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!

What Makes Me Happy

Henna Design
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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?

13 Beautiful India Moments

I know many of you have seen either my artwork in response to my time spent in India, snipits of my Hindi learning experience or photos from the workshops we participated in while in India. For those of you who have, this will hopefully a wonderful review and for those of you who have not seen, I hope you enjoy and check out my work regularly to see more of what I am creating in response to my time spent in India.

Laughter, Madhya Pradesh, India

I truly believe that laughter is the universal language. It transcends race, culture, religion and almost anything else that separates people. Though these ladies didn't speak any English and I didn't speak any of their languages, having my hair wrapped in a traditional style was a very special moment for me.

There were three of us in our group that had our hair/heads wrapped by a couple of women returning home from a wedding. Though, I am not sure anyone else noticed. The only three from our group that participated in this were all Christian.

I think this is significant as a simple action against the typical, or maybe I should say stereotypical, animosity that people often possess towards those who are different. And regardless of beliefs I was blessed with the opportunity to share life and laughter with this beautiful woman.

I am a huge believe in people from all backgrounds coming together to build meaningful and beautiful relationships and this moment was a symbol of that for me.

Wedding, Village near Santiniketan, West Bengal, India

Not trying to brag or anything, but I think I was the only one from our group that participated in two wedding celebrations while in India. Julia, Ajeesh, Sunil and I went to a village just outside of Santiniketan, West Bengal.

After joining our friend Ajeesh and sharing some home brewed rice beer and some stories in his neighbors village style courtyard. A bit of this strangely sour, yeast, and strong drink went a long ways...next we walked our bikes by all the rickshaw drivers having a party of some sort. This explained why all the rickshaw drivers in the middle of the night in Bishnapur had been completely drunk. It also would have been good to know before bartering with drunken rickshaw drivers...as we walked we began to hear drums in the distance.

Ajeesh stopped "hear that?!?" he asked....of course we did.

Ajeesh asked if we wanted to go to another small village for part of a wedding. Of course we did. So we rode our bikes in the dark with our headlamps. We came to know that this wedding party was at the brides home. The groom and his mother were there. We were served puffed rice and another serving of fresh brewed rice beer....after this we decided it was time to head back as we thought we had completely missed supper. 

Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India

Another one of my wandering adventures. I have more of this story on YouTube. 

Madhya Pradesh political rally. 

I think that this was one of the two times I was uncomfortable being a woman and was incredibly glad I had convinced another from our group to join.

Train Station, Madhya Pradesh, India

Wandering the train station at night was another wonderful adventure. Mark, the Printmaking professor at the University of Wyoming and I had fun taking pictures of some old beautifully textured posters.

Train Station, Madhya Pradesh, India

We also slept in the train station for most of the night...Our train was about 4 hours late. I honestly really enjoyed this part of the trip. It was a very unique experience even though I experienced it with hundreds, probably thousands of others.

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India

The lobby of the Khajuraho hotel was just about the most peaceful experience ever...especially since the bus ride prior had been so miserable. We were greeted with delicious juice. I had never tasted anything so delicious prior, nor have I since. In addition to the juice we were given jasmine and lavender scented moist face towels.

I typically not one for luxury but I had gotten used to that moment quick.

Haha comparing this hotel to our Bishmapur room...

3 people 2 towels 1 bed....ugh zero patience.

Barber Shop, Village in West Bengal, India

I had so much fun joking with these guys as I took their pictures. We were separated from our group for some reason so I was just goofing around as they posed and as our car waited.

This little shop just screams India to me.

Kitchen, Village in Madhya Pradesh, India

Another very special moment was going on a tour of this village home after a morning hike to a lookout area just above.

The tiger preserve was filled with fun, dace party to Punjabi hip hop blaring from car speakers, beedis, village flower wine, village dances, hiking, safaris and this little home.

Wedding Procession, West Bengal, India

Another Bengali wedding party. There were several different wedding marches while we were there.

Boys Playing Cricket, India

Boys playing cricket was a lot of fun to watch, however, I do wish I had understood the game before going.

