where to start? how are you holding up these days? what are you doing to stay grounded? what are you doing to support others?
today, we talk about resilience. :an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.
last september, asheville nc was hit with one of the worst floods and hurricanes in history. so many people lost their homes, their studios, their belongings and some even lost their lives. cleanup efforts are ongoing. people helping their neighbors is ongoing. things have changed dramatically, but there is a strong sense of community that is like no other. this blog post was written after the hurricane if you want to check it out.
south toe river a few days before the flood
a group of asheville artists got together after the storm and designed a deck of cards + a coffee table book with a collection of their art. “the flood collection” is now available for purchase! i love my new deck of cards and seeing art by so many of my asheville friends. purchasing the cards, or the book, or both is a great way to support artists!
my friend ailee, (another artist friend in western nc) has published a new journal! “humans are nature: creative freedom journal” is full of her gorgeous drawings as well as plenty of space for your writing. i just ordered my copy and cannot wait to receive it. her art is SO beautiful, intricate and soulful. what a great gift this would make for your friends! click here to order!
art brings us together in ways that nothing else can. whether we are supporting artists, making art in community and with friends, teaching art, sharing art, or collecting art, it makes a difference in many ways.
check out this short film by rebecca yeomans here in wilmington. it’s fun to see her process and learn more about her work.
my friend jean currently has work exhibited at the liberty museum and art center in liberty, new york. the I/eye WITNESS exhibit features jean’s framed photographs of rescued farmed animals at sanctuaries, along with the work of other photographers. i worked and volunteered with jean at various animal sanctuaries in the hudson valley and so admire her art and photography, the way she captures the essence of the animal’s soul in her work.
jean’s images invite us humans to connect with the animals, (especially farmed animals) and to see them as the beautiful sentient beings that they are. if you are in the area near liberty ny, check out the exhibition!
ways i’ve been staying grounded and keeping my sanity….
LOTS of nature time~ …(it’s a little embarrassing sharing my iPhone photos next to jean’s photos, but i’ll get over it. ;) haha
observing and breathing ~ sweet moments and beautiful visitors.
sewing and embroidering~ an artist never stops making…. what we make may vary and in my case is all over the place, but creating and making art never stops. i’m finding that stitching is VERY meditative and quiets my mind. :) yay for that… i made a teeny little quilt and am working on an embroidered pillow to go with it. this week i will put the pillow together. sewing makes me happy~
have you seen the movie ‘juliet,naked’ ? we watched it last night and enjoyed it.
wherever you are, i hope you are safe, well and supported. WE are resilient.
until next time~ xo
I love your art at the beginning of this post! The message is also something I want to remember, especially now. And the deck of cards and art is amazing!
thank you!! i love your photography!! thanks for reading.