As we leave a month that brought shocking witness to the horrific and inhumane death of George Floyd, a rippling and sobering reality settled into our minds-- yet another black life violently taken through abuse of power by white hands, shining glaring light on the hatred and racism that continues to persist. In the days and weeks since, as protests across our nation and globe have risen up and grown into an undeniably powerful presence, protests calling for justice in Breanna Taylor's death arose in my own state of KY. We have all been called to action in this delayed awakening-- many of us (especially those beneath white skin) moving out of our own protected place of privilege to examine our implicit involvement in perpetuating racism through silence and lack of action for change that has called for far too long. I am heartened to see and hear many deep conversations and examinations of how to begin-- starting with myself, children, spouse and community.
Putting paintbrush to paper to express the outrage and overwhelm that comes in waves, each color represents the beauty of countless black lives lost, expressing in pigment what is impossible to capture in words. We know there is a ripple effect in both violence and peace which shapes our children as they grow into the teens and adults who will inhabit the world we have created. We must do radically better, for them and for all who have sacrificed and suffered, already....
The circle, below, was painted a week before the hate crime that took George Floyd's life, as expression of the ongoing growing pandemic. As I now look on it, I see the wider context of unrest, unlearning, and unity that is growing as we mobilize to create a more equal and just world, facing the encompassing darkness in our nation's history that is only beginning to be acknowledged, yet alone, repaired. But there is light, emerging...
Observing an impending storm the other night, which seemed to reflect the powerful worldwide uprising, my feet were planted firmly to the ground as my heart jumped with every rumble of thunder that traveled up through the soles of my feet, connecting me to the energy between earth and sky.
As lightning illuminated everything before me, I felt the vast power of nature to abruptly bring change, clinging to hope that even a momentarily brightened pink sky was a sign of lasting goodness to come in the midst of all the darkness...
As our states are opening back up and we anxiously watch the daily numbers of new COVID-19 infections and loss of life, my family continues to shelter at home as I work in our garden and through my art, reflecting and planning on how to best educate myself and work towards positive impact on the many layers of racism in our society
(Toe-stubbing stones of all heights (continuing to follow the, “use what you have” during this time of pandemic), which will lay beneath the salvaged porch swing, a reminder of the importance of remaining connected to our hearts, in the center)
(Enjoying the ease of creating perfect harmony of color as I water the morning seedlings… simple pleasures!)
As my #artistsupportpledge of encaustic offerings wrapped up with the sale of two more wings, I am so happy to say that their sale enabled me to reach my second goal and pay it forward to another artist in the pledge-- I am immensely grateful for the support and encouragement that brought this joy about!
Committed to choose work of an artist new to me, I discovered Lisa Ellul, who creates stunning porcelain ceramics, one gorgeous work of hers which now sits on the small desk where I sit in silence with my morning coffee and reflection. I was initially drawn to this bowl because I thought the imprints were moth wings emerging out of the creases of clay (welcome to trifocals), but l loved it even more when I realized they were sage leave impressions, holes piercing and allowing light and air to pass through... Check out her work-- you will soak it up as I did, I predict! One of the most special things about this pledge has been the forging of bonds with new collectors and the connections to a whole new world of artists brought about through this initiative....
(Stunning and beautiful artistry by Lisa Ellul…)
And speaking of friends, as the end of May opened into June, my dear artist friend, Heidi, was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing a double mastectomy, Monday, with only days to prepare. I'm excited to be holding a RAFFLE of one of my favorite joy-filled encaustic carving pieces,"What Does It Mean to Move?" (13 x 19 x 2.5 in), recessed in a beautiful custom-made birch frame, wired and ready to hang.... Created as my own health changes emerged while my mother was pared down to her core self, emanating her goodness and love despite profound changes, I carried her energy and that of other beloveds in my life who were quietly powerful as they faced health challenges, inspiring me with no awareness of their enormous gifts. “What Does It Mean to Move”” embodies that inner capacity to deepen ourselves while being confronted by that which presents on our paths, honoring the many cycles of emotion and effort required to keep moving, literally, or metaphorically-- uplifted by those who offer love that nourishes and sustains these immense efforts.
This encaustic piece began with a foundational macro photograph of handmade art glass. Just as glass is made from solid crystals that become fluid when heated, forming an unknown composition of color until cooled and guided by the hand of the artist— this hope for choice in how we move in our lives was embedded into each carved line of wax, vibrantly and interpretatively colored with powdered pigment— one of my favorite parts of the process! Buying tickets for a chance to bring this radiant work into your home is also a great way to share concrete support to my friend and her family, ticket by ticket!
“What Does It Mean to Move?” (13 x 19 x 2.5 in, framed)
(detail)
(detail of fine carving and interpretative coloration)
How to purchase tickets? Easy— purchase through Paypal or Venmo (michellehaydenartist@gmail.com): (message me if you do not have access to these services):
$10= 1 ticket ************* $25= 3 tickets ****************** $50= 8 tickets*****************
This work is valued at $700 (including tax and shipping, covered by me :)). All proceeds will go to Heidi--let’s raise an offering that will ease a bit of the burden that is now on their plate... every ticket helps! LET’S GO!! The drawing will be on June 15, 2020, one week out from her surgery, and the winner will be notified by email. Thank you, in advance, for contributing, whether through tickets, positive energy or any prayer that speaks from your heart.
As we all move forward through these times, let us come together to do so with empowerment and education, working in ways that bring change that is long overdue….