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HOW DARE THEY…after 50 years think they can control my body choices!

June 24, 2022 was a very devastating day for me and millions of people who believe in women’s rights to choose their own destiny.

This is not about abortion, but about CONTROL.

If the Right feel they can decide not to take a COVID vaccine, infect millions of people and kill millions with that decision but then decide they can control my reproductive rights, they are seriously wrong.

The Right thinks it is okay to murder kids in school and traumatize them for the rest of their lives so they can carry and sell guns but females can’t make a choice for their path in life before a child is born.

Whether it is rape, health problems, or a choice about life situations, you are the only one who should make that decision.

My Body, My Choices  24" x 24" x 1.5"  Acrylic/MM on Canvas

We will fight back and make them sorry for their hate for women and their love of total control.

The next to come…taking away your right to contraceptives. If you have a miscarriage they will investigate you.

If you continue to vote for the GOP, you are giving them the power to control your life, your destiny.

The only way we win control back of our bodies is vote for the people who respect your rights.

Contact me for availability on these paintings as originals or prints. Or if I can help you in any way.

Payment Plans make it EASY to own the Original ART YOU DESIRE. Email me. (for original paintings only)

When I created this art piece a month or so ago, it came from the heart.

Painting: Darkness Falls in a Color Display ~ 12" x 12" x 1.5" ~ Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas

And Memorial Day is the perfect day that represents its wishes and meaning.

Darkness can mean many things to society.

There are 2 very important aspects of darkness that give meaning and pleasure to most.

The color display that accompanies the night sky as darkness falls is an absolute wonder to behold.

And at night many people send up love to the deep, dark universe for loved ones who have passed before them.

Some send their love up there for a better society in hopes that it will go where it is needed most.

My meaning for this painting was about the people I had lost but had sacrificed for me and my desire for a more stable society.

I had a husband who died too young because of the effects on his body and mind from serving in war. So this is a day that speaks to him.

War does terrible things to those who fight in it.

But I also feel that Memorial Day, because it is about those who sacrificed for us, I have to include my mother here as well.

She was my hero and role model because she remained positive and inspirational for me even though she had a very trying life because of war.

She went on and created a business when it was difficult for women to do that.

And she was always helping those less fortunate than herself.

But she also remained true to her 4 daughters even though she was divorced from a husband that also suffered from the effects of war. So I send up my thoughts and blessings to  her as well today.

My hopes today is that we don’t ever hurt families again just to justify war.

My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine because I know what the effects of this war will cost to their human spirit for years to come.

The war is not over when the shooting and destruction stops. For many families it lasts their whole lifetime.

Look up to the sky at dusk and send your blessings to your loved ones.

But please also send up your positive thoughts for a better and more mindful society.

When you look at this painting, what does it say to you? Does it give you hope? Does it stimulate to send your best thoughts up to the universe?

I hope so. We need your help to create a better society.

For me, creating art is the healing process. My collectors tell me that my art reminds them to give thought to an issue and helps them heal as well.

Contact me for availability on these paintings as originals or prints. Or if I can help you in any way.

Payment Plans make it EASY to own the Original ART YOU DESIRE. Email me. (for original paintings only)

We females all need reminders that we are not alone in our truths. With all the noise out there, we can become intimidated in our feelings about life. And we can feel isolated and alone.

In these times of frightening events in our world, it is so important for each of us that we remember what we value as a human being. That is why my exhibit, The Ladies Tell Their Own Story, is so important!

I Am Woman, I Can Fly, American Kestrel Bird ~ Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas ~ 30" X 24" X 1.5"

As a female…our rights are eroding.  Women of our generation fought hard to gain those rights for us.

Don’t let their lifelong efforts be destroyed. And have to continue to fight the same issues over and over again.

My Ladies tell their own stories.  I’ve experienced these events as a female and use my voice visually in my figurative paintings to empower and encourage myself and you.

Reflecting Fondly ~ Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas ~ 40" X 30" X 1.5"

Every time I view these paintings I realize all that we can lose and they empower my voice and my determination about our rights.

Go now to my Solo Virtual Exhibit, The Ladies Tell Their Own Story. And feel how they empower and encourage you. 

Let one of my LADIES reside in your home or office to keep you centered in your truths as a female. As a reminder for all females, your mother, your grandmother, your aunt, cousin, daughter, the neighbor next door…and for all men.

You can own any of these female paintings by clicking the individual painting’s link right in the exhibition. Remember, there is only one original.

Email me and let me know you visited my EXHIBITION and how it made you feel. 

