Diverse Artists Raising Social Consciousness
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi
Submit work to the Gallery Terms of use
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi
Submit work to the Gallery Terms of use
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David Kontra
USA
Empty Pockets ©2010 David Kontra Acrylic on Canvas
DELIVERANCE OF THE ABLE
If society is to advance into the future bringing true
equality, it must finally acknowledge the disabled.
For the disabled are really not as such. They are the “Able.”
Even though they may not see, hear, speak, or move as well,
they can certainly think and function whilst social barriers
are placed before them. The disabled must surmount
complex challenges regarding transportation, mobility,
education, employment opportunities, poverty, ridicule,
depression and ostracization, which proves that the
disabled are not second class citizens but first class
survivors. Because they must endure these obstructions
that an arrogant, apathetic society allows, their dynamism
confirms that they are the proper proprietors of social
egalitarianism. - David Kontra
If society is to advance into the future bringing true
equality, it must finally acknowledge the disabled.
For the disabled are really not as such. They are the “Able.”
Even though they may not see, hear, speak, or move as well,
they can certainly think and function whilst social barriers
are placed before them. The disabled must surmount
complex challenges regarding transportation, mobility,
education, employment opportunities, poverty, ridicule,
depression and ostracization, which proves that the
disabled are not second class citizens but first class
survivors. Because they must endure these obstructions
that an arrogant, apathetic society allows, their dynamism
confirms that they are the proper proprietors of social
egalitarianism. - David Kontra
- "I have discovered the many prejudices people have towards one another. My creations are true from the heart, and I do my best to represent those of us who need a little additional support from the fascism and ignorance that festers in this world." David Kontra
- To contact David Kontra or see more of his work click "Empty Pockets".
- David speaks publicly to encourage inclusion and accessibility in the arts for people with visual impairments.
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Julie Levine
USA
Lookin' Up ©2011 Julie Levine Assemblage Sculpture
I have learned to live with pain. Some days…it’s red like a tumultuous fire. A flame within me. Other days…it’s the blue of the Caribbean waters. Constant, muffled, but still there. Pain haunts me. But my discomfort reminds me of where I’ve been in my life…and how strong I was to have survived.
I am a survivor of domestic violence. Having sustained numerous physical injuries over a 20 year period, many bodily sensations trigger memories – flashbacks to a different time. Then again, there are the emotional and psychological aspects involved as distress took on many forms. I live with that, too.
The aftermath of my history has left me disabled and handicapped. But my spirit was not destroyed.
My reality consists of everyday reminders of where I have been, what I have escaped, and how much better off I am today. My pain reminds me - every single day.
My work consists of facial features created from sculpted clay tiles and found objects, in shadows of color and form....then mounted on wooden boards. No two faces are ever alike. No features are repeated. Each "facialation" is as unique as you and I.
Freedom of expression is a vital part of my artwork. Freedom of any sort, in fact! And what better way to exhibit expression - than faces! I "see" them everywhere, in everything. - Julie Levine
I am a survivor of domestic violence. Having sustained numerous physical injuries over a 20 year period, many bodily sensations trigger memories – flashbacks to a different time. Then again, there are the emotional and psychological aspects involved as distress took on many forms. I live with that, too.
The aftermath of my history has left me disabled and handicapped. But my spirit was not destroyed.
My reality consists of everyday reminders of where I have been, what I have escaped, and how much better off I am today. My pain reminds me - every single day.
My work consists of facial features created from sculpted clay tiles and found objects, in shadows of color and form....then mounted on wooden boards. No two faces are ever alike. No features are repeated. Each "facialation" is as unique as you and I.
Freedom of expression is a vital part of my artwork. Freedom of any sort, in fact! And what better way to exhibit expression - than faces! I "see" them everywhere, in everything. - Julie Levine
- Julie is also author of the blog Until You Say Uncle
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Annette Gandy Fortt
USA
Pride of Africa ©2010 Annette Fortt Hand Painted Linocut
Ujima
Sister, if you need my hand to hold you have it,
And my arms to bear you up.
Brother, if you need my feet to walk you have them,
And my eyes to find your way.
For when they cut you, Don't I bleed?
And if they put those chains on me,
Won't they hold you down?
But if you climb, brother, sister,
Won't we both rise?
