Art in Action
Art bringing Social Change
“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”
So stated John F. Kennedy, a strong supporter of the arts, on behalf of the National Cultural Center which would come to bear his name in November, 1962.
Art can thrust out a communication, a message, it can tell stories - both astounding and true - that put a human face on incidents. Art can transform shock into emotion - and inspire action. It can sooth a troubled spirit, awaken ones desires and bring disparate peoples together.
Art can also raise awareness of important social issues. Let’s take Michael Jackson as a timely example. With his passing, he left a philanthropic legacy almost as large as his cultural one. As a master of showmanship, his song, “We Are the World”, which he co-wrote with Lionel Richie in 1985, helped combat famine in Africa and set a trend of social consciousness that was followed by other artist celebrities.
My Art Chronicle of World Events
Since I began creating my new art portfolio a few months ago, an incident took place that outraged me and it provided the impetus to start my own “Art Chronicle of World Events”. Iran’s so-called democratic national elections took place on June 12 and almost within hours it was clear that the democratic process was in name only and current hard-line leadership would not be stepping down.
As thousands of Iranians took to the streets in protest, a brutal government crackdown went into force, attempting to shut down freedom of speech. Among the protesters was a 26 year old philosophy student, Neda Agha-Soltan, who was shot dead by a member of the Basij, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, The event, captured on video, showed Neda’s last minutes of life, and her blood streaked face was the indelible image that flew around the world, heightening international outcry.
As stated so eloquently by JFK above, it is one’s “contribution to the human spirit” that is most remembered.
Click image below for full story of "Enough".
Since I began creating my new art portfolio a few months ago, an incident took place that outraged me and it provided the impetus to start my own “Art Chronicle of World Events”. Iran’s so-called democratic national elections took place on June 12 and almost within hours it was clear that the democratic process was in name only and current hard-line leadership would not be stepping down.
As thousands of Iranians took to the streets in protest, a brutal government crackdown went into force, attempting to shut down freedom of speech. Among the protesters was a 26 year old philosophy student, Neda Agha-Soltan, who was shot dead by a member of the Basij, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, The event, captured on video, showed Neda’s last minutes of life, and her blood streaked face was the indelible image that flew around the world, heightening international outcry.
As stated so eloquently by JFK above, it is one’s “contribution to the human spirit” that is most remembered.
Click image below for full story of "Enough".
Enough
In Support of Indigenous People
Past, Present and Future Indigenous Peoples Series – See my first two paintings
As you will see from my bio, starting at the age of 17, I learned my craft by adventuring through the New Zealand countryside, painting the splendor surrounding me and selling my work to support myself. It was the interaction with people on these travels however that gave me my first view of social injustice. I became involved in the growing movement to restore land rights to New Zealand’s indigenous Maori and depicted their struggles through a series of paintings. A few years later I decided to devote my energies full time to social issues – a course which lead me to the four corners of the globe and introduced me to diverse cultures and indigenous races. From the Aborigine of Australia to the Mayans of Central America, the Native American tribes of USA and Canada and the Roma people of Europe, I learned that a bond existed between them, brought about through generations of suffering and humiliation, through the confiscation of their lands, and the attempted destruction of their language and cultural identity. I saw that in many cases, the trail back to self-respect and public recognition was sparked with a renaissance of their art. This was the case in my homeland of New Zealand, one of the happier examples of cultural restoration and acceptance around the planet.
The reasoning behind the title of this series, is my desire to show what I have seen to be the road to cultural and artistic resurgence. Namely, recognition of the traditional values of the past, encased in the beauty of the natural environment and united by the strength of the human spirit. Youth of course plays an important role, being the hope of a better tomorrow.
I have now completed the first two paintings in my Past, Present and Future Indigenous People Series. The first is Mayan Girl and the second, The Maori.
Click on the images below for larger versions as well as my statement of inspiration for each painting and a brief history of these two wonderful races.
Past, Present and Future Indigenous Peoples Series – See my first two paintings
As you will see from my bio, starting at the age of 17, I learned my craft by adventuring through the New Zealand countryside, painting the splendor surrounding me and selling my work to support myself. It was the interaction with people on these travels however that gave me my first view of social injustice. I became involved in the growing movement to restore land rights to New Zealand’s indigenous Maori and depicted their struggles through a series of paintings. A few years later I decided to devote my energies full time to social issues – a course which lead me to the four corners of the globe and introduced me to diverse cultures and indigenous races. From the Aborigine of Australia to the Mayans of Central America, the Native American tribes of USA and Canada and the Roma people of Europe, I learned that a bond existed between them, brought about through generations of suffering and humiliation, through the confiscation of their lands, and the attempted destruction of their language and cultural identity. I saw that in many cases, the trail back to self-respect and public recognition was sparked with a renaissance of their art. This was the case in my homeland of New Zealand, one of the happier examples of cultural restoration and acceptance around the planet.