Contact me for questions on these paintings as originals or prints. Or if I can help you in any way.

Payment Plans make it EASY to own the Original ART YOU DESIRE. Email me. (for original paintings only)

Our environment is suffering and crying out for our help. The climate crisis is upon us.

What can we do individually to remind ourselves and others to speak up about changing this important issue that affects every aspect of our lives?

I worry about the issues we all face today as a society. So painting happy paintings about these issues makes me feel better when I can visually bring them to the public to start a positive dialogue with other interested parties. In that way I am contributing to a faster solution.

You can too. Visually it helps helps people connect to it quicker and promotes conversation.

You can view each painting by clicking on its name below their photo.

1.  Put what you value out front to influence others and remind yourself what is important in life.

Global Consequences ~ 36” X 36” X 1.5” ~ Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas

2. Art on your walls that voices the problems of the climate crisis raises the issue every time you or others view these images.

Small paintings on canvas are a great way to fit this important subject into your life and on your walls!

    

Left to Right: A Weather System is Brewing  ~  Weather System Upon Us

Both are 8” X 8” X 1.5 “ and Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas

And here are 2 other small environmental paintings to get you started.

Great colors, line marking and patterns in modern abstract art paintings to fit into your decor as shown below.

From Top to Bottom: Green Peace 1. ~  Green Peace 2

Both are 12” X 12” X 1,5” and Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas

3. When someone views your artwork explain its purpose and start a positive dialogue with them.

Scenic Spaces. ~  36” X 36” X 1.5” ~  Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas

Artists have voiced the problems of the world since the beginning of time.
Some of my art is created to address the environment because I think it is of the most upmost importance.

While my art is delightful, happy, joyful paintings that lift your spirits it also raises the issue of the environmental problems. Because they are so visually attractive  they can stimulate a dialogue and get the subject out in the open in a positive way.

We all need to do our part!

(Don’t forget that my payment plan is available-email me for that. One person just completed her payments and was so happy to get her 2 large paintings. It was a gift to herself for meeting her goals. She had been eyeing these 2 paintings for awhile. What a great present to herself.)

Watch for the next post with more environmental paintings for your stimulation and to join in the environmental art way to stimulate others.

If I can be of help please email me . I will be happy to assist you in your planning.

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2.  And then go to my social media and follow me there. A big thanks.

There are many stops and roadblocks along the way during your life, no matter what you are pursuing.

The roadblocks in my life while pursuing my fine art career, have given me a roadmap for you with the 3 steps that are necessary to carry out your passion and keep it fresh in your mind. Believe me, as a female, a female artist, a widow, a mother, and a member of a large extended family I have had to work around some roadblocks.

So what does it take to get where you really want to go? To pursue your passion in life?

What did I learn along the way that will help you get there quicker than I did? Believe me, being a female, fine artist is not an easy path to choose. To this day only 20% of female fine artists are chosen to be represented in galleries, the rest are men. And less then 13% of their work is in museum collections! It continues to this day. So that is another roadblock I need to fight all the time as a female artist.

And world events happen that push our dreams into the closet as well. The depression of 2008 and the Pandemic of 2020 are just 2 examples that made people’s dreams be put on hold. 

1.  Don't forget your passion, your dream.

Find something to put in your path as a reminder and make sure to keep it there.

For me, that was a painting. A very special painting. When I graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester with my coveted art degree, the college wanted to purchase one of my paintings for their collection! I thought about it and said "NO". I know you and many people would say that was a stupid response but that painting in my possession was what kept my dream alive all those years of detours.

It kept reminding me that I had what it took to be a good fine art painter. In 2010, I donated the painting to Nazareth College because I no longer needed it as a reminder. I was well on my way to becoming the fine artist of my dreams.

You can do the same thing. For example, if you want to own your very own bakery one day, enter some baking contests. If you are a winner, continue to enter with other creations that you make. 

2.  Continue to make plans and take the little steps to keep your dream alive.

For me that was to continue in the arts field but in a different capacity (but a close cousin) to what I wanted to become. My illustration career took off and at that time there weren't digital illustrations so I was painting them. And on canvas or canvas paper keeping true to my style as an artist/painter. That gave me the ability to mix colors and develop other skills that I could perform in my fine art as well.

My graphic design business gave me the continual practice on layout and design which was important to my paintings and illustrations. Developing your EYE is important especially in the art field.

In the example above, wanting to own your own bake shop, go to work for a bakery either part time or full time. Take in all the information you can about procedure and the business side that you can.

