Arabic Lesson And Book Arts

Books Books, oh how I love books!

But before we get to the books portion, I wanted to share a story about how I accidentally ended up getting a free private Arabic lesson.

As you may or may not know one of the languages I'm studying is predominantly spoken in Pakistan and many, though not nearly as I had previously stereotyped, Pakistani people are Muslim.

So in attempt to find an Urdu speaker, I went to the Mosque looking for someone to ask. I didn't find an Urdu speaker but rather was invited to join a mother and a son taking a private Arabic lesson from the Imam (or Sheikh or 'Alim).

I could follow only a little from my basic Urdu but that's another story. 

While I was there I took a tour of the Mosque and was able to look through some of the books. I'm not sure if they were Qur'ans or not, since 90% of the Qur'ans I've seen in the past I have not been allowed to touch and I touched these.

Either way, they were beautifully illustrated. The calligraphy and design work was stunning...sooo beautiful! This beauty is a major reason I am learning Hindi and Urdu.

Ok, now back to books!

It's been a while since I've looked through a Koran. I used to love going to the University of Wyoming Rare Books Library and looking at all their beautiful books. Illuminated manuscripts, moralized bible, Gutenberg Bible, cuneiform scrolls, and rare Egyptian books. The list of my favorites goes on and on.

There is nothing better than a beautiful book. Which leads me to what I really wanted to share. My love for books, book arts and illustrated books. But in addition to other people's books I really enjoy the challenge of making my own.

I was accepted into and able to attended my first meeting with the Book Arts Club here in the Tri-Cities. It is a fun group of artists. They are encouraging and critical, which quite honestly is refreshing. I have found open critique a bit rare outside of the university. I am excited to continue creating books, stories, paper art and other works that fit this challenging genre.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the genera book arts I will write a blog post with the goal of explaining a bit more. I will also share some of my pieces inspired by Islamic culture and architecture.

Past Odd Random and Just Plain Bad Jobs

If you are looking for reasons you shouldn't be an art student of study humanities, this is not the post for you. Most of these jobs were either for fun or before I even graduated high school. I guess if anything the "bad ones" would be reasons to finish high school.

I recently took a personality test for a Bible study I'm in. It was the online free version of Myers-Briggs. If you don't know already, I'm an INFP/ENFP. 

Great Organization and Program

What this all means is that I'm crazy, love people, love excitement, and most everything in life is beautiful to me...I'm also fiercely independent and a free spirit.

There's an online ENFPs group I just joined and we are talking about our jobs. And since we all tend to be free spirits, its an interesting topic.

I thought that in addition to my resume post it would be fun to have an odd jobs post about all the odd (and even bad jobs) I've had as they all shape who I am.

Odd Random and just plain bad jobs
*In no particular order*

14. US-Brazil Connect - I taught English in Brazil for a month this pas summer.

13. Hotel Maid at a hotel where hourlys and weeklies were more common than vacationers and travelers - cleaned up a Crank lab and and hid under the pool during drug deals. I'm not sure that this one should be on line but I learned a lot about people and poverty. This was my first job and a real eye opener. They only get better from here.

Beautiful texture and color photo from Brazil.

12. Pool Girl - loved it

11. Alternative Bible and Book Store - I always got in trouble for reading the books.

10. Camp counselor - no running water or electricity and 40 miles of hiking a week. Church camp songs and fires. Home cooked food and sleeping im a teepee. Yes, please!

9. Day hab teacher at The Cooper Center for Creative Arts for adults with disabilities - 2 years

8. Residential Treatment facility Youth Worker in a deaf house - 1 year

7. AmeriCorps - I used the Education award for traveling.

6. Logo designer for The Wyoming Women's Business Center

5. Works of Wyoming Art Gallery - not really that random

4. Social Media trainer - trained artists on Facebook and blogging

3. Resident Assistant. Need I say more?

2. Corn on the Cob Butter Dipper/Carnie I  actually made bank with this one $17 an hour in high school. Not bad.

1. McDonald’s - 4 and a half years total and I really enjoyed it. Many of my coworkers were good friends

I hope you enjoyed...I'm sure I'll find or remember a number 15 and will be sure to add it.

