A Peace of...

This project is now closed.

2009-05-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for all your contributions and pieces of peace.
We'll be keeping this blog posted as an archive of the project. Have fun surfing the Peace!
Lots of Peaceful miracles to each of you!
k-

Regeneration Beyond the Boundaries by Patricia House

2009-04-21T00:34:00.000-07:00

Regeneration Beyond the Boundaries
by Patricia House

Peace on Earth begins with peace in our own hearts...

In the Artist's Own Words
These images [to see full series, click here] reflect on the regeneration of the environment and the parallel journey of inner transformation and regeneration. Humanities' notions of separation and boundaries are brought into question, as the eternal spiral of creation carries us on a journey of remembering...we are one in Spirit.

About the Artist
I have been practicing art for twenty years and have a background in Graphic Design. Photography is my first love, but have discovered a passion for creating ephemeral sculptures on site. I love the energy of connecting to a place and responding to the promptings of the Great Architect; utilising found objects or materials, the immediacy of creative expression - no room for the analytical mind to intercede as I become childlike again...and play! This work brings home the fleeting nature of our existence and the need to 'Stop the World' - to find that which we are seeking within - a path with a heart.

Cultures by Stephen Mead

2009-04-20T00:25:00.000-07:00

In the Artist's Own Words
The film “Cultures” is a meditation on rituals throughout time and across the globe: family dinners, evenings with friends, christenings; the moments which Memory stores universally. Incorporating mixed media paintings and footage of stars to a soundtrack heard through a slightly crackly A.M. Radio Station, the viewer is invited to feel as if the imagery is viewed from space and a time machine. Bits of stardust clings to what is seen through wisps of clouds while the poem echoes through a distantly hummed version of Kurt Weill’s “Lost In The Stars”. The overall effect of this piece speaks of love and nostalgia, but also what is precarious about life, about the Earth itself as a planet, and, indeed, what has always been so. The paintings in the piece come from a series entitled “Our Book of Common Faith” begun in 2000 and not completed until 2008. This mixed media work, which I eventually wrote poems to, looks at world religions/cultures/beliefs (including lack of belief), as a way of showing what links humanity (in relation to one another and the earth) as opposed to dividing us. I believe some times it is good to have a reminder.

About the Artist
In the 1990s Stephen Mead's poems began appearing in literary journals, but after moving to Massachusetts, Stephen concentrated on painting. In 2000 Stephen started seeking publication again for his writing and art combined. Since then his work has appeared internationally. In 2004 Stephen began experimenting with poetry/art hybrids, creating award winning e-books such as "Heroines Unlikely". From there Stephen began experimenting with his art/poems as films. In 2006 Stephen released a CD of poems set to music, "Safe & Other Love Poems", (CDBaby.com), as well as three DVDs, (Indieflix.com). In 2007, print editions of his work began being distributed by Amazon.com and Blurb.com.

Journal Bliss by Violette

2009-04-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

Journal Bliss
by Violette

Editor's Note:
WOW WOW WOW!!! I had such high hopes for this book, and guess what? Every expectation was met and exceeded!

Violette shares the most interesting journey of art and self-discovery with us. She prompts readers at every turn to start creating, playing, experimenting with your own life.

There are great self-empowering segments PLUS how-to segments for things like making your own fanciful font, learning to appreciate your doodles, creating luxuriously textured backgrounds, drawing faces, and more. She even has the most inspiring little drawings of the materials she's using -- I have never before thought a jar of gesso was so beautiful! :)

I wanted to share this quick review here on "A Peace of..." blog because everything in the book aims toward helping the reader find inner peace through creative expression. What a treasure! Violette is even offering resources from the book on her site now, so click on over and check that out, too!

AND, I'm going to offer a more thorough review over on the Mother Henna blog in coming weeks by actually working my way thru the book and sharing my own creations, etc. So come on over there when you get a chance to see how using the book unfolds for me!

Miracles!
k-

Arts for Change by Beverly Naidus

2009-03-22T16:53:00.001-07:00

Note from Kara
Beverly takes us from myth to social deconstruction to reclaiming our ability to revision our world. This is more than a book for teachers. Her writing is universal and personal at the same time. Her passion leaps off the pages. She offers me personally, a guidepost, a lead on the path of the Hero's Journey, a big flashing arrow that says, "This way! This way!" She offers this from her own story, but also from the interviews she does with many, many other artists who are consciously engaging in social change. Cannot tell you how inspiring it is to know we are not alone!! If you get the chance to see her read in person, jump at the opportunity. If you can afford to get your own personal copy of the book, you can get it by clicking here to get to her publisher New Village Press. You'll want your own copy really -- get out the pen and highlighter and go to town! If you can't get your own copy though, then take the link above to your local library and impress upon them how valuable a copy will be for your community!

