By Ali Grutchfield
Although a family’s love can surpass most obstacles, some challenges seem too tough to bear. Many issues stem from an inability to communicate personal struggles and their effects on loved ones. Addiction: The Impact on Family is Dr. Margaret Dowell’s second video in her Addiction and Art series. In this new episode, Dr. Dowell explores how artists can use their art as a catalyst for difficult conversations within society.
Addiction: The Impact on Family stands out from projects with similar content because of Dr. Dowell’s authenticity. By using her own stories and artwork, Dr. Dowell highlights the ever-changing role of artists and the power they possess. She never attributes shame to anyone struggling with addiction and maintains a caring tone. Similarly, the schoolhouse setting creates a unique and welcoming environment. Hence, the audience finds themselves in the warm embrace of a friend who’s trying to help, rather than a scary lecture about the clear impact of drugs.
In addition to her own artwork, Dr. Dowell introduces two other artworks that speak to the impact of addiction on a family. These pieces are created by the artist Kevin Grass, whose family history of alcohol addiction led him to address such complex themes in his painting about generational addiction. According to NIDA, if you have a family member with an addiction problem, you have a 50% chance of becoming an addict in adulthood. Dr. Dowell concludes by highlighting the thematic similarities between her artwork and Kevin Grass’s to acknowledge the gravity and prevalence of the topic.
Unfortunately, the production quality of the video is questionable and draws attention to the largely informal tone. It was challenging to focus on Dr. Dowell at times because of the distracting camera movement and awkward framing. While the thematic elements remain clear, the superficial flaws limit the message’s credibility and impact.
I would give Addiction: The Impact on Family 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Ali Grutchfield is a junior pursuing Film and Television Production at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She spends her time producing both visual and written content for District, the school’s online news platform, being President of the SCAD’s Film Club, producing and editing student films, reading mystery novels, and drinking coffee with her cat, Jingle.
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