Stephanie Elizondo Griest said she travelled to various countries over 10 years and interviewed 70 women to find the answer to a question that haunted her entire career.
Transforming art into medicine, revenge and reconciliation, Griest, a UT alumna, published her sixth book, “Art Above Everything,” on June 10. The work highlights women around the world and their connection with art. To discuss her book, Griest hosted three different events with students on Sept. 24 and 25, asking whether art is enough to live a fulfilling life.
“The stories that I find are always what keep me in it,” Griest said. “They’re so beautiful, they’re so vulnerable, they’re so powerful, they’re so inspiring. It also has the weight of obligation, deep obligation. I feel I’ve been given such a precious gift, and I need to tend to it with care.”
“Art Above Everything” featured about 35 women from New Zealand, Rwanda, Cuba, Iceland, India, Mexico, Qatar, Romania and the United States.
“The places where she goes and she tells the stories from, they’re not easily accessible for people in our part of the world,” said Ryan Breitstein, journalism junior and attendee of Griest’s talk. “I really like the idea of bringing those stories to parts of the world that normally people wouldn’t get to hear from otherwise.”
In her presentation, Griest discussed some of the stories in her book, focusing on how art became a central theme. Towards the end of her presentation, Griest turned to the audience, asking if art is enough.
“I want us all to realize that we are not alone in being so devoted because to continuously prioritize art over all other aspects of life,” Griest said. “You venture further and further and further on this path of most resistance, and there are fewer and fewer people you can see on this road, and that can feel very lonely. I was really grateful to realize it’s actually a whole realm of people doing it.”
Rosental Alves, journalism professor and formerly Griest’s professor, said he often invites Griest to present in his classes.
“She has been coming for several years, but I think each time is better and this time it was so well prepared and inspirational in so many aspects,” Alves said. “She really brings a lot of energy and passes a message that I believe resonates with college students.”
Griest said she enjoys speaking to college students because she feels it’s her way of giving back.
“If (the students) could take something away from (the presentation), it’s to have faith that it will work out because it will,” Griest said. “Because the creativity that you’re using in your work, you will use in all aspects of your life.”