Framing Tip: Work Backwards

I was talking to Brooke at You & I Framin and Gallery as I wad preparing to hang work for sale in her gallery. 

I explained how, for me, the framing is my biggest challenge. If you are like me, framing your work is sometimes overwhelming. You need to mat the work and pick colors or cut mats from scraps, decide whether it's worth paying for full sheets of mat board knowing that you will potentially save you and the buyer a few bucks but at the same time if you mess up then it becomes more expensive. 

There are entirely too many problems and questions when it comes to preparing your work for an exhibition.

Brooke suggested that artists on a budget work backwards. Since the frame is the most expensive aspect of the process, find them in your grandmother's attic, with bad art that can be tossed, on sale, and at yard sales. Once you have the frame you have the largest possible dimensions for your work. And the rest is easy. 

This trick sounded almost too good to be true but I used this tip for my work that went up at You&I and I htink it turned out quite nicely.

Felicia Follum Art+ Artwork in the Kennewick Art Walk at You&I Framing and Gallery

I expected working this way to be limiting but frames of all sizes can be found on sale it really wasn't that much of a restriction at all. I even had a few frames that fit the standard sized pieces of art already.

Great advice! Thank you You&I!

Beginners Watercolor Workshop (in January 2015)

Tuesday Evenings in January (4th, 13th, 20th, and 27th)
5:30pm – 8pm

About the Instructor 

At The Well - Felicia Follum

Resume blog post can be found here.

Felicia Follum is a watercolor artist and graphic designer. Her work often focuses on cultural diversity, social issues or the mixing of cultures. Her watercolor paintings can be recognized by their bright colors, and bold textures.

Felicia recently moved to the Tri-Cities from Laramie, Wyoming and is excited to become a part of the arts community here.

Though not a traditional art teacher Felicia has experience teaching art to a wide variety of students including at risk teens, adults with disabilities, and young children in the favelas of Brazil as well as women and children in a small village in Haiti. She absolutely loves sharing art with people in a variety of ways.

She is looking forward to meeting you in her next class.


Beginners Watercolor Workshop

This workshop will cover basic watercolor techniques, supplies, and color mixing. We will also discus how watercolor is different from non-water mediums and ways to use this to our advantage so we can resist the urge to fight against it.

Eden Watercolor - Felicia Follum

"I have a love for bright colors so of course we will discuss some strategies for achieving bright and vivid colors."

Optional homework will be given to offer the chance to reinforce what we practiced during the workshop and to encourage some review throughout the week.



Supplies - Paper, Paint, Brushes, Other

Urban Sketchers

Since I've been in the Tri-Cities, I've become an active member of the Urban Sketchers.

The local group meets up at a different location one morning a week and sketches for a few hours. After sketching we meet up and share.

The #UrbanSketchers has been a great way to practice my observational drawing skills while networking with other artists and also offers a way to see more of the new town.

I'll be sharing my sketches on my art page on Facebook page.

Last week we went tothe Kennewick Fire Department and sketched in the garage with the fire trucks.

Catching Up and Allied Arts

These last few weeks have been quite a blur. They have gone so very fast and I'm sure the next few will be just as hectic.

Since I last checked in my work has been accepted at Allied Arts in Richland, Washington. 

Only one piece went up since I was accepted only a day before new work wa to be hung. 

The awesome sauce news...that one piece sold in less than two weeks! Which means that the others will go up soon as well...

if you would like to see more timely updates on where my work is, be sure to like my Facebook art page. 

You&I

I have been accepted to You&I Framshop and Gallery as a part of the Kennewick Art Walk!

The walk is always the first Thursday of the month. My work will be up November and December which means the open house and walk will be Thursday, November 6 and Thursday, December 4 from 5-9.

Don't worry if you missed November. The turnout was perfect and December is coming and though I think my work will move back to make room for new art, it will still be up!

I will have some smaller pieces there that will make perfect gifts so be sure to stop by.

Home: Weekly Photo Challenge

This weeks challenge was home.

Within my first week of being in Brazil, I was sure to scope out a favela. As I walked through, all I saw was beauty all around. The people and the houses were captivating. 

This was one of the most beautiful houses that I saw while in Brazil. The colors of the door, the bricks and the plants in this photo are absolutely lovely.