About the Book (from publisher's website)
A provocative, personal look at the motivations and challenges of teaching socially engaged arts, Arts for Change overturns conventional arts pedagogy with an activist's passion for creating art that matters.

How can polarized groups work together to solve social and environmental problems? How can art be used to raise consciousness? Using candid examination of her own university teaching career as well as broader social and historical perspectives, Beverly Naidus answers these questions, guiding the reader through a progression of steps to help students observe the world around them and craft artistic responses to what they see. Interviews with over 30 arts education colleagues provide additional strategies for successfully engaging students in what, to them, is most meaningful.

About the Author (from publisher's website)
Beverly Naidus, artist, activist, educator, and writer, is also the author of two artist's books: One Size Does Not Fit All and What Kinda Name is That. Her art has been exhibited internationally in venues including the Institute of Contemporary Art in London, the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Armand Hammer Museum at UCLA. She is currently co-creating a program at University of Washington, Tacoma—Arts in Community—with a focus on arts for social change within the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program.

A Path With Heart by Carlos Castaneda

2009-03-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Editor's Note
If we all truly walked the path with heART, we'd have peace. If only we all could step up to being honest about it with ourselves and really hear the answer to the question: does my current path have a heart? And if the answer was "no" then to stay stepped up and have courage to take a different path. The world could be so different if only we could all do this for real!

A Path With Heart by Carlos Castaneda

You must always keep in mind that a path is only a path. Each path is only one of a million paths. If you feel that you must now follow it, you need not stay with it under any circumstances. Any path is only a path. There is no affront to yourself or others in dropping a path if that is what your heart tells you to do. But your decision to keep on a path or to leave it must be free of fear and ambition. I caution you: look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself and yourself alone this one question. Does this path have a heart? All paths are the same. They lead nowhere. They are paths going through the brush or into the brush or under the brush of the Universe. The only question is: Does this path have a heart? If it does, then it is a good path. If it doesn’t, then it is of no use.

Samantha Power, On a Complicated Hero

2009-02-24T21:23:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note
There is a lot to Samantha Power's TED talk (featured below), and I'm still working it over in my head and heart. I am utterly intrigued that a movement of young people had to come forward before there was a process in place, by which we can call for an "endangered peoples" watch. Her story of Sergio, who was a real person, gives us the opportunity to learn from his work -- to let his Hero's Journey, inform our own. In this way, I am clearly seeing how we all become myth for the next generations. And I certainly have very politically active friends who tell me we cannot simply create change by creating change -- that we have to be willing to engage and understand the very thing we are trying to change before it can be changed. And of course, I agree with Power's assessment that our own country's policies have been the thing required to change to make change -- so who the heck are we to demand other people change when we are not willing to do it ourselves?! But also, as she says, we have to begin asking for change -- here and everywhere.

Anyway, I feel this is a good addition to our exploration of peace here in this little blog exhibit. She makes us think. She makes us really look at what it takes to create peace. She makes us see that peace starts right under our own feet. And that we can have fear AND engage in peace-seeking activities anyway. See what you think of her presentation:

Miracles,
k-

Peace in Hand by Erica DeNorscia

2009-02-08T01:50:00.000-08:00

Peace in Hand
by Erica DeNorscia
2003
oil pastel/colored pencil/digital assemblage

In the Artist's Own Words

Speaks to me of the way I often feel moved by the Goddess to hold the World and and all her beings in my heart - with grounded gentleness, compassion, forgiveness and absence of judgement.

About the Artist

Erica is a therapist, life coach, and a closet artist and poet, who lives in Clarkdale, Arizona with her husband and creative partner, Stephen, and their feline companion, Cassady.

See more art by Erica on her blog, e / scapes.

Love Nature by Kathryn Fulcher

2009-01-30T22:08:00.000-08:00

Love Nature
by Kathryn Fulcher

In the Artist's Own Words

Peace begins from within each of us as individuals. In my grief journey, the closest I have come to inner peace is when I connect with nature. I have learned to not only look at my surroundings but see. In the process, I've seen the extraordinary beauty in what would have looked ordinary to me 'before'. I have come to "Love Nature" and spend a little time each day renewing my inner peace.

