My Creative Legacy

By Sharon Lia Robinson

Assemblage Who Made This Sky by Sharon Lia Robinson

There may be a clue in facing a challenge, a clue that leads one on their path in life to find their purpose. The challenges I experienced in my early years help to define my life search, identity and individuation.

A collection of my creative work is in my archive in the Schlesinger Library on Women’s History, Radcliffe College, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

My life has led me to spiritual faith and self-acceptance. For my legacy I envision an innovative center, foundation or institute in support of my projects; that will serve as an inspiration for others, educating many in various ways and realms. 

In my early twenties, as a student of sociology and psychology, I became aware of the work of Thomas Szasz, R. D. Laing, Rollo May, Carl Jung and Frantz Fanon. Through their writings, I began to appreciate my creative gifts and uniqueness. There were communities at the time, led by R. D. Laing, Rollo May and the followers of Carl Jung. 

These innovative centers upheld alternative insights, understanding and compassion for a gentle unfoldment of the creative process for the gifted, the sensitive, for those seeking wholeness and purpose. Knowing that these places were being developed and researching their practices was an essential way for me to know and to honor myself. These centers have given me courage throughout my life as I have developed as a poet, a visual artist, an independent scholar and in my research of holistic health practices.