Ujima ©2010 Annette Gandy Fortt
- "These images are a result of my passion for interpreting and expressing all of life for the Black community, from the sacred to the mundane." - Annette Fortt
- Relief Inc. "So many men, women and children are hurting in the world. It is our dream to globally unite all nations and to begin to offer relief to the people by helping them recognize their social, educational and leadership responsibilities to their community. This is our world view." Relief Inc. sells a line of beautiful cards of both art and poetry.
- Click "Pride of Africa" to contact Annette Fortt or see more of her exquisite artwork.
- Annette is also a retired art educator.
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Tiffanee Griffiths
British Colombia
Pollution of Turtle Island ©2009 Tiffanee Griffiths
Tiffanee Griffiths graphic
portrayal of environmental
pollution speaks volumes.
Tiffanee has many more
beautiful landscapes, click
the "Pollution of Turtle Island"
to contact Tiffanee and see
more of her artwork.
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Donna Marxer
USA
The Hemorrhage ©2010 Donna Marxer Acrylic on Lutrador
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
Donna Marxer responds to the 2010 deep-water oil spill through art and environmental advocacy.
Clear water surrounded by dirty oil; green earth circumscribed by decimated forest; clean air ruined by foul sky; brilliant lakes surrounded by ruined urban landscapes; a colorful spill of autumn and spring leaves crusted by a border of abandoned cigarette butts.
I see these contrasts everywhere and record them on my inner landscape; painterly interpretations of the painful loss of wilderness and purity.
As a native Floridian, I have long been fascinated with the Everglades. The parks water distribution problems accompanied by loss of wildlife prompted me to start an artists’ residence program in the Everglades National Park, known as AIRIE. Now in its tenth year, AIRIE has produced more than 70 artists and poets. Visit www.airie.org.
I do not delude myself that these works can cause real change, but they can call some small attention to the ravaged environment in the only way I know how, through art. - Donna Marxer.
Donna Marxer responds to the 2010 deep-water oil spill through art and environmental advocacy.
Clear water surrounded by dirty oil; green earth circumscribed by decimated forest; clean air ruined by foul sky; brilliant lakes surrounded by ruined urban landscapes; a colorful spill of autumn and spring leaves crusted by a border of abandoned cigarette butts.
I see these contrasts everywhere and record them on my inner landscape; painterly interpretations of the painful loss of wilderness and purity.
As a native Floridian, I have long been fascinated with the Everglades. The parks water distribution problems accompanied by loss of wildlife prompted me to start an artists’ residence program in the Everglades National Park, known as AIRIE. Now in its tenth year, AIRIE has produced more than 70 artists and poets. Visit www.airie.org.
I do not delude myself that these works can cause real change, but they can call some small attention to the ravaged environment in the only way I know how, through art. - Donna Marxer.
- In addition to being an artist/activist, Donna is also an arts writer, lecturer, and published poet.
- To contact Donna Marxer and see more of her "environ art" click the "Oil Hemorrhage".
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Colin Hambrook
UK
Man Suit ©2010 Colin Hambrook Digitized Drawing
Man Suit
This baby place remembers you, newly made - a smile, perhaps imagined, and a way of holding the little finger outwards, as if grasping an invisible cup of tea at a garden party.
All-consuming, you transformed lives; brought the seemingly unobtainable within reach; eager to climb rocks, when even crawling was dangerous, slippery.
I grew several heads in a bid for reinvention; searching each face for self-belief as a father.
Love was easy as leaves, in the woods making dens of our soft hearts. I could fall into you - a place of stories and play.
Caring was plain as pudding - not like now, watching you shun a mans' suit; without hands or feet; and barely a mouth to describe the new skin trembling to grow into the gap between realities.
Man Suit poem ©2010 Colin Hambrook
This baby place remembers you, newly made - a smile, perhaps imagined, and a way of holding the little finger outwards, as if grasping an invisible cup of tea at a garden party.
All-consuming, you transformed lives; brought the seemingly unobtainable within reach; eager to climb rocks, when even crawling was dangerous, slippery.
I grew several heads in a bid for reinvention; searching each face for self-belief as a father.
Love was easy as leaves, in the woods making dens of our soft hearts. I could fall into you - a place of stories and play.
Caring was plain as pudding - not like now, watching you shun a mans' suit; without hands or feet; and barely a mouth to describe the new skin trembling to grow into the gap between realities.