As an amateur photographer, I try to convey my 'discoveries' in a memorable way. I have created four photo books, along with my "Love Nature" print. In sharing with others, I hope to encourage everyone to be observant and appreciative of simple beauty in a world that can be such a confusing place at times.

Photography has provided me with a focus after losing both my sons within a 30-month period. The projects I have created in their honor have given me a sense of purpose and joy. I have recently retired and look forward to having more time for photo projects.

More About the Artist

Please see Kathryn's website:
www.kathysfrontporch.com

Editor's Note

Wow! When I actually saw LOVE pop out at me, I just flipped out. What a beautiful piece of peace. Many thanks to you, Kathryn, for sharing this with all of us. Thinking of you and your sons.

Riding The Wave by Cherri Miele

2009-01-23T11:01:00.000-08:00

Riding The Wave
by Cherri Miele
Founder of My Child Loss Grief

In the Artist's Own Words

The ocean's wave is very symbolic to me in two ways. I see my grief journey as this wave. In and out, high and low, calm and stormy, ever moving and changing. I also find GREAT peace when standing before the ocean. It brings my soul to life and allows me to feel what I must, good or bad, but when I walk away I feel renewed and at peace.

Copyright: 2008 Cherri Miele Creative Commons, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0

Editor's Note

You can find this image as fine art print on Cherri's Lulu shop. Such a beautiful piece of peace!!

At the Edge, a Prayer for Peace, by Mary Stebbins Taitt

2009-01-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

In the Artist's Own Words

At the Edge, a Prayer for Peace, is a digital composite/digital art piece done on Photoshop. I imagined a war site, I thinking nuclear holocaust or any bad war site. I chose the color red for war, Mars, the war god, anger. The lower foreground is the debris of war, blown up machinery, dead bodies, fallen buildings etc. The symbol printed over the picture multiple times is a warped version of a combination of the Chinese symbols for war and peace. It represents a fence, eg: a chain link fence, saying "keep out of this." The sun is setting on a dismal sight, and it is colorful with the airborne debris of war. But it could also be rising, as a symbol of hope and reclamation--I wanted that ambivalence. The two figures represent life and hope, love and companionship. They are at peace with each other, supportive and helpful, and looking toward the sun as a source of hope for the future.

About the Artist

Mary Stebbins Taitt is an artist, poet, writer, photographer and naturalist currently living in the Detroit area with her husband Keith and son Graham. Digital compositing is one of her favorite art forms and Photoshop is her program of choice at this time. Mary is particularly interested in the quality of light and play of color and form on each other. You can see more of her work at Imagik.

hugs n' kisses and Sugar Plum wishes by Violette

2008-12-15T00:03:00.000-08:00

hugs n' kisses
and
Sugar Plum
wishes
by Violette

Editor's note
I am absolutely in love with Violette's work. She graciously shared another holiday Peace image with us for today's post. Isn't it beautiful???

You can see more of Violette's art and lots of her helpful tips and hints in her blog.

And it's very exciting to announce that Violette's new book is about to be released! You can pre-order your very own copy of Journal Bliss: Creative Prompts to Unleash your Inner Eccentric from Amazon.

As Violette says, her work is:

"Joyful art that feeds the soul!"

Click on over and find out for yourself!!

Peace Mermaid by ANg Westermann

2008-12-02T05:52:00.000-08:00

Peace Mermaid
by ANg Westerman

In the artist's own words
...no words of wisdom to write, nothing amazing that will stir the world...just know that we have to believe in the power of peace, that everyone can live side by side, in peace.

Editor's note
You have to see ANg's blog -- her art is beautiful.
altermyworld.typepad.com/ang/

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Zelda says, "Peace Is Powerful" by Kara L.C. Jones

2008-11-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

Zelda says we can let the seed of peace blossom into power!

You'll find Zelda at Mother's Etsy...
Miracles!
k-

About the Artist
Kara is a Grief & Arts Coach and founder of MotherHenna.com

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Peace by Hawk Jones

2008-11-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

Peace
by Hawk Jones

Editor's note:
I actually have no note :)
This picture says the 1,000 words I want to say.
Thanks, Hawk!! And see you all Friday at the show!

You can get this one as a print now!
See Hawk's Etsy shop here...

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Go...

2008-11-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

VOTE!!!
go vote...
that's all.
:)

Peace to you for Dia de los Muertos...

2008-11-01T14:13:00.001-07:00

Frida Peace
by Kara LC Jones
Medium: Henna on Sugar Skull
Click image to see it full size

Note from Kara
Sending you all peace as you honor those you miss and love during these days of the dead. I was inspired with the Frida sugar skull mould to do peace signs for earrings and teeth. Thought to share it all with you here in our peace show.

Don't forget November 7th, coming right up, we'll be opening the physical gallery show at Cafe Luna on Vashon. There will be an entire month of events, so come join us for art, film, and discussions for and about peace. Click here to see schedule!!

Miracles,
k-

If you need a little extra support getting thru the holidays, please contact Kara about Grief & Arts Coaching.

Come one, Come All, Come Play in Peace...

2008-10-27T19:42:00.001-07:00

Click on the flyer to see full size...

Oh Sweet Peace by Kelly Barton

2008-10-16T02:49:00.000-07:00

In the Artist's Own Words
my vision for this piece was simply, the calm that peace brings each of us. each day i wake, i want to have "peace" but as we walk through each day, we are fighting all the overload of the media, the war and our everyday life. oh....sweet peace, sounds simple, but it is not.

Editor's note:
How cool!! The original of this piece is being offered on Kelly's Etsy shop! And see Kelly's blog here.

About the Artist
i am an artist and graphic designer living somewhere in middle indiana. campindigo sets on the
second story of her old main street home. campindigo allows my warped crazy colorful mind to
stay outside the sometimes too tight graphics box and be the true creative visionary that she is. she believes in world peace, human rights,chocolate before bed and red stripe beer.

Peacemakers eCourse & the Experiment...

2008-09-16T04:13:00.001-07:00

There are wonderful peace events happening all over the place!!

In particular, Spirituality & Practice is offering a Peacemakers eCourse from September 26 to November 4! I've taken their Pema Chodron class, and it was fabulous. The everyday email prompts are inspiring, and the community created on the eCourse forums is very supportive and helpful. Check it out for yourself!

Also, check out the Experiment. They started on September 14th, but it looks like you can still join up. And you can definitely follow their progress and get on the mailing list to get wrap up reports when all is said and done with this experiment. Pretty cool stuff!!

Miracles,
k-

Peace Day Magazine...new resource from Saphir Lewis and company!

2008-09-13T02:37:00.000-07:00

Got a great announcement email from an old friend, Saphir Lewis. She's launched a new magazine and this issue is all about Celebrating the United Nations' International Day of Peace.

Get your free copy of the issue here!

And be on the lookout for more great works from World Peace Emerging -- check out their site while you are at it!

Miracles,
k-

Us by Nan Joy

2008-09-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Editor's Note: I'm very excited to be sharing "Us" by Nan Joy with you here! Nan is not only participating as an artist here on the blog, but she also stepped up to the plate to coordinate the Peace Film Festival that will run in conjunction with our November 2008 physical exhibit at Cafe Luna on Vashon! Thanks, Nan!!

In the Artist's Own Words
The idea of "peace" as a concept has often been difficult to articulate or illustrate. In the past, we've used the example of violence to show how horrible violence is. I want to support Kara and Hawk in their attempt to encourage a dialogue on "peace." Not only does this contribute to a growing body of pro-peace cultural artifacts, it also creates a vision we can grow into and manifest.

My art peace (piece) is a collage using hand-made paper, printed paper, pattern tissue and tulle. I like to make art that opens up the question, rather than answers the question. "Us" is a concept that applies to you and me, to our families, to our friends, to our neighborhood, to our co-workers, to our community, to our city, to our state, to our country, to our continent, to our hemisphere, to our planet, to our galaxy, to our universe. How far can we take "Us?"

About the Artist
Nan Joy likes to use found objects and materials in an attempt to create forms and images in new and surprising ways.

Calendars of Peace...

2008-09-02T00:49:00.000-07:00

We aren't the only peace project on the planet! If you are looking for peace events in your area or other projects to contribute to, check out a few of the following!!!

September 21s is International Day of Peace
http://internationaldayofpeace.org/participate/events_calendar.html

United for Peace & Justice
National/International Calendar, by date or location
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php

Declaration of Peace
National/International Calendar, by date or location
http://declarationofpeace.org/view/events

Peace and Justice Events, Seattle Area
http://www.scn.org/activism/calendar/

Conflict Resolution Conferences Worldwide
http://www.conferencealerts.com/peace.htm

ADDITION: Peace, peace, peace, it's everywhere!

http://www.oct27.org - national site for info about all 11 regional demonstrations

http://www.endthewarseattle.org - Stop the War Seattle site

World Peace Project for Children - paper Cranes for peace

Jizos For Peace - make art inspired by Jizo for Great Vow peace pilgrimages

Planet Pals Peace Page for Kids - peace in schools, neighborhoods, stop cyber-bullying

Peace-Together.com - working together for peace

PeacePlease.com - products for peace, supporting peace groups

Miracles to you!
k-

Open...a wedding poem by Kara LC Jones

2008-08-03T23:10:00.001-07:00

Wedding Photo by Hawk Jones/Kotagraph

Open, a wedding poem
by Kara L.C. Jones

This piece was written for my goddaughter and her fiancee who are getting married on October 4, 2008. As I wrote this for them, it really dawned on me that a lasting marriage where both partners are truly invested is one of the best expressions of peace you can find!

To listen to the mp3 recording of "Open, a wedding poem", click here!

If you'd like PDF copy of the text of this poem, please contact Kara via the Mother Henna blog.

Miracles!!
k-

Pray for Peace by Ellen Bass

2008-04-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

Pray for Peace
by Ellen Bass
from the book The Human Line (Copper Canyon press, 2007)

Pray to whomever you kneel down to:
Jesus nailed to his wooden or plastic cross,
his suffering face bent to kiss you,
Buddha still under the bo tree in scorching heat,
Adonai, Allah. Raise your arms to Mary
that she may lay her palm on our brows,
to Shekhina, Queen of Heaven and Earth,
to Inanna in her stripped descent.

Then pray to the bus driver who takes you to work.
On the bus, pray for everyone riding that bus,
for everyone riding buses all over the world.
Drop some silver and pray.

Waiting in line for the movies, for the ATM,
for your latte and croissant, offer your plea.
Make your eating and drinking a supplication.
Make your slicing of carrots a holy act,
each translucent layer of the onion, a deeper prayer.

To Hawk or Wolf, or the Great Whale, pray.
Bow down to terriers and shepherds and Siamese cats.
Fields of artichokes and elegant strawberries.

Make the brushing of your hair
a prayer, every strand its own voice,
singing in the choir on your head.
As you wash your face, the water slipping
through your fingers, a prayer: Water,
softest thing on earth, gentleness
that wears away rock.

Making love, of course, is already prayer.
Skin, and open mouths worshipping that skin,
the fragile cases we are poured into.

If you're hungry, pray. If you're tired.
Pray to Gandhi and Dorothy Day.
Shakespeare. Sappho. Sojourner Truth.

When you walk to your car, to the mailbox,
to the video store, let each step
be a prayer that we all keep our legs,
that we do not blow off anyone else's legs.
Or crush their skulls.
And if you are riding on a bicycle
or a skateboard, in a wheelchair, each revolution
of the wheels a prayer as the earth revolves:
less harm, less harm, less harm.

And as you work, typing with a new manicure,
a tiny palm tree painted on one pearlescent nail
or delivering soda or drawing good blood
into rubber-capped vials, writing on a blackboard
with yellow chalk, twirling pizzas--

With each breath in, take in the faith of those
who have believed when belief seemed foolish,
who persevered. With each breath out, cherish.

Pull weeds for peace, turn over in your sleep for peace,
feed the birds, each shiny seed
that spills onto the earth, another second of peace.
Wash your dishes, call your mother, drink wine.

Shovel leaves or snow or trash from your sidewalk.
Make a path. Fold a photo of a dead child
around your VISA card. Scoop your holy water
from the gutter. Gnaw your crust.
Mumble along like a crazy person, stumbling
your prayer through the streets.

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Curator's Note
I'm so thrilled to be able to share this poem with you here. It has been a long while since the poem format stole my heart. Many years ago, before my son died, Sharon Olds work in Satan Says tripped me out completely. And then it was Seven Love Songs Which Include the Collected History of the United States of America by Sherman Alexie. Then later, after his death, after the deaths of so many here, there and everywhere -- it was Wandering Around an Albuquerque Airport Terminal by Naomi Shihab Nye that gave me hope again. But since then, nothing has really taken me. I've tried resurrecting my own voice, but just jumbles of words came out.

And then Deborah shared the poem above with me. When I got to the line about wrapping a photo of a dead child around your Visa card, my heart boomed. I keep a copy of my son's footprints in my wallet. Every time I reach for my debit card, he is there. Ellen Bass had climbed inside my heart and uncovered a secret that only my husband and a trust friend or two know about me and my Visa habit. I'm honored and so thankful to Ellen who very kindly answered my email personally and granted permission for us to share this here. Indeed, as Nye discovered in that airport that day, "All is not lost."