Culture D-Tour: The art of practicing gratitude with Detroit artist Kristle Marshall
Courtney Wise Randolph writes about Detroit’s movers and shakers for Detour Detroit. Once a month, she stops by CultureShift to chat with a notable Detroiter. This month, she spoke with multimedia artist Kristle Marshall.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
In April 2020, just when the world was forced into a lockdown caused by COVID-19, Kristle Marshall was ready to launch This Is Not a Bill. The goal was simple: Spread joy. Using her visual design skills, the multimedia artist created a project where she mails customized illustrations depicting joy to strangers.
In essence, it’s a way to show gratitude in action and curate a sense of community during a time when it’s easier to forget the joys of our everyday life as we’re still figuring out how to navigate a global pandemic.
“I think the practice of sitting down and writing to someone helps us to take a pause and say ‘that was good,’” Marshall says. “I’m really grateful for that, especially in a time where we’re pressured to keep moving and keep going.”
The process just takes a few steps. If you’re looking for some feel-good words with a lifting design, visit This Is Not A Bill’s website, fill out the brief form and include your response to the writing prompt, “Tell me something GOOD!” Within a few days, your mailbox will be filled.
Though the project wasn’t birthed in response to the pandemic, it certainly surfaced at a time where optimism and good vibes could use a boost. “I ultimately want people to just sit and relish the good in their life; to pause and just take in the wonders of their day-to-day [life],” says Marshall.
Read: Kristle Marshall sends handheld joy around the U.S. via snail mail by Courtney Wise Randolph
Listen: Detroit artist Kristle Marshall shares a feel-good reason to check your mailbox.
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