Man Suit poem ©2010 Colin Hambrook
- Disability Arts Online "a web journal that gives disabled and deaf artists, and critics a place to talk about developing artistic practice and accessing the arts. DAO comments on how the arts reflect on disability - and vice-versa." Colin Hambrook - Managing Editor.
- Disability Arts Development Agency “working to achieve a society in which disabled and Deaf artists are valued, their creativity is nurtured, and they play a key part in a thriving economy”.
- To contact Colin Hambrook and view more of his fascinating art and poetry click "The Man Suit"
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Amy Charmatz
USA
Happiness ©2010 Amy Charmatz Acrylic on Paper
Amy Charmatz’s work is a reflection of her personal battle with disability. “My art has been shaped by the process of living my life, and now my art shapes my life”. Due to a brain tumor, several subsequent brain surgeries and the effects of radiation Amy has severe balance problems, double vision, is hard of hearing, and has some cognitive problems. Amy has also “survived” a long battle with clinical depression.
Despite Amy’s challenges, she is cheerful, prolific, and maintains that she is very lucky. She believes in the positive relationship between art and mental and physical health, and has called her collection “Art Saves Lives” because she firmly believes it has saved hers.
- Amy is also a social worker and author of the illustrated children's book "A Loving Family"
- To contact Amy Charmatz and view more of her artwork click "Happiness".
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Al Gorman
USA
The Adventures of Danger
Al Gorman uses found object sculpting, photography, and story telling to develop environmental tales of adventure. He weaves the viewer through a captivating visual story that teaches us about the Ohio river's environmental issues. It is a marvelous combination of visual art, adventure, story telling, humor, and environmental awareness.
"It’s a wonderful spring day on the debris heap. The flooding we experienced a few short weeks ago has left a lot of debris deposited at the Falls. I found a spot with a good view of the city and made this guy. His name "Danger" comes from the spot where I left him." Al Gorman
Al Gorman uses found object sculpting, photography, and story telling to develop environmental tales of adventure. He weaves the viewer through a captivating visual story that teaches us about the Ohio river's environmental issues. It is a marvelous combination of visual art, adventure, story telling, humor, and environmental awareness.
"It’s a wonderful spring day on the debris heap. The flooding we experienced a few short weeks ago has left a lot of debris deposited at the Falls. I found a spot with a good view of the city and made this guy. His name "Danger" comes from the spot where I left him." Al Gorman
- To contact Al Gorman and see more of his environmental art click the images above.
- Al Gorman directs StudioWorks, an art studio and gallery for artists with developmental disabilities, which is part of www.zoomgroup.org. "We exist to help adults with developmental disabilities experience a sense of belonging in the community."
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Anita Dallar
USA
One Human Family ©2009 Anita Dallar Mixed Media Collage
Anita is a visual artist, poet, and advocate for the arts and social consciousness. Her work is influenced by aboriginal and modern art styles. Her subject matter includes environmental landscapes, culture, spirituality, change and transitions, and the performing arts. By combining stark geometric lines with soft organic textures and color with black and white, Anita strives to bring seemingly opposing forms together in aesthetic and harmonious ways.
"There are a great deal of unnecessary injustices in the world. I feel compelled to contribute towards creating an evolved society where compassion and awareness replace cruelty and greed." - Anita
- To contact Anita Dallar and see more of her artwork, click "One Human Family"
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Ketra Oberlander
USA
Live Like Water Flows ©2010 Ketra Oberlander Acrylic on Kraft Board
If half as much effort went into creating systems for disabled creators to contribute their gifts commercially as the effort that has gone into the dependency/charity model to care for the disabled, we'd all be working and earning to our own capacity.
My "art" used to be just writing and painting. Now it's inventing a viable business model to provide a path to profitability for disabled artists. When I began hunting for resources for arts and disabilities I found a plethora of feel-good charitable entities, all of which are great, but none of which translate into ordinary participation in the throes of commerce like everyone else. Seriously limited in my employment options, I set out to experiment and build a workable model that would solve the problem of inclusion for physically disabled artists.