Hooka, New Delhi, India

One of my sneaky solo adventures in New Delhi. This is the same adventure that I found the McDonalds.

Block Printing, New Delhi, India

Block printing was the first day in India

Devi Goddess Temple, New Delhi, Delhi, India

not sure why no one else in my group would walk through the temples but I found them fascinating from both a religious studies perspective and an art history perspective.

Pooja, West Bengal, India

This photo was taken during another one of those "Oh shoot, I really need to use the restroom moments" though you might not think so. I had asked one of our Bengali friends if there was a restroom nearby and he asked on the the people who lived in the village.

The family led me right to the...family shrine in the middle of a pooja...they invited me in so I took of my shoes and said "hello"...but only for a moment or two as I really needed to use the restroom. I thanked them and went back outside. I asked my friend again "is there a rest room, that was their shrine room" so he asked again and some how there had been translation confusion. So they led me to their restroom.

I hope you enjoyed a snipit of my India trip...What are some beautiful moments from one of your recent travels? Tell me in the comments below.

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100 Henna Designs

Create a series of 100 images!

Pre-India Dandia Night Henna

I found this idea in a book called 37 Assignments. The assignment is to create 100 images on a specific topic. The images can be photographs, drawings, digital. 

My Challenge:

As I continue to work on my India inspired art I will create 100 Henna inspired drawings (and as always I do plan to be creative with the definition of drawing). I plan on participating in the Thursday 13, I'm excited to get back into that (you can click the label/link below the post to see my other Thursday 13 posts). I'm sure I will share on some other online venues as well...any suggestions? Let me know below.

You can find my henna images on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #FFHenna100

Deadline:

I will have this series completed by my India inspired art exhibition, East Meets West, in March. Some of these designs may even be included in the exhibition.

Why not join me?

Complete this challenge for yourself.

Just a bit of Henna for me. Dandia Night 2013

What could you create 100 of? If you are an artist working on a specific field or topic like me, create 100 sketches on that topic. If you are a stay at home mom, try 100 new recipes this year? Writers, write 100 pages in a given amount of time. What ever it is that you want to do, set some goals, make a time line, and do it.

Let me know in the comments below what you would create if you took on this project or what you plan to create when you take on this project.

Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Thankful for....

1. My family - including my husband Jim, my parents and my grandmother
2. My friends - I love spending time with my creative friends
3. My job - I have the best job in the world
4. Food, water and shelter - Life is good
5. Creativity - I love that I have been given the opportunity to learn to be creative
6. My past - good and bad
7. My future - I welcome the challenges to come
8. My pet salamander - and the pets I had growing up
9. That I have found things I am passionate about - I love making art and advocating for others
10. My stubbornness - I have learned a lot by not giving in and standing my ground
11. That I don't need to do it all on my own - I am thankful that I have friends and family as well as a strong faith life
12. The many opportunities I have had - I know how fortunate I am
13. My privileges - Light-skinned privilege, American privilege, etc. I acknowledge that some are more privileged than others and I recognize the things that have helped me get to where I am today.

What are you thankful for?

13 Anti-Trafficking Resources

With estimates as high as 27 million slaves world wide and hundreds of thousands in the US it is obvious to me that much of my time needs to be spend on the topic of human trafficking.  Through research that has gone into my Lily Pads series I have found a vast array of resources addressing human trafficking and would like to share some of my favorite with you.

IJM - Simply put IJM is a human rights organization that aids in the rescue of trafficking and other victims.  IJM can be found on Facebook.  There are advocacy pages for many states that can update you with specific information for your state.  Find the Wyoming IJM Advocacy Group page here.  To find your state search "___________ IJM Advocacy Group."  If your state doesn't have one contact JusticeCampaign@ijm.org.

Photo taken in Art Alley, SD to use for inspiration.

Arts Aftercare - Arts Aftercare helps create art therapy kits to send to aftercare facilities throughout the world. Art is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to working with children, people who have experienced trauma, and when there is a potential language barrier.  Currently 10% (or more) of all my sales will go to Arts After care.  You can see more on the Arts Aftercare Facebook page.

