" Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead
"Through the Cracks of Time", Encaustic Mixed Media, 2010, 14 x 18
This above quote by Margaret Mead has always been an important one in my life...and it resonates today as much as it did in my past social service days. During the time I was a community development worker, social worker and coordinator, which I did for 16 years before following my heart and dreams to become a full time artist and facilitator, I found that the best and most successful projects and programs were always the ones where the group worked as a unit without one clear leader.. In fact we were all leaders, each one of us brought our gifts and leadership to the task at hand....
Lives got changed for the better, always as a team....this is what this quote reminds me of each time I read it or remember it....I love my life, where today as an artist and facilitator, I can work with like minded individuals, who lead by example, teach and share our gifts without holding ownership to it and see that we are all teachers and students...it reminds me to keep fresh thinking alive, have a beginner's mind always, to honour and cherish the spirit in all of us, with love and kindness, I am reminded that we all have a lot to share and teach each other....
So today I want to thank those I have collaborated with in the past, Seth Apter, Jill Zaheer, Roxanne Evans - Stout, Veronica Funk, Rita Vindedzis, from the Inner Works Project....though this project was done a while ago, I still marvel at the beauty of these individuals and their work and our collaboration...the sharing was done freely and the project was so successful because we each embraced our gifts...it was a true full circle project.
This year I look forward to more collaborative projects...they are in the works and I am excited to keep you in the loop through this blog .... I look so forward to growing new collaborations this year ....
My first collaborative takes off now with Marilyn Clarke, a fabulous fiber artist, the two of us will be exhibiting our collaborative show in June at the Carnegie Gallery, in Dundas, ON. Canada. The opening is scheduled for June 3rd, 2011. The show is called, "Changing Surfaces"...Marilyn's work is vibrant, luscious and the surface changes as she works her magic into it..just as the encaustic surface changes with each fusing and layering...I am excited about show casing our fiber and encaustic works together in June.
I am also excited about offering a new upcoming intensive art week in July with the encaustic wax book medium with other artists...there will be lots to enjoy, retreat together and rejuvenate in the lucious encaustic and book art format.....more news to follow....very soon.
Great things happen as a team, where there is equality, equity and trust in our gifts that we each bring to the circle....Thank you for celebrating the wisdom of the circle with me and joining in my collaborations.
Wishing you all a successful collaborative year....
4 comments:
Dear Supria,
What a beautiful post- with such an important message of collaborations resulting in such amazing works. The process unto itself can be so fulfilling- in the artwork and in the relationships that are created. I was thrilled to be part of InnerWorks, my first altered book collaboration which will always be a treasure for me. It's funny because I think some of my best work was done in the other members of our groups' books - from the synergy, energy and excitement of different styles of each artist. Will look forward to keeping up with your new collaboration with Marilyn Clarke!! Wishing you a wonderful, happy healthy and creative new year and much appreciation for all of your encouragement, inclusiveness and support! hugs
Supria, When I look at my book now I'm reminded of the joy I had meeting (although not in person) and working with our little group.
I'm excited that your work is coming to Arts on King this spring and we can finally meet in person at your opening reception (?). Nothing can keep me from attending as I am literally steps away. :-)
Wonderful post Supria. Each and every time I look through my book from the project I remember all of you, you art, and the pages I created. Wonderful memories.
Happy new year! I look forward to seeing what you create with this coming year. :)
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