Baring My Heart - Using Art to Heal

Have you noticed that I've been re-posting a bit lately?  It's because things have been going on in my life that are hard to deal with.  No, I'm not talking about the political situation in the USA, although that IS very hard to deal with.  I'm talking about family, and illness, and sadness.

Wishes and Dreams of Love and Empathy

I've been candid about my struggles with depression.  But in late February, my younger daughter went through a very difficult time after several months of struggling with depression herself.  She's doing much better, and learning every day how to live with the intensity of her feelings.  But it hasn't been easy.  (She gave me permission to write a bit about it.)

Salad of Feelings With All Eyes Upon You

So it's been hard to write this blog, while feeling that there is a big part of my life that I can't share.  I am not going to go into all the details, because that wouldn't be fair to our family.  But I know that many of you also have experience with intense feelings, sadness, depression and anxiety.  And it is always good to know that we are not alone.

Deaths in the Desert

Speaking of not being alone, I have been doing a lot of art and activism around immigration and anti-Muslim sentiment.  Here I am at a recent demonstration and press conference at Newark Airport, the day after the most recent travel ban was struck down.

In fact, my lesson for Wanderlust 2017 uses that as an inspiration. I was inspired by this Georgia O-Keefe quote:

to create a mixed media canvas using shapes and color to express things I have no words for. Click here to visit Everything Art, and I'll see you in the classroom.

Here is a beautiful video about one aspect of immigration.  I hope it moves you as much as it moved me.



Thanks for meeting me here. Wrapping you all in a big hug.  xoxox

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Why An Open Heart is the Only Rational Answer

Windows and Doors Stencil  Available on Society6

With the horrific bombings and shootings in Paris last week, fear-mongering is running rampant - politicians and ordinary people are reacting in anger, and urging closing off, shutting down, turning in.  But bombs and hatred will never win against terrorists.  People turn to violence when they have no hope, no options.  The true weapons against terrorism are education, employment, hope, compassion and love.  We need MORE love, not more fear.

Medallions Stencil, Cascading Leaves Stencil, Falling Feathers Stencil and Hamsa Stamp

As an artist, my response is to make art and thus these images in my art journal.  Open doors.  Think of "others" as the same as me, with the same hopes, dreams and fears.  Think of my ancestors who were rejected and shunned because they were different.

The worst thing these attacks can do is close our hearts and take away our humanity.  Don't let that happen.

Kim Geiser created this beautiful coloring page as a free gift and plea to "Please Love More."  As she says, "Please share, print, use this picture and allow it to remind us to use our powers for good. "

by Kim Geiser Studios http://persimmonsgal54220.blogspot.com/2015/11/please.html

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The last day to purchase these downloadable online classes for $9.99 is 11/23! Then they go to their normal price of $24.99.  So if you're interested, purchase them, download them, and do them at your convenience!

Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

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