Fundraiser for Southern Solidarity

Talking to a friend last week, first time seeing this person since the beginning of the pandemic in the U.S., I mentioned that I had been painting a lot more during this time. She asked if I felt more inspired during this time. I laughed and said "no" but that I felt like I should use the time to get out some other ideas that had been in the back of my head for, in some cases, years. However, since the start of stay-at-home, I have had one new idea. In my head, I pictured a much more exaggerated and surrealistic approach, but for me, sometimes the art takes on its own journey. The original concept was to do a portrait where the eyes and mouth would be open to the background of a swamp scene. Because of this, I worked each layer separately. If you've followed some of my past work, you know that the surfaces of paintings are just as significant as the subject matter itself. In this case, I probably would've done better to have worked the elements separately, since I ended up with a fairly different end product from the original concept, but sometimes journeys just take us different places and we can't lament on where we started or the path we took.

Sòsyè de Swamp (2020)

16"x20" acrylic on bluetooth canvas

That's right! This canvas can play music via bluetooth! It has speakers in the back as well as a charger that comes with it.

Because of these uncertain times for everyone, I want to take time to uplift a really great local organization that does work with the houseeless population of New Orleans: Southern Solidarity. They are an amazing group of people who provide food, water, and basic medical care to this very vulnerable part of our city. Earlier on, I was able to donate directly to them with my stimulus boost. Currently, I am unable to pay it forward financially, so that's where you come in! I'll be auctioning this painting off on my Instagram page this weekend! Check for the post at 8am on Saturday August 1st for instructions! If you're in the Greater New Orleans area, I'll be able to drop it off, but if you're outside of the area and still would like to participate, just consider the cost of shipping as an add-on. If you're not interested in this process at all, I highly encourage you check out Southern Solidarity and consider donating to them directly. They really are doing great work! This is especially important to me, not only to protect and help those vulnerable people of our city, but because especially now, housing insecurity is a big issue in our society. Many of us are just a paycheck away from being evicted. Some of us losing the unemployment boost at the end of the month are having to make really difficult decisions regarding our health and safety and financial security. Many of us also do not have jobs to go back to. We are all part of this vulnerable piece of society and we are only as strong as those we care for. Now is the time for solidarity with each other. To practice good community care. To take care of one another.