3.  Try to keep a positive attitude and always follow others with the same passion.

If you have to, repeat a mantra to yourself five times a day. And be determined in your pursuit of your dream and that you will get there no matter what happens in between. Look and listen to others who have succeeded in the field and get advice from them.

Take courses from other people in your field to learn the things you need to succeed. I am always taking courses or listening to webinars to keep abreast of the changes in my industry. Or to learn an easier way to accomplish something. Ways to market are always changing. New apps are always coming out to help you make your business easier. It takes time to put these additional things into your schedule but it does pay off.

A positive attitude is a must. I have had a lot of burdens and tragedies put in my path to overcome besides just earning a living. I can only attribute my positive attitude, a gift of heredity on how I overcame adversity and still stayed on my path to become a fine artist. It made me a strong, independent woman who could fend for herself, think for herself and ask for help when I needed it.

Don't get me wrong. Negative thoughts will pop up every once in a while. But you need to keep them at bay. What I did was start writing out a list of all the positive things that happened to me each day, week, month. Then at the end of the year I would look over the list to plan what to do the next year.

If you are a journal writer then this will be easy for you. I have never been able to make that a habit. But when I was feeling like "failure" was my middle name or I was never going to make it, I would take out the list and read it. It would make me feel much better and that would put me back on the path.

I hope these tips help you stay on course for anything you pursue.

For some that may be weight loss or weight gain or an athletic pursuit. For others it may be to start a business or to write a book. The more reminders you give yourself and the information you find out about your choices, the better able you are to withstand the detours.

There are more tips that you will find out for yourself along the way but these are the big 3.

If you can conquer these, you will be on your way to making your passion a reality.

Art that speaks to you of encouragement and empowerment is a great idea for your walls while you are working around those roadblocks.

          
I Am Woman, I Can Fly, Butterfly            I Am Woman, I Can Fly - American Kestrel Bird

Have a look at my portfolio as many of my paintings speak to those 2 powerful words (encouragement and empowerment) that keep you going to fulfill your dreams.

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2.  And then go to my social media and follow me now. A big thanks.

What Inspired this abstract Painting?

To be honest, being isolated with the pandemic for so long has inflicted much more world news than I was used to! So it is only natural for me to create more abstract paintings. And because my primary focus is the social issues we face, viola, this abstract painting came about.

Gender equality and racial equality has been jettisoned into the spotlight as it should have been years ago. And now that we are isolating with more time on our hands, it is making a big impact as we witness the injustices first hand.

But it won’t happen overnight! It takes all of us to finally examine our own biases and blinders when it comes to these topics and our participation as a society.

As you can view in the new abstract painting, Divided Country-Can We Mend It?, the canvas is divided in 2 sections, black and white.These colors are not reflective of the color of skin but more so of the larger cream colored section concluding and finally realizing they need to support what is right. That everyone is created equal. The black shapes in the cream section are those who are changing their mindset and on their way but still in the process.

The black section are those that are still non-accepting. We all know some of those types! The cream circles and shapes in that black section are those that are slowly examining their biases and creeping to the white light.

This abstract painting about our divided country is created for that unique individual who values their identity and beliefs and not afraid to show it in action and ownership.

I believe that YOU are that person. Own it now.

Imagine it in your office or home for all to see and be reflective of their biases!

Magnificent that it speaks to your values about living a fair and equal life for everyone.

How are you spending your time during the pandemic?

I hope you are paying attention to what is happening in our society and thinking about what you can do to help.

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2.  And then go to my social media and follow me now. A big thanks.

Our lives have certainly been turned upside down lately! COVID-19, toilet paper panic, disinfectant scarcity and protests all over the world.

It is my hope that you and your family and friends are safe during this time. Isolation and trying to find out accurate information is a daily challenge. As well as finding the necessities of life including social contact with our family and friends.

About the toilet paper. Several months before the virus crisis our local grocery store had Cottonelle toilet paper on sale for BOGO every 3 weeks or so. My mother taught me to be a sale shopper so I bought 2-4 12 roll packages each time. So you guessed it, I had a great supply in my closet and not from panic buying. My friends were very envious but I shared when necessary. 

Zoom is great but it does not take the place of physical contact.

But thank God we have it at this time. Can you imagine our lives without it right now? As an artist, I am used to a life of isolation but even this is a bit much for me. 

What about your motivation?

Are you finding it as difficult as I do to keep motivated? I have to admit my motivation took a deep dive when this all started. The lack of information and the mixed messages created stress all over the world. Don't wear masks then you have to wear masks, 6' of distance, stay home, there are plenty of supplies that we need, doctors and nurses telling about the shortage of supplies, wipe all your purchases down, you don't have to wipe them down-it is enough to make you go crazy.