I've observed that most businesses evolve to their own efficiencies, then append on access to an existing system as an afterthought. I'm building in access from the start, so the entire operational model pioneers a new way of thinking about disability (in this case, specific to physical disability, where circumnavigating the physics solves the problem). My goal is to propel artists into earning, and free up the public and charitable resources for those who really need them. - Ketra Oberlander, Founder & Director of the Art of Possibility.
Click "Live Like Water Flows" to contact Ketra Oberlnader or for more information about The Art of Possibility™.
My "art" used to be just writing and painting. Now it's inventing a viable business model to provide a path to profitability for disabled artists. When I began hunting for resources for arts and disabilities I found a plethora of feel-good charitable entities, all of which are great, but none of which translate into ordinary participation in the throes of commerce like everyone else. Seriously limited in my employment options, I set out to experiment and build a workable model that would solve the problem of inclusion for physically disabled artists.
I've observed that most businesses evolve to their own efficiencies, then append on access to an existing system as an afterthought. I'm building in access from the start, so the entire operational model pioneers a new way of thinking about disability (in this case, specific to physical disability, where circumnavigating the physics solves the problem). My goal is to propel artists into earning, and free up the public and charitable resources for those who really need them. - Ketra Oberlander, Founder & Director of the Art of Possibility.
Click "Live Like Water Flows" to contact Ketra Oberlnader or for more information about The Art of Possibility™.
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Sarawut Chutiwongpeti
Thailand
Thailand
Sarawut's goal is to investigate the possibilities of using conceptual language to develop global collaborative art. Sarawut asks some difficult social questions for a global community.
- How can conceptual art enable us to address situations such as corrupt social values in ways that will be meaningful for present and future civilizations?
- How can contemporary art enhance the distribution of universal information, such as, the nature of man, and cross cultural collaborations?
- How are the sensations and reactions from contemporary art meaningful today?
- How can problems be solved through an international perspective by way of shared concepts and ideas?
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Linda Litteral
USA
My House © 2010 Linda Litteral Bronze Sculpture
Linda Litteral uses the visual language of art
to convey messages of awareness and prevention
about child abuse. Through visual art, Linda gives
stories of abuse a different status and allows them
to be confronted in a different context. This poses a
public question, which allows the “secrets” of abuse
to be brought into awareness, thus giving viewers
the opportunity to examine societal beliefs and
develop their understanding.
To contact Linda Litteral, see more of her art and read
more of her stories click the image "My House".
Linda also teaches ceramics.
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Mai Harris
USA
Mrs Joker © 2010 Mai Harris Oil Painting
Mai's work is a commentary on the absurdity and cruelty of life.
How enjoyment in the small pleasures of life can
quickly turn into a struggle with addiction.
Lavished in ecstasy and haunted by
personal demons we contently rest within our own
vices and fantasies. Indulgence is interpreted as a hope
for happiness. Mia's work is a visual representation of
some of the less flattering sides of human nature.
Mai also works to empower youth through the Arts.
To see more of Mai's work click the image left.
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Philip Patston
New Zealand
New Zealand
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Jerry Kidd
USA
USA
Jerry Kidd is involved with Operation Care, a group dedicated to the issues of abused women.
The piece shown 'We Just Want to Show the Girl a Good Time' is from Jerry's exhibit entitled
"Half the Sky" which deals with misogyny and the sexual enslavement of children. The title
"Half the Sky" comes from the book with the same name and the original Chinese saying,
"women hold up half the sky".
To view more of Jerry's work
click the image left.
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Steven Selpal
USA
Young Man Suffocated by Neck Ties ©1987 Steven Selpal Acrylic on Rives
Steven Selpal's painting
Young Man Suffocated by Neck Ties
remembers Timothy Leary's beliefs;
think for yourself,
don't be afraid to question authority,
and conformity could be hazardous to your health.
Steven's work is featured in
Artism - The Art of Autism by Debra Hosseini
To contact and view more of Steven Selpal's
paintings click the image left.
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Lisa DeLoria Weinblatt
USA
School Lunch 10 ©2010 Lisa DeLoria Weinblatt Oil Painting
The SCHOOL LUNCH series illustrates contemporary cross-cultural issues and their emotional attitudes in an educational setting.
"THE SCHOOL LUNCH series is a celebration of diversity and multiculturalism, it underlines perceptions which affirm cultural identity, brings together ideas espousing contemporary concerns and encourages a belief in the quality of the human spirit" - Lisa
To contact Lisa and see more of the SCHOOL LUNCH series, click the image left.