After returning to the hostel I decided to draw this house as a part of my drawing a day project.

Art Lesson+ Resume

I am an artist and graphic designer. I moved to the Tri-Cities at the end of the summer after teaching art and English in Brazil for two months.

I spent the last two years teaching private lessons and teaching classes (art, yoga, blogging, language, etc.) to adults and youth with disabilities at the Cooper Center for Creative Arts.

I have a wide range of topics and levels that I can teach. I am especially interested in guided art exploration and cultural and travel inspired art. I love teaching book making, upcycling, watercolor, and drawing as well.

Please contact me if you or someone you know is interested in art lessons.
Contact info below picture :)

Me with students and a guest for my Indian Culture class at the Cooper Center for Creative Arts

Felicia Follum

Contact
email me
Find and follow my Art+ page on Facebook (This is my public business page)
Message me privately and/follow me on Facebook (I don't accept random requests but will respond to messages or share my phone number via Facebook)
@FeliciaFollum
+Felicia Follum
Find me on LinkdIn

Children's Art Competition, Vila do Boa, Brasil

Education

University of Wyoming 2012
B.A. Art
B.A. Humanities and Fine Arts
African American and Diaspora Studies
Philosophy
Art History
Religious Studies
Minor in Graphic Design
GPA 3.5

Teaching Experience

Summer 2014

Artist Residency, Brasilia DF, Sao Sabastion, Goias, Brazil
Worked with Brazilian artists, cultural and art organizations in pavelas and poor communities
Guest panel speaker for various events
Worked with artists to prepare a group art exhibition

US-Brazil Connect Fellowship, Joinville, SC Brazil
Taught English to high school students for 1 month in Brazil
Online coaching two months before and after travel to Brazil
Worked with the Brazilian government and schools

Making paper beads with women and children in Haiti

2012 – 2014

Teacher at the Cooper Center for Creative Arts, Laramie, WY
Teach creative arts and language arts classes to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

2013 

Afro-Caribbean Heritage Camp Art Instructor, Denver, CO
Led age appropriate art classes focused on “Sharing your Story”

Summer 2011

ArtsVan Teacher for Allied Arts of Yakima Valley Washington, Yakima, WA
Led art lessons with Spanish speaking children, often in low-income and gang neighborhood

Engage Haiti, Thaumazou, Haiti
Led art and English lessons with 30 - 40 non-English speaking children
Taught women and boys how to make paper beads

2009 – 2014 

Cathedral Home for Children, Laramie, WY Worked closely with an art therapist and residents Led therapy groups with youth Teach art lessons

Languages

English – Native Speaker
Portuguese, Sign Language – Working proficiency
Spanish, Hindi, Urdu – Beginner Proficiency  

Travel and Cultural Experience

Summer 2014

Art and Cultural Residency, Brasilia DF, Sao Sabastion, Goias, Brazil
US-Brazil Connect Fellowship, Joinville, SC Brazil
Working with a variety of students, artists, and educational institutes

Working with kids in Vila do Boa

Summer 2013

Art in India, New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, India
Attended a preparation class in Spring 2013 to learn about the art, culture, languages, religion and life in India. Continued in depth study after returning.

Summer 2012

Arts Van, Yakima, WA
Traveled in and around Yakima teaching art to kids in the parks Worked in poor gang areas and wealthy parks and preapared Spanish speaking pre-k kids for school with basic English

Summer 2011

Engage Haiti, Port du Prince, Croix de Bouquet, Thaumazou, Haiti
Led art and English lessons with 30 - 40 non-English speaking women and children

Summer 2007 

Pine Ridge, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, USA
Attended cultural events and lectures with respected elders

Summer 2005

Mexico Mission, Tecate and Tijuana, Mexico Volunteered at a boys Orphanage Visited a village, some local clay pot factories and sweat shops

ArtLesson_2014

13 Things We Should Say More

This weeks assignment for my US-BRAZIL Connect kiddoes is to come up with 10+ things we should say more. So here is my list. 

1. I love you
2. Can I hug you (or just give hugs)
3. I'm sorry
4. Why?
5. Why not?
6. Who is this a problem for?
7. What can I do to help?
8. How can I make a difference?
9. What is the real problem?
10. What is your name?
11. Let's be friends
12. What's your opinion/thought/belief?
13. And honestly when there are no words...smiling or dancing can be enough

What are 10+ things you think should be said more often?

