts, and help create opportunities for employment in the Deaf communities. They
establish trainings through agencies and courses including but not limited to
Deaf Theatre and Deaf Visual Arts Exhibitions. Another noteworthy organization
is Invisible Hands International (IHI). A Washington D.C. based non-profit
organization with similar visions. Fred Michael Beam is the founder of IHI and
has helped pave the way for many artists and dance companies such as The Wild
Zappers and the No Words Dance Team. Deaf art is not something that is meant
solely for a deaf audience, however its significance to them is evident and
special. (Beam, 2011).
Deaf Art has a purpose and "points towards the fact that ‘art' is a space for
the individual to address certain issues, be they emotional, political or
cultural." (Forbes-Robertson, 2004). Just as the use of facial expressions in
signing portray emotion, expressions in Deaf music, theater, poetry, writing,
and visual art all radiate the emotions that although can not be heard, are
easily felt through sight, touch, and vibrations. Another purpose is using art
as therapeutic space for healing which has benefitted not only Deaf people, but
also many others. Artistic Signing is also a good outlet for the anger and
frustration often felt among the Deaf and is another way to communicate those
feelings.
De'VIA is a term used to describe the division between art by a Deaf person, and
art about the Deaf experience. Betty G. Miller is one of the first Deaf
American artists to create art about the Deaf experience, and her work has been
known to "enlighten Deaf and hearing observers by presenting experiences
reflective of a Deaf person's world view." (Miller, Betty G.,1989). Although
some art produced as De'VIA is resistance art, it has provided many influential
works of art that are very relatable to many Deaf observers. Pieces like
"Ameslan Prohibited" by Betty G. Miller shows a graphic image of broken hands
chained together which represents the fact that the inability to use sign
language enslaves the Deaf person and ultimately leaves them disabled. An
experience that only a Deaf person can feel and relate to, proving that Artistic
Signing can make a powerful statement and influence. (Durr, 2006)
Applying artistic abilities in art, music, theater, or expression of any kind
has no limitations to anyone at all. It has an all inclusive nature that brings
people of all cultures, identities, and abilities together which provides a
space for one to thrive in both individually and as a whole in society. "It all
works together: my work is really art and art is really about identity -- and
identity, for me, is really about being Deaf." (Silver, 1999) Artistic Signing
has proven it's worth, and is a great asset to Deaf people and to Deaf cultures
worldwide.
References:
Forbes-Robertson, Amy (2004). Centre for Deaf Studies. Deaf Art: What For?.
Chapter 5.1, Pg. 139
Durr, Patti (2006). De'VIA: Investigating Deaf Visual Art. Deaf Studies Today!.
Volume 2 2006.
Silver, Ann (Fall 1999). "My Experience as an Artist Vis-ŕ-vis Deaf Art." Visual
Anthropology Review 15.2 : Pgs.37-46
Websites:
www.rit.edu, Rochester Institute of Technology., deaf art/deaf artists
www.invisiblehands.com/about., Fred Michael Beam
Also see: Deaf Entertainment and Art
Notes: