It all started when I read the novel "Scared: A Novel on the Edge of the World" It's about a photojournalist who travels to a small village in Africa to cover the AIDS crisis. It was such a powerful read because it stopped me dead in my tracks...people are hurting, hoping, sacrificing, suffering...everywhere...all over the world...even in our own backyard...on my own street corner...at any given moment, someone is in need...and where do I fit it? What does that mean for my hands and feet?
And while that was percolating in my heart and mind, I came across some pretty amazing initiatives of artists who are answering the call with their own God given talents....I recalled a year ago, making this art journal page...it is a reflection that everyone is purposed to create...including me...i may only sing in the shower...or create art for my family...but I have always had a longing for a more "colorful" life and I wonder, how can I use that desire for others...for the greater good...?
Here are just a few artists who are doing just that...
Artist Kelli Murray. I was immediately drawn into her art...it's quite simply BEAUTIFUL!!! "Her work displays a distinctive hip and urban feel, with illustrative overlays of innocence and messages of hope." From website.
She has also done murals to raise awareness and money for a cause. Love this one...
Her gallery is overflowing with more amazing goodness...
Art for Huruma. This collaboration between two talented artists (Barton Damer and Promise (Tangeman) Wurzell) who simply had a heart to give and use that gift to serve. Proceeds from art and t-shirt sales will be given to Huruma Children’s Home whose founder and director is Mama Zipporah, is situated on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, on the slopes of Ngong Hills in Kenya. It is currently home for over 150 children, both girls and boys aged between one day and 18 years. There mission is to empower children in need to become productive members of society through rehabilitation, education and self-reliance skills. For children are a heritage from the Lord and they deserve the best. Here is the art that will impact lives...
Love, Light and Melody. A nonprofit organization whose mission is to "battle the physical, emotional and spiritual effects of extreme poverty. Even more inspiring is their use of music and the arts to rebuild, restore, and bring healing to these communities." Having worked in nonprofits for more than a decade, I am drawn to people whose livelihood is built on helping others...and there is something about music...worship...that is healing, empowering and hopeful. Anyone who knows me, knows music speaks to me in ways that words cannot. It is that universal language that moves us all.
This photograph was taken at a trash dump in Managua, Nicaragua, where nearly 1,500 people live, work, and make their homes. Seeing these images caused me to pause. relflect. repurpose.
Learn more about the collision of poverty and music and how artists are being used for good through Love, Light and Melody....
Day of Light from Love Light & Melody on Vimeo.
Light Gives Heat. Their mission is to "see Africa rebuilt and renewed from the inside out and see people in the west living with hope." One of their projects is called Suubi (meaning hope) which brings together Uganda women to create and sell necklaces, thus having a form of income and purpose providing for their families. They also seek to help us look outside ourselves and respond creatively. What's so neat is that these women were already creating necklaces before there ever was a nonprofit organization. A family who traveled to Uganda to adopt their daughter "happened" to meet one of the women...and today that family is providing an avenue, opening a door, to give them a voice beyond their small village.
I told a friend recently that something is brewing inside of my heart...something I am not quite sure of...but quite simply a desire to serve. to give. to empower...and these artists have inspired me today. God. is. good.