And a random side note... 

I'm just climbing away at a youth center in Brazil....there is some incredible artwork on the other side of this wall. 

Yep, this youth center also has a community art gallery as well! I is possible that one day I will have a garage or room or space with art and a rock-wall too :) now I'm rambling. 

Rad!

Tchau amigos!

Pay it Forward

Joinville from my window

We have all heard of various Pay it Forward (PIF) projects where you do something for people and they in return do something for someone else.

As a part of the US-Brazil Connect program I am required to complete a PIF project focused on culture or language. As an artist, I naturally chose to create and share some art. I am still working on this project and plan to for a little while, since my response to Brazil will be quite in depth and large and I still am not sure where it will go. I also expect my creative response to continue for some time.

My Project

I am creating artwork based on my experience in Brazil. Much of this work is in progress and still in sketch form. I have also been journaling a lot about Brazilian culture, my experience and Portuguese.
As of now some of the topics I am exploring include art, music, African diasporan culture, relationships between men and women, women’s roles, women’s beauty, religion, non-suggestive physical affection and more.

Joinville Rooftops

Artwork and Sharing

I created several drawings while I was in Joinville and had them in an exhibition in Brasilia for a month after. I am now taking these drawings and sharing them on YouTube and in my Blog. I will be uploading one or two short videos per day and creating a post every other week, so it is difficult to say when it will be finished. As I post them I will share them on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites.

How To Follow My Brazil Response

I also have linked several blog posts to US-Brazil Connect's website.

The part for this assignment that has been completed so far can be seen on my Art+ Blog and on my YouTube Chanel Felicia Follum. Check back regularly to see new additions. You can also see my art responses to India and other travel. Check in the side bar.

 

Stranger Danger and Facebook

Why I don't add strangers on Facebook.

As a disclaimer: I am not the average 250 close friend Facebook user. I love people and diverse groups of people. I love followers and even follow people with interesting posts or art. So feel free to follow or message me on my personal page and like my art page.

But to the pointfugas of this post...

I have several reasons why I dont add people I don't know on Facebook.

First, it's my page so others don't get to choose who I do and don't add. I don't like it when people try to get me to do things I don't want to do. It makes me uncomfortable when people ask over and over. Once is enough...if I say let's just chat, then let's just chat.

Second, I really prefer to use Facebook for staying in touch with friends who have moved or I have moved away from. I also love  staying in touch with people who I have met during my travels.

Now I also have Facebook friends from high school (or before) that I don't talk to often. They may Facebook stalk me every now and then or like a post here and there, but I don't need random people that I have completely forgotten exist stalking my page in a few years.  That's not what my Facebook is about.

Third, it can be a safety thing. People are not always who they say they are...I have a friend (family) who is in prison and uses facebook. He added my friends little sister. She accepted because she saw I was friends with him. A few months later I sent her his mug shot saying that he was in prison for rape. And he lived only a few hours from her (his profile info was 90% fake). She immediately deleted him. Granted this is an extreme, but it still happens. No matter how much I trust someone they still know crazies and may even be friends with one. I don't like the idea of strangers friends adding me or seeing my info. I don't like that there is a good chance your friends even good people will begin to add me and then begin to say things like "you added such and such, so you need to add me."

Ok, yes, I do have friends that I have never met. Most are friends of friends or artists. Very few are language buddies. And none asked to be friends before I knew anything about them.

But lets go back to my first reason. These are all people who have respected me and my boundaries. We have chatted for some time (often 6 or more months) and I consider them friends, which takes me to the second point. I considered them friends before adding them. I can tell you their name, where they are from, what they like to do and more.

these are just a few of my reasons.

So my answer is still "no, I will not accept you random friend request" but we can chat on here facebook. And please do not ask again.

Before I get accused of being mean, again, I do love followers and even follow people with interesting posts or art just because. I also like to meet new artists and interesting people. If you are an artist and would like to collaborate or are someone who wants to know more about my art, dont hesitate to message me and explain who you are. As I woukd have the respect to do if I wete messaging you.

So feel free to follow or message me on my personal page and like my art page.

