I am between contracts– creatively hustling while applying for new contracts to survive and to be able to provide specially requested arts programming for refugee youth (at no cost to their program). That is what my 100 Herons Art Project is all about.
HERON’S MOST SIGNIFICANT ESSENCE: aggressive self-determination and self-reliance
Check out:
I am focusing on the Pacific Blue Herons who are nesting just down the block from me in Stanley Park, Vancouver:
THE DEAD HERON:
Recall that on June 15, 2017, I took a walk to the heron nests to look for some feathers in the grass for collaging… and I came across a LARGE pile of scattered heron feathers– obviously from a heron who fell or was pushed out of the nest and who likely lost its life to a predator. A teen heron perhaps? I gathered as many feathers as I could– thanking and honoring the heron’s life by incorporating the feathers into the art.
A feather from a heron symbolizes patience, grace and confidence…
Recall as well that I took the feathers home, soaked them in gentle detergent to clean and disinfect, and laid them out on newsprint to dry them. I then categorized them and collected them into mason jars.
I have been incorporating the feathers into the 100 Herons Panels. For example:
A week ago, I came across what was likely the body of that heron whose feathers I collected. I felt so moved. Compelled to examine. (Yes, those are maggots and blow flies doing their work).
In fact, I have been a bit obsessed. I kept walking back to the spot witnessing the taphonomy process: the transition of animal remains from the biosphere into the lithosphere.
Biosphere: the regions of the surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere of the earth occupied by living organisms.
Lithosphere: the rigid outer part of the earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.
Yesterday, I decided to sit down beside the decaying remains and draw the little thing- thanking it and honoring it. I was, in all honesty, tempted to take the skull, but sitting there under the nests– the atmosphere strangely silent– I knew I was simply there to be a witness. And to leave the heron to its process.
I left a little flower and went home to incorporate the moment into, what is now, the 5th panel.
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$375.00 of the $2500 goal raised so far. My goal by the end of this long weekend is to reach $750.00. My first session with the refugee youth group is booked for July 13, 2017, and I hope to be able to bring not only drawing supplies for the session but art kits for the 26+ youth on that day that they can take with them.
Thank you to my donors so far and for all of you spreading the word.
THE PROJECT:
I am creating of twelve (OR MORE 20″ x 30″ panels depicting a total 100 Herons between June 14 to July 31, 2017. The panels will be exhibited and sold.
For every $25 raised I will draw a heron!
THE SPONSORED ART will allow me to develop and provide FREE ART LESSONS for REFUGEE YOUTH from war-torn countries at a Lower Mainland program. Funds go to program development and facilitation fee, art supplies, art kits for participants, travel costs.
DONATION BUTTON:
I will be drawing a heron for every $25 raised!
Any amount welcome! Donors of $10.00 CAD or more can choose to have their name and/or a special message woven into Heron nest imagery in the panels.
You can donate via PayPal or email transfer britakatarina@gmail.com. I can provide receipts.
Check the panels at:
I currently have several 20″ x 30″ panels in progress. They are being embroidered and embellished. They will be exhibited at various community events in August!
INTERESTED IN PRE-PURCHASING PANELS?
The panels are being made available for pre-purchase on my ETSY site:
