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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How To: Mucking Around in My Art Journal

Hi there!  It's time for another in my series, Mucking Around in My Art Journal.  This time, I'm finishing the other side of the spread I showed last post.

Here's how the full spread turned out.

And here's a fast forward video showing how it all came to be:


You can also watch "How to - Mucking Around in My Art Journal" on YouTube here.

I hope you've been enjoying this series; you can see all the "Mucking Around" posts here!  Let me know in the comments if it's been helpful to you.

Also, as many know, I've been making a lot of art around what's going on right now in the United States.   I hope you'll check them out.

Sanctuary celebrates the dignity of all people, and is inspired by the Elie Wiesel quote that "no human being is illegal."  All proceeds to First Friends.   This design is also available in a button, art print, and stationary cards.

This "Open Your Heart" button celebrates people of all faiths and backgrounds.  All proceeds go to the ACLU of NJ.  It's also available in Red, White and Blue, because tolerance IS patriotic.

You can also buy it as a print.  

I hope you'll help me support activism through art!  And today, Tuesday, Zazzle is offering 25% off - so enter the code:  PRESDAYSALES and save!

Are you using your art to express your beliefs or activism?  I'd love to know.  Please share your experience and any links in the comments!

         Visit Stencil Girl Products and RubberMoon Stamps to see all my designs!

If you haven't already - please connect with me here:

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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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Thank You!