More Women

In progress women paintings.

I'm still getting back into the groove of things.  You may be thinking that it's taking me a while to adjust. And it is. But keep in mind we also moved to another state in a very different region of the country.

As you may know I also had a small detour in Brazil for two months teaching English and art.

Now that I am back I am excited to start creating artwork again. People seemed to really like the women n sarees that I painted. I also like to paint them which is convenient. So I am continuing with this theme of women and the mixing of cultures...can't wait to share some new stuff.

The photos shows a few of my in progress paintings.

10 Facts You Didn't Know About Me

Joinville, Brazil

One of the assignments for Us-Brazil Connect was to write 10 facts. To see more about my time in and my art in response to Brazil check out these posts.

1. I only eat certain foods in even numbers.
2. I can fit my entire fist into my mouth.
3. I knocked out 5 teeth as a child.
4. I want rear-ended a police officer and totaled my car.
5. I've been in two serious golf cart accidents.
6. I've been to Mexico, Haiti, India, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, but live in a state that borders Canada and have not been there yet.
7. When I travel I want to learn about a culture and the lives of people rather than see every tourist attraction
8. I lived in the woods for four months total and hiked 20-40 miles per week. For two of those months I have no running water or electricity.
9. I recently developed an addiction to studying language.
10. I sincerely believe that art can change lives!

Dhanyavaad Doston: Saudades pt. 2

Interestingly while in Brazil I didn't find myself missing American culture or dealing with culture shock becuase Brazil was so different from the US.

See Dhanyavaad Doston Pt 1. Here

My culture shock for the first few weeks was that I was around too many Americans, in a mall several times per week, surrounded by people flaunting their money, around too much English (haha yeah, I was around more Hindi with you guys than I was portuguese for a couple weeks), couldn't really take my shoes off indoors and couldn't eat with my hands. The food was not spicy which I craved...one night I added several teaspoons of hot sauce to Arabian food...and I was saying things like "bahut obrigada" and "muito dhanyavaad." And I'm still not convinced that I know how to convey the meaning of "thik hai" with the head bob in Brazilian culture.

The second part of my trip, however,  was a very different experience. I was able to experience many of the challenges I crave with travel. I was around no english for most of it. Some days I had a translator for workshops and seminars and such but evenings and mornings there was typically no english. After 5 days of no English, my brain could actually think in Portuguese which was incredible...I really did and still do love Brazil. The food may not have been spicy, but it was delicious and flavorful. And I know y'all like to claim to like sweets...but y'all ain't got nothin' on Brazilian sweets.

But anyways this post isn't about Brazil. It's about being homesick from you all...

I knew I was a bit crazy about and may have been excessively-fascinated with Indian culture. But I didn't quite realize how much the last year was impacted by you guys. I didn't expect being away from your culture to be as challenging as it was. I am so thankful you let me genuinely experience life with you all....I will miss you all and always have a space in my heart for you and your culture. One day I hope to really experience Indian culture again and really gain a grasp on Hindi...

Português has a word, saudade, it's used to describe the emptiness when something or someone has gone away. It is certain that I am having this experience for you all...

Eu tenho saudades pra vocês...beijos e abraços!

Brasília

Esperar - To Hope: Quando as Coisas Não Funcionam

 

People in brazil have a strangely beautiful and amazing ability to wait patiently and maintain relaxed when things não funcionam.

I talked to a man on a bus about this. I pondered "eu não entendo como pesoas em brazil tem muitos patience. É muito interesante pra mim."

I'm pretty sure this man ended up missing his flight because the bus didn't come on time. Yet...

We calmly talked about brazillian patience, lack of function, and a myriad of other topics for over an hour (em Português, I might add). 

Em los estados unidos pesoas....grrrr (meu mao português at work here...)..." In the US we want our money back if we stand, waiting, almost two hours for food.

But, I suppose it is rare that we would ever wait that long in the first place. We refuse to pay and walk out long before the 30 minute marker. 

If something goes wrong we get angry and try to get the priority service we paid for. After all we either earned or deserve it.  

At the end of out conversation, I think this man and I came to the conclusion that Brazilians are used to things não está funcionando so there is "no problem" and a backup plan will come along so that eventually things will work out even if they don't work... But Brasileiros sabem that eventually it all works out and not staying relaxed doesn't help.