JUBILEE - Curtis Romjue founder of Arts Aftercare is also a part of a not-for-profit band raising money for Arts Aftercare and other aspects of fighting slavery. You can find JUBILEE on Facebook.

Polaris Project - The Polaris Project has an international hotline that you can contact about all things trafficking.  They have several databases and registries for all of the state and provide a plethora of other resources including a variety of trainings.  As you read this enter their toll free number into your phone. 1-888-3737-888 Polaris Project Facebook

Truckers Against Trafficking - Truck stop prostitution plays a major roll in underage sex slavery, human trafficking, and underage prostitution in the US.   TAT Facebook page
     
Not For Sale - This organization is working on behalf of vulnerable communities and offers apps that allow you to check how products have been made. 
     Free2Work - This app grades brands on a A-F scale based on how they relate to child and forced labor.
     Slavery Map - Maps stories of slaves world wide
     The Underground Church Network - An invitation to all who have a faith based community.  There is a specific branch for the Jewish community.

End Slavery Now and the New Underground Railroad - Your organization, church, or you can be added to this list.

HumanTrafficking.org - This site has many resources.

XXXChurch.com or X3Church.com - Triple X Church helps people with sexual addictions.  Anything from porn stars and producers to the every day consumer.  Find XXXChurch on Facebook.

Obama's Speech on Trafficking

Here is a list of 7 organizations to follow on Twitter.

Many women's shelters, safe homes, police departments and other organizations have some training or knowledge on the topic.  Though there is a good chance that they are not fully qualified to handle a trafficking situation.

What are some of the most helpful resources you have found on human trafficking and sex slavery.

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

14 Art Inspirations from My Past Haiti Trip

Though I am not sure exactly will come out of my Haiti trip(s), I do have many ideas floating around with a percentage of all work (40% for photographs) sold going back to my experience in Haiti (You can see my journal entries in my Personal/Religion Blog).  Here is some of the work created so far as well as ideas I am still playing with.

1. I gained an understanding about communication and languages…. though I am not sure how, this concept/new understanding could be used in the future.  Read more about communicating while in Haiti.  Communication Part 1  Part 2

2. I can sell photographs and ink drawings

3. Sell work and give a percentage back (for photographs, 20% will going back to pastor Mark and 20% will go toward a trip back to Haiti)

4. Use imagery (photographs and drawings) for posters

5. Poster on world poverty or education

6. Poster on world water issues

7. Poster on children and death (or other) statistics. Knowing that Mikindy, a 2 month old boy that I held, is much 10 times more likely to die by age 2 than an American child, is pretty sad.

8. This trip brings back memories of the Home Depot clay pot factory in Tecate, Mexico…Maybe a poster could be created on this…This concept (and others) could easily be morphed into another zine.


9. I would still like to Create jewelry for the girls next time I go back (could create one small bracelet for every photograph, or other Haiti work sold)...Though creating jewelry would be great, it would also work well to cut the embroidery floss and teach the kids how to make bracelets.  This might mean more to the kids.

10. Think of more art projects for the kids to take back (I made bracelets and paper beads with the kids. They loved both)

11. The political graffiti had great textures...not sure how to use this

12. Haiti’s flowers were unique and beautiful (so were the landscapes)

13. Draw some of the names in graffiti style.

14. The teaching experience has proven useful in my current job teaching people with disabilities (link to the Coper Center for Creative Arts).

13 Tips for Mom’s who are Artists + 1 Last Minute Mothers Day Gift Idea

Happy Mother’s day to all you moms  (daughters, grandmothers, and even fathers) out there. Thank you all for everything you do to instill greatness in your children. I would especially like to thank my mom.  I love you!

Being an artist and being a mom are the two careers that I plan to pursue in the future and I think that there are huge challenges associated with both. Of course there are other jobs that I want and I definitely want to work with other people and other peoples kids at some point in my life. But my kids and my art are two things that are incredibly important to me (and we don't even have any kiddoes yet).

