When we see ourselves as part of one big family, we change the world.
Susan Korsnick
Motivated by Love
I’m uplifted by the many stories of individuals courageously doing what they can to help make the world a better place. Rather than allowing themselves to be paralyzed by what is going on, they are motivated by LOVE to take action.
That means something different for each one of us- participating in marches, signing petitions, making phone calls, running for political office, donating money, volunteering time,… the list of possibilities is limited only by the imagination. There are many issues that need immediate attention but, no one person can do it all. Pick a cause that speaks to your heart and give of your Self in whatever way you can. That’s how we will turn this around.
Art as Activism
For me, any human act that negatively impacts the earth and wildlife calls to my heart and soul, inspiring my art and my desire to help in any way I can. The Australian bushfires are one example. As of this post’s publication, over 1 billion animals have died in this cowardly act of eco-terrorism. I can’t even comprehend that!
As I recently wrote on Facebook, “It is easy to become overwhelmed by the devastation and unfathomable loss of life… Those of us far from the tragedy feel it deeply and long to help in any way we can.”
When I saw the dazed stare of a shocked and confused koala being rescued from its burning home, I had to create “Family”, a watercolor painting of a girl and a koala lovingly holding one another.
The koala population is already at an all-time low, roughly 5% of what it once was, mainly due to humans clearing the trees that provided their shelter and food. The ongoing fires have claimed the lives of at least 350 koalas and many more are burned, injured, and homeless. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is providing water tanks in areas where koalas cannot get to fresh water, medical attention for the injured animals, and rehabilitation.
Art is at times joyful, beautiful, soul-revealing, celebratory, healing, and empowering; it can also raise awareness and inspire action. From now through Feb. 14, 2020, I’m donating 100% of the profit from the sale of “Family” prints to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in support of their efforts. (Prints available to mailing addresses in the US only.)
Let Love Rule
As I painted this piece, the song “Let Love Rule” by Australian singer songwriter Archie Roach, began to play on Spotify. My eyes filled with tears and I felt a squeeze around my heart- for the tragedy in Australia as well as the other shocking events happening in the United States and around the world. His album was released in 2016 but is even more poignant today.
Let Love Rule
(click on title of song to link to YouTube recording)
Oh when darkness overcomes us
And we cannot find our way
Although we keep on searching
For the light of day
And we hear the children crying
And we don’t know what to do
Gotta hold onto each other
And love will see us through
Let love rule
Let it guide us through the night
That we may stay together
And keep our spirits calm
Only truth
Will shine the morning light
‘Cause love is the only thing
That will keep us safe from harm
Oh, I cover up my ears
So I cannot hear
The voices of hate
And the voices of fear
And I cover up my eyes
So I cannot see
What’s happened to this country
That used to be free
Let love rule
Let it guide us through the night
That we may stay together
And keep our spirits calm
Only truth
Will shine the morning light
‘Cause love is the only thing
That will keep us safe from harm.
Oh you know I love this country
Every rock and every tree
The grassland and the desert
The rivers and the seas.
You know I love the people
Wherever they are from
Yes, I love all the people
Who call this land their home.
Let love rule
Let it guide us through the night
That we may stay together
And keep our spirits calm
Only truth
Will shine the morning light
‘Cause love’s the only thing
That will keep us safe from harm
Let love rule
(Let it guide us through the night)
Let love rule (Let love rule)
Let love rule (Let love rule and bring the guiding light)
Let love rule (Let love rule)
Namaste and lots of LOVE!