For the Love of All Living Things - Postcards From the Gulf

As an artist, I get bombarded with charities wanting me to donate an original piece of artwork for worthy causes. As much as I would love to donate to each one, it simply isn't possible so I pick and choose those I am most passionate about, like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The Alabama Children's Hospital. In light of the terrible events this past April when the oil spill devastated our coast line and natural habitats, my artist friend Val Webb decided to start an art event called Postcards for the Gulf. All of the proceeds will go to help clean the animals most affected by the oil spill, and that is one group in need that I was more than happy to paint for. 


It was difficult at first, trying to narrow down exactly the perfect subject to paint on only a 4" by 6" postcard. I mulled over it, thought about which living beings I most loved, and repeatedly I was drawn to the Damsel Fly. I have always been fascinated by them and Dragon Flies, because of their beautiful, iridescent colors, but more so because they simply seem like such gentle beings, flitting here and there and adding only beauty to this planet. The thought of one of them lighting on a reed covered in oil gave me the chills and I prayed that these tiny, lovely winged insects would be safe from harm. 

And, as I often do, I had to combine the art of writing with the art of painting. My piece is a mixed media collaboration of acrylic, ink, collage, and watercolor. The photo doesn't do a whole lot of justice to the iridescence of the piece, but it is close enough. Nov. 14 during LODA Artwalk this, along with dozens more will be sold for $50 a piece. They will go on sale this Tuesday from the Postcards From the Gulf website as well. 


I wanted to thank Val for putting together such a wonderful art project that will make such a difference. The prayer on my card states this:


May we once again strive to be PROTECTORS of the natural world around us and may the sheer beauty and value of life in every living thing become more important than man's need to please himself. 


I thank God for the beauty of our planet and pray daily for its protection.

I Love Making a Collage a Day!

 

http://ardithscollage.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-collage-day-journey-has-started-join.html

Many friends of mine actually work towards creating a painting a day, which after much attempts at it, I found hard to get done. Yes, I do paint often, but actually painting every day was difficult and I began to marvel at their fortitude in getting it done. Then comes along a fellow artist who for the past several years has made a COLLAGE A DAY! Yep folks, cut and past every day, and that blew me away.  Not because of the creativity factor, but because as we collage lovers know, it's messy and totally can take over your house. Randal Plowman was managing to create one every day, which meant he had to be uber organized or something.....and I foamed at the mouth in envy.


This got me thinking....could I do it....should I do it.....so I tried it, without telling anyone, to prove to myself that I would be able to stick with it before I announced to the world that I was making a collage a day. Guess what?....I LOVE IT! Yes, I had to get super organized and have a plan, but the timing of it all seemed to fall into place. Not only did I enjoy starting the day with a quiet meditation, to talk with the big guy upstairs, but I decided to combine it with my collage making and then blog about each one. So, my blog, Ardith's Collage a Day was born and I did I tell you.....I LOVE IT?

Because of my back and neck issues, painting or creating anything big is really difficult. Each collage a day is only a 4" by 4" so that tiny size makes it much easier on my pain level. I also have realized how much more creative I am in my other work, because being disciplined about making one a day has enhanced my creativity. What's more, I love, love, love to combine art and writing, you all know that, so blogging about each one makes that the perfect marriage. Here are a few of my collages with links to their blogs. If you know a few of your friends who are blog followers, feel free to share, I love the feedback from you folks. 

BEST OF ALL......if you become a follower of this blog, my daily collage blog, or my Found Baby blog....I will send you a coupon worth 25% off any piece of original art! How cool is that???? Because you are a huge part of what keeps me going!


Living and artistic life is a choice....seek out the beauty in yours, :)

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Be Still and Know

Fearless Bricolage Bird