Monthly Archives: July 2009

Domestic Violence Awareness

Was created for a Domestic Violence Awareness event sponsored by LMCC

Was created for a Domestic Violence Awareness event sponsored by LMCC

There are many great causes out there, but there is one that I support and stand with , the cause against Domestic Violence.  Over the years I have participated in a few initiatives and campaigns. I was actively involved in SOAR (Survivors Overcoming Abusive Relationships in the Merrimack Valley), an initiative sponsored by the Lawrence/Methuen Community Coaliton (LMCC) in partnership with the YWCA of Greater Lawrence, Supportive Care, and the Women’s Resource Center.  Due to a lack of funding that awareness campaign dried up, but in my heart the dream has not died.
Presently I am creating  products for sale at  http://www.zazzle.com/vpholmes/gifts?cg=196854753686595269  amongst the product lines are Domestic Violence Awareness items such as , buttons, T-shirts, bumper sticker, mugs and other available items on the site. I will be partnering with a local agency ( focus is domestic violence)  and all proceeds from the sale of this product line will go to that agency to benefit individuals of Domestic Abuse.

Patience!!

Copy of Copy of April Tulips3 CroppedI have my moments…there are times I will stand at the microwave, feet tapping and questioning why is it taking so long.  Then there are the days when Job and I are twins. Sunday was one of  those, nothing went right, as I was about to post my article for 1stAngel Arts Magazine when  my computer crashed. I will be the first to tell you, I have no patience with electronic equipment, but that day I sat  quietly went through all the steps for my computer to reboot…Nothing!  All this began at 9am. Well,  instead of grumbling, groaning, and the irrational tossing, I quietly took my paint brush and went to work on my eisel. Later at 7pm, I gave Dell a call, they walked me through the necessary steps to have my system working again.
What’s my point, you ask…My point is this….situation, cirucumstances and life’s issues can cause us to make irrational decisions. If only when things go wrong, we could stop, step back, and allow rational thinking to prevail.

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Inspiration!

Picture 213

Diamond holding a Daffodill

Everyone has something that inspires them, nature, friends, parents, or a public figure.   As an artist inspiration comes from several directions, other artists past and present, nature,friends, or life’s events.
My biggest inspiration is my faith in God, followed by my children and life’s occurances.  Someone once said “what does not kill you, makes you stronger,”  well call me Sampson!
I would love to hear from others about what inspires you.

Roots & Branches

“We follow the herd, follow the river, move for climate change, we are not permanent,  scattered seed, the winds of change can take us in several directions.”

All this came to mind as I thought of “Roots & Branches” we are scattered seeds.

Roots & Branches concept

Sketch of "Roots & Branches" at times the painting may take a different direction

Book Progress

Charm to Harm045

Charm to Harm

I spend too much time thinking……but it’s all a part of the creative process. There are a few social cause I support, the two main ones are the cause against domestic abuse and hunger/homelessness.
A few years ago, in one of my toughtful state, I was reflecting on the word “charm” as it relates to domestic abuse, I thought of my own situation as a survivor and thought how charming my abuser was in the begining of the relationship.  He was polished and suave, but eventually that facade was lifted and I was harmed.  I pulled out my pen and paper, wrote the word, as “CHARMED – HARMED”   only the “C” made the difference, I drew a smashed “C”.
Yes..that is the title of the book “Charmed to Harmed” I am presently working on…I am hoping it will be completed by summer’s end… as I stated in an earlier blog….I find the time.
Here is a preview of the cover (I allowed this image and the title to be used in my local church, where a series was being done on domestic violence awareness.