Amazon Water lily, Addiciton, and Human Trafficking

Giant Amazon Lily Giant Amazon Lily

I am beginning to create artwork based on the water lily and lily pad and using this imagery to talk (or raise awareness) about human trafficking and modern day slavery.  There are many fascinating connections between the beautiful plant and the terrible world of trafficking.



The flower traps beetles inside its petals....The trap of sexual addiction (sex is more addicting than most illegal drugs and this addiction) is one of many ways that lilies can be used as a symbol to talk about the sex industry and trafficking....Keep following my blog for more social justice artwork dealing with human trafficking and water lily facts.

Steal Like an Artist+ Creativity

Source: fashioncopious.typepad.com via Charles on Pinterest

Here is some great advice for creativity. I love these tips from StealLikeAnArtist.com.  For more creative inspiration check out and follow my Pinterest board, Creative Inspiration.  If you would like an invite, post your email in a comment or message me on Facebook.com.

My Top Ink Drawing Supplies

Here is a list of the ink drawing supplies that I take with me when I travel.  I don't always get to bring them all.  I also have a great watercolor kit as well.

1. Pen and Ink (duh!!)

 2. Kneaded erasers are the best  I sometimes use them to lighten up (just a little) washes or to create the appearance of an extra wash.  I also use it to clean up any pencil marks I may have left behind (although I tend to leave pencil marks)

3. Watercolor Paper or sometimes drawing paper

4. A brush for large spaces with a rounded tip - These brushes hold a large amount of water making it easier to wet a larger area

5. A brush with a straight flat tip - great for straight lines

6. A second brush with a slanted tip - great for curved lines

7. I use more water for the washes than I do ink

8. Misket, Frisket or other masking fluid - I'm still mastering this one.  I use it for small spaces that I want to keep white.

9. Sketchbook and sketches - I have been creating a large amount of composition sketches lately.  It is nice because if I don't have a subject to draw I can just create a composition and work on technique or a specific element/principle of art (ex. Maybe I would focus on unity and variety)

10. Waterbrush - I use this guy more when I am traveling and don't take much else...for example, backpacking or in a car.

11. A variety of pen tips - I don't use these much but I do every now and then for lettering

12. Paper towel - This may be one of the most versatile tools that I use

13. Watercolors - I have not mixed the two for quite some time, but I do have some quick flower sketches that utilize watercolor

Your Turn

Art Alley.  Rapid Cit, SD ©Felicia Follum

We all have people who inspire us to be better people, to make a difference, or simply stand up for what we believe.  I have been sharing my inspirations with you.  Now I would like to hear more about who has encouraged you to be the best version of you possible.

Alright so you tell me....Who is your inspiration?

Share more than one if you can't decide.

Why Felicia Follum Art+?

Art+ stands for “Art and…”

I am a social justice artist but I try to take my artwork deeper and actually make a difference.  Activism, art and working with people are all a part of what fuels me and the “Art+” represents how my work digs beyond art alone.

Art+ Concept - Pursuing my minor in “Conceptual Graphic Design” has taught me to dig deep and put a significant amount of research into my work.

Art+ Design - I enjoy graphic design and love researching products.  Much of my inspiration comes from graphic designers.

Art+ Social Justice - I am an activist at the very core and my first full body of work and exhibition testifies to this.

Art+ Charity/Activism - Upon purchase of this work a larger donation will be made.  Currently it will go toward my next Haiti trip.  A percentage of all sales will fund a given cause.  Currently 10% or more will help fund a team to go to Haiti, art lessons, education in a small village and a church/community center roof.

Art+ - Art that goes above and beyond…

I am still working on a small logo design...keep an eye out for the design.

Chuckwallas

I am currently working on a series of snakes, lizards, and frogs. When people who are unfamiliar with watercolor or ink they tend to be surprised to watch the piece progress. When I was learning watercolor we had a joke that you have to ruin and then save it if you want a good piece in the end.

Here is my painting of a Chuckwallas from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Snakes&Lizards exhibit.

This seems to be true for many of my paintings. They all go through a rough patch or two right before they work out.

These rough patches are what keep me going. I love the challenge of fixing what seems to be ruined.  

The finished work is up on my studio wall…

Subscribe to my newsletter to see the finished Chuckwallas and other paintings before they are seen online or at my open studio (August 17, from 3 - 7).

If you are interested in attending  my Open Studio Party RSVP or learn more follow this link.

Happy July 4th

I created a Red White Blue Pinterest board in honor of the 4th of July.  The board has several image focusing on the flag.  Some images serve as graphic design inspiration.  Others are social justice and activist artwork.  And some are simply beautiful photos with a red, white and blog flag as a focal point or in the background.  All of the photos link to various articles (and citation for the photographer) about the 4th of July, the American flag, or American history.

I hope you enjoy this series of images I curated for the 4th of July.  I have several other Pinterest boards you can check out as well. 

Happy 4th of July!

Click Me 4 More Art+