Here are some tips that I found for all the moms and/or artists out there...

1. Gear organization tips on how to run an art business and stay organized while staying at home with the kids.

2.  Some good thoughts in the comments section.

3. Time management for those who stay at home

4.  Another time management post with some great links

5. Motherhood and creativity interview

6.  Time management tips

7.  Organization ideas

8.  Here are some ideas that I have found that can help get your kids involved in the creative process

9.  Declutter and storage ideas - More ideas I have found

My Personal Tips

1. Multitasking – Do two tasks at once. If you need to set up an appointment, catch up with a friend or you want to have a play date. Do it over lunch. You both need to eat, why not eat and catch up.

2.  Upcycle - Many of these upcylcing projects could be done with kids and they will help beat clutter.  Dad, you can make one of these for mom (need a last minute mothers day gift, these are perfect).  Here is a unique upcycycled magazine box I created a while back.

3. Create art with you kids, I would really like to teach art lessons or classes…why not give a weekly lesson to my own kids and invite some of their friends?  Check out my Pinterest board for great ideas when "Working with Kids."

4. Start a blog with your children.  It is great practice when it comes to reading, writing, journalism, journaling, art sharing, photography, current events and can even serve as a family newsletter.  Another benefit to starting young with your kids is that you can learn about internet safety while you teach your children what is appropriate and what is not at a young age.

5. Take care of yourself.  Eat right. Exercise. Relax. How can you take care of others when you can't take care of yourself?  A compilation of some great healthy snack and lunch ideas can be found on my Play with Your Food Pin Board.


If you have any more tips please send them my way…As I will be needing them in the next few years.

7 Studio Organization Tips (and1 Inspiring Photo)

Image inspiration from Decor on a Dime

I have some great news regarding Felicia Follum Art+.  I am finally getting a studio space.

Now that I am graduating and no longer have unlimited access to the Visual Arts building and storage I will need another space to work.  The small office space that we have is no longer large enough for the supplies, my work and me.  I am ecstatic about finding the solution to these challenges and am committed to having a studio that functions as a space for me to be creative and to create.

I will be sure to share photos here and on Facebook...For those of you in the Laramie area, I am planning a Studio Warming/Open Studio event of some sort as well.

Below are the top 7 tips that I plan to use as inspiration to help me accomplish my studio organizational goals.

13 of My Photos to Keep your Imagination Soaring

The main purpose of this blog is to showcase my artwork.  In addition to fine art and social justice topics, I absolutely love taking photographs.  I have a camera on me as often as possible and take photos when I get the chance.  My photographs show up in my design as both main images and textures.

 I figured that these photos would be appropriate because beauty serves as a huge inspiration when it comes to the creative process.

Images of Changed Lives from 2011

Just thought I would share some of the most inspiring, heartbreaking, and incredibly beautiful images from 2011.  I am a strong believer in the arts and activism.  These photos are both art and socially conscious.

See the 45 most powerful images of 2011 with descriptions.
For now here are some of my favorites.  Click the link above for more information.

Why You Should Come to My Art Opening...

Opening: November 10, 6-8pm
Exhibition dates: November 8-17

...or at the very least check out and like my page on Facebook.

1. Commitment - I am committed to creating artwork that I am passionate about.

2. You enjoy great artwork - Well great artwork certainly is my goal and I would love to make you a part of the journey.

3. Make new friends - It is always great to get out and meet new people.  An art exhibition is the perfect opportunity.

4. Support the arts - Art is an important part of life. If you cant make it to my show, go to a local art exhibition and/or like my page.

5. Support a good cause - First of all you are supporting the arts and me.  In addition to simply supporting me, and the arts in general, but some other great causes as well.  I tend to have sales where a percentage goes to a charity or specific cause. Like my Facebook page for deals and updates.

6. Passion - I love artwork and I love using my art to make a difference.
Networking - I probably know people that may be able to help you out (and you know people too).

7. Networking - I am an intern for WOW, a professional development center for artists and I always emphasize the significance of networking (in real life).