No wonder we are not motivated. My biggest stress was changing the way I shopped for groceries. Shopping online was not my ideal because I like to pick out my fresh vegetables and fruits myself. And going to the grocery store was an event I looked forward to in my artist isolation mode during normal times. It took me away from my canvas. I have to admit though, I have grown to like shopping online for groceries and picking them up! Who knew?

Something that really helped me was giving to other artists less fortunate than myself.

The VAE in Raleigh, NC had an event called, "Toilet Paper Art". (that darn toilet paper issue again)  Artists were to create art on toilet tissue and donate it to VAE so they could auction it off online to raise money for artists who needed a helping hand. It was really fun. Wished I had toilet tissue however without ridged, wavy lines. Below are my 2 donations that were auctioned off.

What about you? What did you find out about yourself during these virus crisis days? Come on, confess.

I already told you mine. Leading an isolated life in my studio has become too much of a norm for me and I need to go out more. And get very stressed because I need to have accurate info. I need to have some control and I like to follow directions! While I have always been a walker and still did that during the virus crisis, I learned I really needed contact with others more than I knew.

While all of us know the point where we lose our ability to cope now, we also have to congratulate ourselves for being able to adapt to all that has gone on. So give yourself a hand now, especially those that had children of school age who had to be task master to their learning at home!

During this time, I have created new paintings and I would like to share them with you in the hopes that viewing art will give you some relief from your current stresses.

Art has a way of healing as many hospitals have found. It works so take a few minutes to ponder my newest work. And we all need a little healing now. And it helps to know there are others with the same views.

    Stretching the Boundaries • 36" X 24" X 1.5" • Acrylic on Canvas

Life can get so complicated and unfocused. But if you reach for those events that you can use to stretch your boundaries and get lost in the creative exercise itself, your purpose comes into focus. Whether it is exercise, dance or any other outlet, losing yourself in it will stimulate you.

The inspiration for this painting came to me when I was cleaning up some piles that had accumulated in my studio. I found a sketch book that I had used about 6 years ago that had 6 quick sketches of women in different positions. Can't remember why I ignored them for so long but I decided to do a series of them. So this is the 1st one and more to follow.

From left to right (click on the colored links to view larger): Connections 3, Connections 2 and Connections 1

We have been connected by history since the beginning of time. But it is only in recent history and with the addition of technology that separates us even when we are in the same room. We have short, faceless texts of abbreviated words on our devices. Most of us still need face-to-face connections and conversations.

These are 3 small series paintings 12" X 12" X 1.5". They are created using Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas. Use them together or each one by themselves. The meaning below never has been truer then the last several months even though I painted these in January before experiencing the virus crisis.

Turbulent Weather, Turbulent Times

24" X 24" X 1.5" • Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas

Our social times and our weather patterns have been so erratic that life just feels like I am on a constant moving roller coaster. From day to day, I get up in the morning not knowing what choas will prevail that day. But I am sure it will be something that I will have to control my reactions to until the next event happens.

At the beginning of this post, I didn't mention our turbulent weather patterns over the last couple of years. There has been so much chaos over the last year that I can't believe I left that out! We really are facing some dramatic times over the next century if we don't solve what is going on.

I hope you enjoyed viewing my new paintings. Click the colored links to view them larger. And many thanks to those who have supported the arts at this time.

How are you dealing with all of this? Please comment below. We need your voice to be heard. Thanks and stay safe.

#abstractart #abstractpainting #Covid19 #pandemic #weather #toiletpaper #mindfulness #auction

I know that people are not always 100% satisfied with the road they are traveling. There are always things we would/could change to make life better/easier/fairer. But this recent gallup poll shows a big jump in dissatisfaction of women from their poll taken in 2001.

Women have made a lot of head way since the 60's and had a long road to travel from the beginning of time. And while they have made progress, it is very difficult to get rid of the old stereotypes that a certain part of society insist on keeping around because it fits their personal purpose and benefits them in some way.

According to the latest US Gallup Poll in December 2018, 52% of women were dissatisfied with the way they are treated in society, and only 27% of women are somewhat satisfied. Men, according to this poll, were 37% dissatisfied with the way women were treated in society in 2018 .

In a poll taken in 2001, only 39% of women were dissatisfied with how society was treating them, while 20% of men felt dissatisfaction with the treatment of women.