Lisa is also teacher.
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David Feingold
USA
Eye in Eye ©2010 David Feingold Digital Photograph
An Evolving Exploration of Disability
"It is the work I did at Serendip that gave rise to the possible connection between art and disabilities as both instructional and therapeutic tools". - David
To contact David Feingold and see more of
his interesting art click the image right.
David also has a background in
teaching and social work.
An Evolving Exploration of Disability
"It is the work I did at Serendip that gave rise to the possible connection between art and disabilities as both instructional and therapeutic tools". - David
To contact David Feingold and see more of
his interesting art click the image right.
David also has a background in
teaching and social work.
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Ani Rose Whaleswan
USA
Considering Liberty ©2010 Ani Rose Whaleswan Painting
"Considering Liberty"
re-defines the Statue of Liberty.
Ani asks a bold question,
"What does Liberty mean to you?
Art is about transformation.
It is about healing individually,
culturally, and beyond.
These are realities of human experience.
Everything IS possible" - Ani
Ani Rose Whaleswan; a teacher, a healer, a tree hugger.
Click the image left to contact Ani and see more of her paintings.
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Carrie Grubb
USA
I'm Not Your Mascot ©2010 Carrie Grubb
Carrie Grubb's series
"Sanctioned Racism"
supports the fact that
"we are people, not mascots" - Carrie.
This perspective can apply
to a wide variety of
under-represented
and exploited groups.
To contact Carrie Grubb and
view more of her thought provoking art
click the image left.
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Suzie Goodwin
USA
Closed ©2010 Suzie Goodwin Photographic Composite
So many people are forgotten about
and become invisible to us in our daily lives,
their voices not heard.
Change is constant in life, mine is no exception;
early onset Parkinson’s disease brings new challenges.
My work as an artist satisfies the desire I feel to create,
but now also serves as a tool to help battle my struggles.
What makes art Art?
The answer is different for everyone -
the closest I have come to a definition
is that it makes you feel, it evokes an emotion.
My art is a reflection of the unique way I see life -
always changing. - Suzie
Click the image to contact Suzie Goodwin and see more of her
moving and thought provoking mixed media photographs.
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William Heard
USA
USA
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Brenda Smoak
USA
Story Table ©1995 Brenda Smoak Fired Clay
Brenda Smoak's clay work is tactile and interactive.
Using ancient symbols she weaves the viewer through
a tale of peace and harmony. Brenda also teaches art and
promotes artists with disabilities through Alchemy.
Click the Story Table for more information
about Alchemy or to contact Brenda Smoak.
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Kimberlie Fernandez-Jones
USA
Freedom ©2013 Kimberlie Fernandez-Jones Watercolor
This painting is about Freedom and Independence
Through my life as a person with a disability
I have come across different hurdles
Although difficult at the time
Once I have gone through it,
I’ve experienced the freedom of
Enjoying and living my own life
The way I see fit
I don’t let my disability become who I am
I try to rise above it a little more each day
Kimberlie Fernandez-Jones
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Trace Able
USA
USA
Hector Canonge in collaboration with artists Lawrence Graham Brown (USA/Jamaica) and Freddy Salinas (Colombia) present the public performance and art intervention “Trace-Able” in observance of World AIDS Day, “Trace-Able”
consists of covering three sides of a public side walk of a park with a
canvas on which the three artists will walk bare feet leaving red foot
prints as they circle the 3 block perimeter of the park. The performance
is a cycle of walks through out the evening. Dressed in white tunics
that symbolize anonymity and invisibility, the artists will also invite
pedestrians to participate in the walk and to follow through their five
hour journey. “Trace-Able” is made possible with permission from the New
York City Parks and Recreation, and QMAD, Queens Media Arts
Development, community outreach programs.
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Armine Baghdasaryan
Armenia
Award of God ©2005 Armine Baghdasaryan Painting
"I am Armenian Hard of Hearing artist,
my silent world is filled with emotion and color.
I feel there is no opportunity of education
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons
as no special accommodations were
made to address my disability.
Learning was difficult (I learned what I could)
as I did not understand what was being taught." - Armine
To contact Armine and see more of her
artwork click the image.
Armine also teaches English
to young Deaf and Hard of Hearing people at Kamk ev Korov
where she also performs in the mime theater.