8. You can teach me something - I love feedback on what art you want to see, but also love critique from other artists.

9. You will learn something new - I tend to focus my work on social issues and often use historical or current events.

10. Entertainment - Artwork is often entertaining and a gallery opening is something fun to attend.

11. Education disguised as entertainment - My formal training is in the field of conceptual graphic design...A lot of research goes into my projects.  I had a high school art teacher who was pretty cynical about our culture.  He was always commenting on how people want to be entertained rather than educated. Art is an opportunity for both education and entertainment.

12. Free art - My business cards for opening night have been custom printed.  There will also be at least one more opportunity for a giveaway.

13. Curiosity - I have given you 13 decent reasons for you to at least be a bit curious about my work. I am guessing you want to know a little bit more about me or my art. I have also been dropping tidbits of info in this blog, about my upcoming show and I am sure that some of them have sparked a bit of interest as well.

Now, why not - you are already on my blog and I am making it simple for you to check out and find my Facebook event page.



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Flower Postcard Series

Here are the original postcards that I drew using ink and wash.  The original artwork is on ready-to-send postcard watercolor paper.  The next step is to scan these images and get them printed.  I will also design a back side for the duplicate postcards.  These images may work well for greeting cards.

Pinterest: A useful Tool for an Artist

Some of my favorite uses for Pinterest.com

Inspirational Social Justice/Artist Posters

"James Cone's Jesus" and "Malcolm X: Who taught you to Hate Yourself"



Grace is Queer

From the time I was quite young, I have been passionate about helping others. I have also been blessed with artistic talent. I believe that making a difference in people's lives is one of the most important things that I can do with my artwork. The top several posters are my work and the bottom ones are some that have inspired me. I hope you enjoy.

Incarceration

Church and State

GRACE

Keep reading to find some inspirational posters designed by a variety of artists.
Click the link below the image to find the artist or get more information.

Last Thursday Portland

For those of you who were unable to attend Last Thursday on Alberta in Portland,
here is a bit of what you missed

My Art

And a whole bunch more craziness....

Here Goes...

Some ways to learn technique and generate artwork…This is in response to My Artwork Analysis.

1. studio time – work on my art everyday (or consistently). Right now I think that this means that I need to create work, sketch, or brainstorm Monday, Tuesday night after work, Thursday and Friday.

2. Talk to artists and get critiques and ask them what they think my strengths are.

3. Take classes. The three art classes that I would still like to take include printmaking, watercolor, and book arts.
a. Printmaking – this class will help me learn more techniques and develop both my graphic design skills as well as my ink drawings. I do think that my style could be found through a variety of printmaking techniques.
b. Book Arts – I naturally gravitate towards text and books. Printmaking and book arts are heavily integrated and book arts will help with my ink drawings and graphic design skills.
c. Watercolor – I have never been much of a painter but watercolor techniques apply to ink and wash drawings.

Portraits from Haiti

After returning from Haiti, I am certainly excited to use all that I saw in my future art projects. Everything was fascinating and incredibly inspirational.  I saw everything from the extreme poverty of downtown Port-au-Prince to the beautiful rice fields and mountains surrounding the village of Thoumazea. Be sure to check out my Haiti journal and my photographs see more of my images and thoughs.

It is still difficult to define what exactly will be translated into artwork but it is almost certain that something will come from the trip (well some photographs have already). When you are surrounded by intense beauty, sadness, poverty, joy, and as well as a completely new culture and language, it seems that something must come from it.

Here are some portrait photographs I took while in the village of Thomazeau.  These are just some of the kids that I was able to spend time with.  We made paper beads and bracelets.  (I will post about the art lessons here soon)  40% of all sales will go back to Haiti. Comment on this blog or on my Facebook Page for more information about purchasing and/or use of the images.

I have some photos that I will be posting in the future that help us to understand more about the devastation of the Haiti earthquake and show some of the after math.  Some others will depict the politics, beauty, and religions of the area.

If you would like to purchase or use these images please contact me and I will get you the file/print.  Remember 40% or more of all proceeds will go back to the village and children in the photo.