However, I do have an opinion about faith, in general: faith is born of an inner need for something higher and bigger than us. It could be a higher being, or several, or a higher force, energy. Something that elevate us and gives purpose to our lifes. It is simplistic to think of faith simply as a religion that explains things we cannot explain – probabkly what was at the beginning of most faith. Nowadays we have science. But science only explains “how”, not “why”.
It feels weird to discuss faith as the agnostic that I am. I pretty much made it my business to not concern myself with faith, whilst recognising others their right to believe, without judgment on my part.
Being brought up as a catholic, and then losing my faith in my teens because it wasn’t sitting right alongside my convictions (as a feminist and LGBT ally, amongst other things), I find it hard to find space for faith in my life and work. I almost see faith as an excuse for not owning one’s decisions, and in the field of creativity I see that as a big problem. So, I guess that makes me judgmental. I realise though that I am approaching this subject thinking in terms of religion, organised religion even, and not faith and beliefs.
If I think about my interactions with students of different culture, I approach them with respect and allow them freedom. I very rarely discuss religion. Culture is more often the focus of the conversation, but students bring other ethical beliefs to the table like veganism, or political views.
and probably my taught subject of lingerie design, means that students are already particularly openminded.
In an art institution, even though our college is focused around product, creativity can take many aspects and attract diversity of thought. My students often approach their cultural background when it comes to their final creative project, and it is often a positive experience of self-discovery and sharing. But I can think of a few instances when faith came into it as a disruptor.
One student focused his project on his identity as a gay man and his relationship with the catholic faith: whilst he was secure in his creative output, he was concerned it would not be perceived well because of the religious theme and iconography paired with sensual styling of the garments.
Another student, struggled to connect with the brief that was set by an erotic lingerie brand, because of her religious conservative upbringing, and designed a product that was not “on brand”.