Kamk ev Korov (Will & Strength)
is a public organization for young Deaf
and Hard of Hearing People.
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Jessica Blinkhorn
USA
Caregivers Guilde ©2010 Jessica Blinkhorn Graphite Drawing
Your hands feel, look, and function differently.
Mine are thirty years worn and newborn weary. Small, plump, and knotted fingers tremble and attach to hands that do not grasp, hands that do not flip palm up, hands that do not hold, hands that do not clap, and hands that do not push, pull, punch, or clamor in frustration.
They are twins but fraternal twins. The left is idle while the right is vital and draws the line.
In comparison, my hands are still while yours are essential in the allowance of drawing the line used to construct my world. There are so many hands.
Ivory foundation, red top trees filled to the brim with maple educates the masses and delivered me unto humanity. Dried kudzu over weathered pavement stains the ground green. You sing in raspy voice and empowered this birth. You snag my chain pulling me close sharing a snickering secret of gold and worked to stop my kindred’s departure. White light on an aged track strumming the hillbilly harp this child once frolicked through salvage-yard sprinklers waiting to be toweled and powdered. There is a piece of Alabama history with wheezy laughter that resonates in my very hands.
Twins of a past life whose hands are only slightly more capable than mine make up first generation patronage. My current independence exists in youthful numbers.
Twenty-one bouncing curls lining sapphire sight disrobe and position. Chewed down to the nub with textural offense you blankly stare and question. With sleep you wave and I rest. Twenty-two clubbed steps to where everything is alive, everything is breathing, nothing is dead, and nothing is bleeding I linger for masculine aid. Tuck, roll, cross, connect, rise and fall. Cleaned and fashioned, I tare my hair out in your frustration parting in laughter, forgiveness, and an alliance of keen stare pending a repeated visit. Sunday through Saturday my life is sectioned and dispersed. Morning and noon of five days but only one evening is made of twenty-two. Evenings of five days continue to twenty-four hours of servitude with twenty-one. Twenty-eight and not so straight feels the gap with seventeen memories that disappear and return unexpectedly. You open your hands when hands are unseen. Thirty and me we match in age and I am her child on Sunday taking twenty-two steps back to night.
There are hands from the past, hands of the present and more hands are sure to show. Sometimes I feel as though I am passed on like a grade school love letter or family heirloom and wonder who will inherit me next. I do not mind I will shake your hand and always remember your face.
The Care Giver's Guilde ©2010 Jessica Blinkhorn
Mine are thirty years worn and newborn weary. Small, plump, and knotted fingers tremble and attach to hands that do not grasp, hands that do not flip palm up, hands that do not hold, hands that do not clap, and hands that do not push, pull, punch, or clamor in frustration.
They are twins but fraternal twins. The left is idle while the right is vital and draws the line.
In comparison, my hands are still while yours are essential in the allowance of drawing the line used to construct my world. There are so many hands.
Ivory foundation, red top trees filled to the brim with maple educates the masses and delivered me unto humanity. Dried kudzu over weathered pavement stains the ground green. You sing in raspy voice and empowered this birth. You snag my chain pulling me close sharing a snickering secret of gold and worked to stop my kindred’s departure. White light on an aged track strumming the hillbilly harp this child once frolicked through salvage-yard sprinklers waiting to be toweled and powdered. There is a piece of Alabama history with wheezy laughter that resonates in my very hands.
Twins of a past life whose hands are only slightly more capable than mine make up first generation patronage. My current independence exists in youthful numbers.
Twenty-one bouncing curls lining sapphire sight disrobe and position. Chewed down to the nub with textural offense you blankly stare and question. With sleep you wave and I rest. Twenty-two clubbed steps to where everything is alive, everything is breathing, nothing is dead, and nothing is bleeding I linger for masculine aid. Tuck, roll, cross, connect, rise and fall. Cleaned and fashioned, I tare my hair out in your frustration parting in laughter, forgiveness, and an alliance of keen stare pending a repeated visit. Sunday through Saturday my life is sectioned and dispersed. Morning and noon of five days but only one evening is made of twenty-two. Evenings of five days continue to twenty-four hours of servitude with twenty-one. Twenty-eight and not so straight feels the gap with seventeen memories that disappear and return unexpectedly. You open your hands when hands are unseen. Thirty and me we match in age and I am her child on Sunday taking twenty-two steps back to night.