If you wait through, it will all work out, even if it doesn't function properly or work. 

Se você tem patience, todas as coisas vão funcionar, mesma que ele não funciona direito.

I will end this post with a message I sent my husband while I was waiting for a delayed airplane with some Spanish-speaking imagrants coming to Pasco to work...

"well a cool fact...Portuguese and Spanish both use the verb esperar. It means "to hope" but is used for "to wait" as well. So you are literally hoping for something or someone. I like it. I think it shows insight into the hopeful mentality and patience Latin Americans have...anyways back to hoping :) love you"

24 Hours: No English

Its been 24 hours and my brain is kinda freaking out. I'm exhausted and feel like I am a major pain in the ass because people have to explain everything several times and the tension and the frustration and knowing I'm bad at Portuguese is is making it more difficult to understand, speak and recal what I do know...

Por outro lado, eu gosto la experiência porque é unique e eu sai que eu vou crescer mas que todas las otras situações em Brazil. Eu vou aprender mais português. Os pesoas tem muitos patience comigo também. Elles são fantásticos. 

My portuguese is atrocious and its frustrating because I want to connect with people deeper but I can't because the words must be simplified so much. Even my thoughts in English are being dumbed down.

meus pensamentos em português são ideias complexas. Eu adoro la experiência é acredito que eu vou aprender muito coisas sobra la Brazilian cultura so observando. E eles falan que meu português é bom pra dois meses. E eu mais o menos concordo. Tenho muitos feliz e sorrisos quando uma convenção é swave. 

I miss home (mostly my husband) and I miss spicy food, eating with my hands and taking my shoes off indoors. I miss Laramie and am sad that there is a possibility that I may never return. I am sad that I'm not yet in Washington and I'm sad that Jim is stuck there without me.

Saldages é minha palavra favorite en la idioma português. E eu penso que é descritivo de a cultura beleza. Uma cultura com muito emoções linda e sentimental. As pesoas aqui é carinhosos e dulce. Eles pensam com suas emoções. E eu gosto disso. Tenho saldages pra meus amigos en Santa Catarina e eu terei muitos pra pesoas aqui, pierto de Brasília, e todo o país.

Challenges make you stronger.
Viagem é cultivo bonito. 

Looking at Brasilia

*I ended up going 5 days and it was amazing...eu tenho cinco dias sem inglês e é foi muito bom! Obrigada amigos Brasileiros! 

E mais uma coisa. Disculpa meio mal em português...Eu escrevi este no meu diário/jornal, depois de um mês de practca português :p 

For those of you who speak both languages...I didn't intend on the two different tones...it just happened as I journaled and switched languages...

Art Exhibition in Brazil!

I have been blessed with several incredible opportunities while here in Brazil!

One if the most exciting art opportunities I have had is this opportunity to be in an art exhibition with several local, extremely talented artists. The reception will be tonight!

You can see my drawings on the black panels in the background. I drew one a day while in the South of Brazil. Prior to coming to Brazilia, I spent one week in Foz do Iguassu touring and one month in Joinville working with US-Brazil Connect teaching English.

The artwork in the front is from some of the kids 300+ that I had in workshops while here in Brasilia.

I can't wait and will be sure to share more photos!

Exposição de Arte: Week 3

One evening a super close Brazilian friend took us to an art reception. The art was wonderful.

I really enjoyed watching Alex and the other Brazilians look at the work. 

It opened a window into Brazilian culture. Alex spent nearly 15 - 20 minutes looking at and thinking about a drawing in the first room. Though he may not have spent that much time looking at all the works, he did spend much more time than Americans. I don't think he ever made to the entire show. 

The idea of time and how we relate to it is very different in North and South American cultures and this certainly could be seen in the way we view our art.

This piece was one of my favorites.

I absolutely loved the experience and the space as well. It was in an old abandoned beer warehouse with walls that seemed to have been built for this specific show. (Though of course it's possible that they were site specific pieces.)

 I hope to return to see the other exhibition. 

I would also like to talk to some of the artists a bit as well.

Protests: week 2

Some of the protest signs we saw in Joinville...