The reasoning behind the title of this series, is my desire to show what I have seen to be the road to cultural and artistic resurgence. Namely, recognition of the traditional values of the past, encased in the beauty of the natural environment and united by the strength of the human spirit. Youth of course plays an important role, being the hope of a better tomorrow.
I have now completed the first two paintings in my Past, Present and Future Indigenous People Series. The first is Mayan Girl and the second, The Maori.
Click on the images below for larger versions as well as my statement of inspiration for each painting and a brief history of these two wonderful races.
Mayan Girl
The Maori
Being that I have worked in the non-profit arena for the last two decades, I appreciate the hard work and dedication of these groups and individuals. I also understand the joy of helping others – the greatest reward being improved conditions and happier lives.
But as anyone either working or volunteering in the non-profit sphere will tell you, one of the greatest challenges they face is raising sufficient funds to support their activities.
Therefore, I am offering to create - free of charge - an original painting for non-profit groups that promotes their cause and can help them raise funds. I will promote the original painting and the group on this website and also offer prints of the original. Fifty percent of ALL sales, of both the original as well as print sales will funnel back to the group. Obviously the value of this action depends on it being publicized as broadly as possible, both on-line and through all other promotional avenues. It would be expected that the partnering group have a promotional plan beforehand and put this into effect; this way we both benefit. If the non-profit would like to use the painting for some other fundraising actively such as a raffle, include this information in an email to me (see below.) Naturally, there is the limitation of time, but I will doing these paintings regularly. Additionally I reserve the right to decide which projects to support.
Please send your request to leisa@leisacollins.com along with details of your group, proof of non-profit status, the link to your site and other relevant details. Recognizing that non-profit groups generally have intimate familiarity with the area in which they specialize, I will likely need to work closely with the group in the creative planning stage of the art work.
But as anyone either working or volunteering in the non-profit sphere will tell you, one of the greatest challenges they face is raising sufficient funds to support their activities.
Therefore, I am offering to create - free of charge - an original painting for non-profit groups that promotes their cause and can help them raise funds. I will promote the original painting and the group on this website and also offer prints of the original. Fifty percent of ALL sales, of both the original as well as print sales will funnel back to the group. Obviously the value of this action depends on it being publicized as broadly as possible, both on-line and through all other promotional avenues. It would be expected that the partnering group have a promotional plan beforehand and put this into effect; this way we both benefit. If the non-profit would like to use the painting for some other fundraising actively such as a raffle, include this information in an email to me (see below.) Naturally, there is the limitation of time, but I will doing these paintings regularly. Additionally I reserve the right to decide which projects to support.
Please send your request to leisa@leisacollins.com along with details of your group, proof of non-profit status, the link to your site and other relevant details. Recognizing that non-profit groups generally have intimate familiarity with the area in which they specialize, I will likely need to work closely with the group in the creative planning stage of the art work.
Painting Grand Canyon - USA
The Across the USA from the Eyes of an Artist tour culminated in New York after an action-packed 7000 mile adventure which gave me a captivating view of the places and faces of America from the eyes of an artist.
The journey marked my re-emergence into the art world after two decades of global travels and social activism. In addition to recording the scenic beauty and people of America through photos and paintings I created on the road, the tour also raised awareness for art education for youth.
The journey marked my re-emergence into the art world after two decades of global travels and social activism. In addition to recording the scenic beauty and people of America through photos and paintings I created on the road, the tour also raised awareness for art education for youth.
Madeleine's Art Project
This is my first painting in my Art Education for Kids Series. Its called Madeleine's Art Project. Madeleine is a bright 6 year old artist. She is one of the lucky ones however as she goes to a school called Delphi Academy that focuses heavily on the arts and student creativity. Madeleine and the other students thrive in this environment.
Why do I support art education for kids?
"I'm often categorized as having no "formal art education". However, this statement could be disputed. I experienced the joy of both learning and creating all forms of art throughout my elementary and secondary school education - in fact some days I swear it was the only reason I showed up at all!
"Today in the USA, over 40% of elementary school children don't have art teachers. With every state in the nation facing financial crisis and budget cuts, art is often one of the first items slashed. This means that the community - that's you and me -- must do more to ensure ALL children are taught the skills of observing, imagining, creating and thinking."
"I'm often categorized as having no "formal art education". However, this statement could be disputed. I experienced the joy of both learning and creating all forms of art throughout my elementary and secondary school education - in fact some days I swear it was the only reason I showed up at all!
"Today in the USA, over 40% of elementary school children don't have art teachers. With every state in the nation facing financial crisis and budget cuts, art is often one of the first items slashed. This means that the community - that's you and me -- must do more to ensure ALL children are taught the skills of observing, imagining, creating and thinking."
