Giving is Liberating to the Soul!

Escape V

symbolic self portrait/collage 11.5″x15″ (click on image to enlarge)

Painting created from Escape V Collage

acrylic on canvas (24″ x 32″) click on image to enlarge

Never be bullied into silence.

Never allow yourself to be made a victim.

Accept no ones definition of your life,

but define yourself.

~Harvey S. Firestone

Okay..I know some of you are thinking what in the hell heck are these weird pieces, and what is she thinking? So I’ll try to explain. :) Long post…so get a cup of tea, coffee, or glass of wine…or two! :)

This is a collage piece I did some time ago. It is part of a series entitled Escape. I am not going to go into my story, but let’s just say silent suffering was not unknown to me..at different times and for different reasons in my past life. There is a LOT of symbolism in the piece. A rose and a mask…you may be able to see there is no nose for breathing and no mouth for speaking. Alas, there is a door knob/key hole, and obviously the eyes are focused on them. Common themes in my work…right? Now please don’t see this post as a pity me or sad post for it is NOT! You all know from my words that I am quite happy and most definitely not silent…agreed? hee, hee.

The second image is a painting I did based on the collage (which I often do). So you will see some differences in them…such as my beloved moon/stars in the painting, a couple of hearts here and there, an apple, etc. All symbolic too…of course! I can hear your thoughts now…”yes, gypsy-he♥rt, yes..we know”..please just get on with the point of the post. So I will…..

Back on the subject of silent suffering…what can we do, if anything? I think we can all find ways to help, and this summer has been my time of trying to help. I know I said I was taking a break from shows and such for a few months, but these charities spoke to my heart so I came out of my hermit seclusion. :)

A few weeks ago I donated a framed print to a celebrity charity auction for Quigley House (a local crisis center concerning domestic violence). The auction was a great success, and they raised a lot of money!

Then last week I spent a LOT of time running around getting three giclee’ prints made, framing selected, and ordered for a show “On the Map” coming up at the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. This center touches the lives of nearly 10,000 women and girls every year! 40% of sales from the show will go to the center. I also told them I will offer additional prints (giclee’ or archival) giving them 40% until the show comes down on September 15. These prints are familiar to most of you. If not, to take a peek just click on the images to enlarge.

After Rain I

Cat Moon Do

The Journey

Ironically, last week I also heard from Caity, a family member, about a benefit for Cystic Fibrosis…this cause spoke to her because of a little boy named Wiley (her daughter’s friend). She asked if I could donate a print, but it was very short notice as the benefit is in a few days. I told her that Dan, my printer, was flying out to California to shoot a wedding the next morning, and I didn’t really have a print on hand that I thought would work for the benefit.

Yet…I kept thinking about Wiley. Anyway, as I was driving across the river to pick up the prints for the other show. I called Dan and said, “Is there any way possible that you could do another After Rain I now?” He said, “you won’t believe this, but for some reason I printed an extra one of those!” So there you go….I think the reason was already set in motion before either of us knew about it! I’ll be shipping it out this week.

So my week was a crazy one, (though good crazy), and ’twas my reason for disappearing from the blog world. :O Besides the normal busy-necessities of living…it was a week of phone calls, emails, several trips across the river, and several trips to Stephanie’s (for framing), etc. Stephanie was most helpful, and such a good soul.

Note: Stephanie donated the mat/framing and Dan donated the print for the Quigley House Auction. This is why I love them!

Still things to be done this week for the show, but at least the framed prints will be ready next week.

Dear Hearts….I hesitated about this post…the image and the post, but my heart could not remain silent.

This piece and quote are for those out there that may be suffering in silence…

in case you come by my words here.

This is my message to you…don’t let anyone or anything (including religious organizations) mentally or emotionally define youI If it’s physical violence, and you feel you cannot turn to family (sometimes it is due to family) then find a shelter or center in your area. They are everywhere now!

This post is also for the rest of us..those of us that can give

I leave you with this quote:

I have found that among its other benefits,

giving

liberates the soul of the giver.

~ Maya Angelou

I am breathing and speaking for I was liberated some time ago….yet giving continues to liberate my soul! May we all give…even if it is only a needed smile.

Tonight my soul is soaring and my heart is smiling,

Love, light, and laughter to all,

~gypsy-he♥rt

Ps I thank Sorrow from Walking the Labrynth of Life, Heather from Bad Kitty Art Studio, and Kalliope from Musecatcher, for thinking of me concerning some awards! “Sharing the Love” and “Arte y Pico Award” (inspiring creativity). I do appreciate all of you and your sites so much! Please check out their beautiful and inspiring sites, if you have not!

You know I seldom go by rules so I couldn’t select only five so I offer the awards for all that come here…for you all share love and you inspire creativity! Visit any of these sites for the rules concerning the awards.

I’ll be around to see all of you soon!

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