LAGARTO VIVE!

lutou contra o fascismo nas ruas,
contra o racismo
contra a homofobia
contra a alienação religiosa
contra a corrupção estatal
contra,  o capitalismo maquiavélico
contra, o especismo praticado aos animais
morreu em pé. vivieu e lutou
pela liberdade humana e animal
da tirania e do poder opressor de
poucos sobre muitos.
estará vivo em nossas mentes.
batendo forte em nossos corações e
presente em nossos punhos erguidos.
"nem todo irmão é companheiro,
mas todo companheiro será sempre um grande irmão".

Inglês: I used the help of google for parts of this so any corrections would be appreciated ;)

LIZARD LIVE!

fought against fascism in the streets,
against racism
against homophobia
against religious alienation
against state corruption
against the Machiavellian capitalism
against speciesism practiced on animals
died standing. vivieu and fought
by animal and human freedom
of tyranny and oppressive power
few over the many.
will be alive in our minds.
  pounding in our hearts and
This raised our fists.
"every brother is not mate,
but every companion will always be a big brother. "

Journal From July 1st

Jungle Pick-Nick: Week 3

Wow today was such a great day! We had a pick-nick with our kiddoes in a jungle for US Brazil Connect. 

I have this strange fascination with banana trees and today was my first actual hike through trails lined with banana trees and tropical flowers. In the following weeks there were more gorgeous hikes to follow, including one to a gorgeous waterfall. I should have some good video from that adventure. 

I think I will get another chance to go on a hike before leaving this beautiful and inspiring country.

We played volleybal, ate, sang karaoke, and hiked a beautiful trail in the jungle. 

I had a blast on the bus ride and at the pick-e nick-e with my students.   

I will share a blog about what happens on the back of Brazilian school buses. But for now, check out my YouTube videos.

Dhanyavaad Doston - I had a great year with you all!

I typed a thank you in Hindi that I planned to read at the going away party but forgot it :( and I'm pretty sure it actually made no sense...as I shared it online to have it proofread and was told it didn't make sense (when I get back to the US I will share it anyways. Ok well, when I find my computer)

I wanted to thank you all for welcoming Jim and I into your community. It was really special to be a part of your family. I've heard missionaries, and less often but other travelers as well, talk about going somewhere and being welcomed into the culture.

I now have a better understanding of how special that really is. There is a difference between hanging out and getting to know people and really being a part of it all and I feel like you guys blessed us with the opportunity to really be a part of your lives and culture.

It's funny becuase after returning to Wyoming I was seriously considering grad school at Khala Bhavan. But when we realized it was a longer program than I had originally thought we decided against it. This past year, though in Wyoming (possibly the place on earth that is the least like India), I really was able to experience a mini-India and it was beautiful. I learned so much about food, culture, religion, languages, social norms, cricket, and fell even more in love with your culture and people.

I began by wanting to learn Hindi. I honestly belive my goals desires changed to simply being friends and sharing life which was so beautiful.

I will never forget my last year in Wyoming and the times that we shared. I love each and every one of you guys. 

See Dhanyavaad Doston Pt 2 which I talk about being homesick from Indian culture while in Brazil.http://feliciafollum.blogspot.com/2014/08/dhanyavaad-doston-saudades-pt-2.html?m=1

3 Countries in One Day: Day 3-6/7

We unintentionally ended up in Paraguay a few days ago. Which is kinda sad becuase of the ease of border crossing also equals the ease of human and drug trafficking...

Standing in Argentina looking at Brazil (rt.) and Paraguay(lft.). 

But I absolutely haf a blast in Argentina with a good friend and his family. And Paraguay was a wonderful experience as well...

What Makes Me Happy

Henna Design
Sold
Ink+Watercolor on Paper

As a part of my fellowship, I was asked to create a list of 10 things that make me happy…Here is my list of the first thirteen things that I thought of.

Having good conversations with people
Playing Legendary with my husband
Making art that I am happy with
Dancing
Playing cricket (or softball)
Snowboarding
Studying a language
Riding my bike
Hugs
Learning about a new culture
Teaching others
My grandma
Baby animals

This is a great journal prompt. What are the first thirteen things you can think of that make you happy?

