As we here, in the USA, approach one of our most critical elections of our history, and the political climate and rhetoric feels nastier and nastier,
I wanted to share this wonderful video!!!
I have caught myself watching it repetitively as it makes me smile and it gives me hope, since I remember 8 years ago electing the first black president wasn't a guarantee. But Obama was elected and I am so proud that he was our country's commander in chief to guide this country out of some perilous situations. He was handed a sinking quagmire and he lead our country with strength, respect, humor and so much more.
I am a firm believer in the idea that people learn by example, by what they see more than what they are told, and I have watched Obama lead with such class and intelligence. It heartens me to know that his demeanor and faith in the good of everyone is what the world sees. He is a role model for all, and I am so sorry to see him go, as is the producer of this video.
Here is the 'backstory' of this video (published on Oct 7, 2016):
Because of the lyrics of the song "Don't Go" by Jon Tarifa, Spiros Lena was inspired to make a tribute video for the coolest President the world has ever seen!
'lilith in blue ...', along with the beautiful and talented Melanie Moore and Kaya Alexandria Wadsworth Worthington, owner of CapeCodGypsea, were photographed in front of the Atlantic ocean. I thought that she looked so at home outside in the elements!!
During the lecture I spoke about 'lilith in blue ...' and the historical/biblical/mythical figure, Lilith.
talking during 'wake up and smell the poetry' 2015
Lilith's story can vary depending on the source. The one that I reference in the name of my sculpture is the Lilith that was Adam's first wife in the Garden of Eden. She was made like Adam, out of dirt, her own individual creation, not from any part of Adam. With this individuality came an independent spirit and a strong will which was not acceptable in Eden. So Lilith was banished from the garden and God made Eve, using a rib bone from Adam with the intention that Eve would be more obedient ... enter snake, stage right.
Upon relaying Lilith's story I recognized some similarities between my 'dressproject' and Lilith's strong will and eventual exile. 'lilith in blue ...' is a plaster dress sculpture on which I painted images which allude to life, nature, passion, pleasure, knowledge and femininity. As i spoke suddenly I saw this sculpture was an embodiment of my 'dressproject'.
After the lecture, I was planning to return 'lilith in blue ...' to my studio but in the driveway of my studio there was an old push grass cutter and I put 'lilith in blue ...' by the contraption. It felt like 'lilith' had a thought about this relic and suddenly I knew that 'lilith' had many thoughts and instead of going back into my studio, 'lilith' went back into my car to go out and contemplate the world.
She went many places last Spring and I witnessed a series develop -
be it in a book form, or in a gallery.
Sadly, I had to abandon lilith's adventures with the increasing pressures of 'real life', but I knew that her returned to the studio was temporary. If I can get funding for her travels we would be back on the road. in NO time flat. In fact when I envision this series I see lilith and I criss-crossing the country, contemplating the brooklyn bridge, the mississippi, a hay stack, an oil drill, the badlands!!!
the list can go on and on.
But until the lilith lottery ticket arrives,
here are a few of the photos from lilith's journeys so far.
'lilith contemplates evening ...' (2015)
'lilith contemplates single stream recycling ...' 2015
'lilith contemplates that freedom is not free ...' 2015
'lilith contemplates detours ...' 2015
'lilith contemplates the art of lisa barthelson ...' 2015
'lilith contemplates a change in careers ...' 2015
'lilith contemplates palettes ...' 2015
'lilith contemplates sanctuary ...' (2015)
'lilith contemplates the cost of parking ...' 2015
This past Saturday I had the honor to speak at 'Wake up & Smell the Poetry". I spoke about my beloved #dressproject and what a wonderful experience it was for me!!! To get back into my #dressproject mindset is such a joy!!
And I was in the company of many inspiring and talented people. First, Susan McGee Bailey and Camille Breeze were the two other presenters (click here to read their bios) and then there were so many moving and wonderful performances/poems during the open mic. portion of the program.
I am happy to say for those far and those who couldn't attend, the entire exhilarating morning was taped by HCAM and will be available for viewing sometime in June.
(no worries, I will share when it is out!! ;-)
Below is a slideshow of the photos that I collected to accompany my talk; just a few of my dresses to help me demonstrate where the #dressproject has gone during these past nine years :)
Also on the exciting news front, this week I had my first day as shop photographer at this tremendously awesome store in Natick, RenewArts & Industry!! talk about this visual wonderland:
I am so excited about this opportunity as it has allowed me to purchase a Macro lens for my camera and it is such a treat to photograph all their amazingly cool merchandise!! So a win-win all around. So below are a few of the photos from my first day!! Loving my new lens!!!
see why I am so happy!! a visual wonderland!!!
So that's a bit of what has been keeping me out of trouble.
Also, as much as I LOVE writing these posts and would love to post daily,
I am realizing that isn't going to happen at this point in my life.
so please visit that blog and see what happening there!!
and, I will be here as much as I can, because as I was preparing for my lecture I referred to this blog many times and recognized the importance of this visual diary of my journey as a mother, artist and creator of the #dressproject. And I am truly grateful for your company on this terrific ride!! xx
