Melody is a mental health nurse from Calgary, Alberta. She is pursuing her passion for the arts at AUArts after a difficult journey recovering from a rare illness. She creates works that others can find hope and joy in sharing.
The Sibelius Monument was constructed to honor the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Created by the artist Eila Hiltunen, it is a kinetic musical piece of sculpture - a bundle of 600 steel tubes that capture the wind like a pipe organ. The photographs were taken during my trip to Helsinki when I was diagnosed with a rare illness. My travels helped me cultivate mindfulness to cope with my anxieties. Removing oneself from a familiar environment creates the opportunity to live outside of the neurotic mind. Novel surroundings serve not only as a distraction but a chance to learn new things. When I stood under this monument, I was in awe by it and the power of the creative mind. My feelings of burden and uncertainties cleared away when I looked above and heard the wind sing. Stoic philosophy teaches us to embrace adversity and look for opportunity within it. Breaking the pattern of negative thoughts, I focus on the things that are within my control and embrace the change. It was then I decided to apply to art school, a choice that I may not have made if I had not taken the time to examine my mortality and existentialism honestly.