My US-Brazil Connect Bio

 Felicia Follum is a watercolor artist who has a passion for using her art to work with people in culturally diverse environments. She currently teaches art, blogging, yoga, and very basic languages (Spanish, Hindi, and Sign Language) to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And teachers private art lessons with “at-risk” youth. She would like to eventually have her own studio space where she creates and sells artwork and offers various creativity-based classes. Felicia’s significant travel experiences include Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (in South Dakota), Haiti, Mexico, and India. She is excited to spend time in Brazil and see what creative work and lasting friendships will come out of the experience.

To learn more about US-Brazil Connect, check out their website

Ask Me Anything Monday: Sports

I have been getting some questions as a part the US-Brazil Connect program that I am in. I thought it would be fun to answer them in blog post form...so here goes. Enjoy my "Ask Me Anything Monday" series. Feel free to ask about my life, art, or creative inspiration.

Ohhh I absolutely love snowboarding and softball.
 
I have snowboarded since I was in 7th grade and skied for that. The town I went to elementary and middle school in was about 20 minutes from a ski resort. We had to take skiing in PE (Physical Education) as kids.

I have also played softball since I was young. Though once you are out of high school there are few opportunites to actually play fast pitch softball so the last year I have started to play cricket. It is a lot of fun and very challenging.

Cricket

In addition to snowboarding and softball/cricket, I love yoga and dance. I also like golf , riding bikes as well as hiking and backpacking.

Ask Me Anything Monday: Travel

I have been getting some questions as a part the US-Brazil Connect program that I am in. I thought it would be fun to answer them in blog post form...so here goes. Enjoy my "Ask Me Anything Monday" series. Feel free to ask about my life, art, or creative inspiration.

What places inside and outside of USA have you visited? 

Alright, Outside of the US I have been to Haiti, India and Mexico.

For inside the US I have created the map above.
I have been to 18 out of the 50 states. It looks like more since I have been to more of the larger one and fewer of the smaller states. 

Where I Come From...

There is no hiding that artists use the world around them to inspire and influence their work. Our environments shape us into who we are. 

To be honest, I am currently not sure how place is impacting my work but I am hopeful and expectant that one day I will be able to write a response to this post and explain exactly how (or least have a better understanding of how) place has played a role in my art and shaping who I have become.

This post will show you some of my favorite places from where I have lived and where I am currently living. 

In the future I will share a post about "Where I am Going" which will include our upcoming move, but for now, I will share some of what I find beautiful about Wyoming and South Dakota.

The Black Hills of South  Dakota

I lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota from the time I was born through high school. 

The Black Hills are absolutely awe-inspiring. 

Outlaw Ranch and AMR are my home

A late night camp fire complete with life stories and philosophy is one of my favorite things. It's part of why I call myself a Church Camp Lutheran, I suppose. 

Sunrise hike with several thunderstorms surrounding us

Just some clouds

Gravity biking with my best friend from high school.

 What is gravity biking? Take the pedals off of a BMX bike, replace with PBC pipe for your knees and put your feet on the pegs and you are ready.

Rapid City South Dakota

Rapid City is the town I went to high school in.

Art Alley is one of my favorite places in Rapid City

Artist painting 

Just a bit of the work 

The next place I will share about is the state that I am currently living in and call home.

Wyoming

You can begin with these incredible photos taken in the state of Wyoming.

Though Yellowstone is on the other side of the state, it is most certainly worth the drive.

Grand Prismatic Springs

Honey Bee Geyser, I think

Next I will share some places right outside of where we live.  The Snowy Range and Vedauwoo. Both are natural beauties, one is very unique and the other majestic. 

The Snowy Range Mountains

The Snowy's are one of our favorite places to go hiking and walk around. It is about a 20 minute drive West of Laramie. You can see some of our fun FB photos here.

Snowy Mountains

More Snowy's

Vedauwoo

Vedauwoo is locate about 20 minutes out of Laramie in the other direction. This place is a rock climbers dream come true.

Vedauwoo

More Vedauwoo

As you may have gathered, I love the outdoors (more summer photos here) and have been fortunate to grow up surrounded by some truly incredible places. Though my artwork is not predominately nature based, the influence it has had on me is present in much of my work. Being surrounded by creation has certainly helped develop my spiritual and social beliefs which do play a part in my art...but more on that and my art in other posts.