Of course, men are always going to be more satisfied with their treatment of women because they aren't women and societal views have influenced them! Their dissatisfaction % has risen because they were pushed by women and society to make room for them in the job market. And many more families depend on those two paychecks to make ends meet. So they depend on women more therefore they benefit from how women are treated. 

Many more women have college educations today and still have to meet the demands of working harder and longer hours in both their career and at home to keep the home front running.

Just look at how men have had to pay for their treatment of women in the last several years since the women's marches and #metoo charges of sexual harassment and misconduct. And the statistics above are related and change according to race, gender, age and political party.

By Race:  Black Women are 74% dissatisfied by their treatment, while White Women are shown to be 47% dissatisfied with how society treats them.

By Age:  Women 18-49 years old were 58% dissatisfied by their treatment, 50+ years old were 48%.

By Political Party:  Democratic Women were 75% dissatisfied by their treatment, Independent Women tabulated at 57%, Republican Women were only 19% dissatisfied! This statistic surprises me the most. Maybe many Republican women became Independents (just my theory).

Lots of numbers here, but the main takeaway is that women are more dissatisfied with their treatment by society as the years go by. Probably because they become more enlightened about their value to society.

In January 2019, the Gallup Poll showed a slight improvement by women in their satisfaction scores, after record lows in 2018.

IMO, is it any wonder that women are dissatisfied since the Senate still refuses to bring up the Equal Pay for Equal Work for Women Bill to the floor. In 2019 women are still waiting for pay equality! And the VAWA (Violence Against Women's Act) still hasn't been passed in over a year +!

Just recently Virginia became the 38th state to approve the Equal Rights Amendment. More about the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) in a future blog post.

What do you think? Are you more satisfied or dissatisfied with the way you are treated by society? You can help by contacting your Senator and demanding they tell Mitch McConnell of the Senate to bring the 2 Bills above to the floor for a vote. And encourage more smart women to run for office (for the House, Senate and President!). Numbers count. Read the full article by newsgallup here.

And here are some sites to visit for words of empowerment and inspiration that may be of help to you:

knowyourvalue.com

supermajority.com

And to read some of my other blog posts about women's issues:  Women In Art, Where Are They?  Diversity...Do You Treat All People Equally?   What Is Your Harassment Story? 

If you are a follower of my paintings, you know that my artwork touches on the social issues of our day.

One of those issues that come out in my artwork is our environment.

 Our social issues and our weather patterns have been so erratic that life just feels like I am on a constantly moving roller coaster. From day-to-day, I get up in the morning not knowing what chaos will prevail that day. But I am sure it will be something that I will have to control my reactions to until the next event happens.

 As an artist, painting calms my world.

It allows me to fully engage within myself so that I don't make contact with the space outside of my painting area. My easel, my table of mediums, my brushes and anything else in that space I have carved out for myself that helps me create what I am feeling at the moment. That is my sacred space and I need to be alone while occupying it. There are many artists who listen to music or the radio or talk to others while creating or teaching their art.

 I am not one of them.

The amount of focusing and the multi-tasking that it takes for me to create my paintings is all I can handle at the time. Those other things distract me from the conversation I am having with my inner voice that leads me to the completion of my painting.

 Multi-tasking you ask?

I don't plan out my paintings beforehand other than choosing my color palette. So while I am creating a painting my mind is always asking me many questions. And believe me, it is a chatterbox!

 For example: what mixed media and texture could I put in this spot to make it stand out, should I place a large splotch of color here, what shapes and symbols can I add that make sense to my message, and what is it that I am trying to say through this painting because I really don't know what my message is until I am in the throes of the paint, am I finished or should I let it sit and talk to me tomorrow.

 Most times I let the painting sit for a day or two.

Then it speaks to me again and I change a little here. Then I let it sit again for a day or two and go back to look at it. I ask myself, "Is there anything I can add or take away to make the message more visible?"  Sometimes I work through this process for a couple of weeks.

 Then, one day, I go into my studio and I say... "Wow, this painting is finished and it has my visual voice.

 How I define my own visual voice?

Well, through my abstract paintings, I find a resolution to the issue that is plaguing me. That is why most people say upon viewing my paintings that they are visually stimulating in a happy way.  Resolving my inner voice makes me happy and that is reflected in my painting.

 There rests the duality of my paintings...a painting that visually stimulates good feelings for you / a painting about a serious issue that can stimulate a positive dialogue if you want it to with yourself or others.

 You don't have to like the dialogue about an issue to love the painting.

If it stimulates a good feeling when viewing it, that is all that matters to me as an artist. The dialogue that you might have as a result of it is just a side benefit to that which stimulates me to create it.

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