There are hands from the past, hands of the present and more hands are sure to show. Sometimes I feel as though I am passed on like a grade school love letter or family heirloom and wonder who will inherit me next. I do not mind I will shake your hand and always remember your face.
The Care Giver's Guilde ©2010 Jessica Blinkhorn
- Grounded by Reality Jessica discusses her art, creativity, and disability in a documentary film.
- Stories from a Chair - A Life Exquisite Jessica offers her "perspective on the world; to establish understanding, and blur the lines of normalcy".
- Jessica also teaches art.
- To view more of Jessica Blinkhorn's art click "The Care Givers Guilde".
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Larry Caveney
USA
Superman Safety Crossing Performance Art by Larry Caveney ©2010
To watch the video 'Superman Safety Crossing'
click the image right.
Larry Caveney's performance art takes people out of a
state of isolation and brings them into a space that causes
certain actions or freedoms that have been suppressed by socialization, to emerge. Larry uses performance art in an
attempt to reform social consciousness by revealing areas
of social alienation.
To contact Larry Caveney and see more of his art click here.
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Noah Erenberg
USA
LITTLE BOY ©2010 Noah Erenberg
Noah Erenberg's piece "Little Boy" from the Graffitti series gives us a glimpse into the thought patterns a person with autism experiences.
Noah's artwork is published in several journals and books including; The Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Artism - The Art of Autism by Debra Hosseini.
Elena Mary Siff, Noah's mother, is also an artist, a teacher, and an advocate for people with disabilities.
Click the image to see more of Noah Erenberg's art including the Graffiti series
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Ralph Mindicino
USA
Notification 26"x26" Reverse Painted Acrylic on Hand Engraved Plexiglass ©2007 Ralph Mindicino
In a culture where greed is paramount, a subtle climate of bias slowly emerges as compassion and humanity wither away. It seems our society would be better served if more emphasis were directed towards a culture of empathy and respect rather than selfishness. Without empathy, people will conclude they are alone and without help. Our society should strive to demonstrate that individuals are not alone and there are avenues to which people can turn in order to not find themselves without assistance. - Ralph Mindicino
"I have developed a series of paintings exploring the decline of ethical values in an increasingly cynical world. I attempt to convey a sense of isolation and sterility, using bold and brilliant colors depicting city streets contrasted with a lone figure. I am deliberate in the continuous use of the lone man." Ralph Mindicino
"I have developed a series of paintings exploring the decline of ethical values in an increasingly cynical world. I attempt to convey a sense of isolation and sterility, using bold and brilliant colors depicting city streets contrasted with a lone figure. I am deliberate in the continuous use of the lone man." Ralph Mindicino
- To contact Ralph Mindicino and see more of his artwork click the image right.
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Bruce Barton
USA
Drawing # 10632 ©2010 Bruce Barton Graphic Drawing
Bruce's work is an interesting juxtaposition of nature
and man made objects, the incongruous subject matter coexists in the same graphic world but in an unsettling and inharmonious way.
Bruce states his work is "arguably the result of the impudence of Nature, but certainly the arrogance of Man."
To contact Bruce Barton and see more of his graphic drawings click the image left.
Bruce also teaches Communication Arts at Fullerton University.
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DoN Brewer
USA
Light Being Mary ©2010 DoN Brewer Photograph
Light Beings
Each "light being" composition is a landscape photograph with no special set up by the photographer. DoN believes
the reflected light from windows represent the spirits of
loved ones passed, briefly realized on urban surfaces.
Don is part of Vision for EQuality Inc. a non-profit organization advocating for people with intellectual disabilities. Providing empathy and advocacy for the individuals, their living conditions, and their families. - DoN Brewer
Click the image left to contact DoN Brewer and see more
of his interesting "light being" series.
Each "light being" composition is a landscape photograph with no special set up by the photographer. DoN believes
the reflected light from windows represent the spirits of
loved ones passed, briefly realized on urban surfaces.
Don is part of Vision for EQuality Inc. a non-profit organization advocating for people with intellectual disabilities. Providing empathy and advocacy for the individuals, their living conditions, and their families. - DoN Brewer
Click the image left to contact DoN Brewer and see more
of his interesting "light being" series.
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