Tags
art, art for a cause, Crooked Trails, giving, honour, integrity, Maiti Nepal, pride, seeds of the rose, sharing creating, Volunteering, volunteerism, Yellow rose of Zonta, Zonta, Zonta International
“Did you ever think maybe that is what you are supposed to do? Why you were given your talents?”
When I first heard these words, I baulked as it felt as though what I do holds only the value of giving rather than receiving (as in monitory compensation and professional recognition) and then I stood back and took stock for a few reasons to accept the questions as a matter of truth.
- Honour
- Integrity
- Giving
- Creating
- Exposure
- Pride
- Caring
- Volunteerism
- Sharing (I have always maintained) is the true heart of an artist.
I enjoy volunteering – it does give back, it does ground the soul, it does satisfy the maternal instinct, it does feed a void.
I like sharing – always have and always will – there is something intimate about sharing that is satisfying. Caring is sharing and vice versa.
Creating? – Well what can I say if the mood hits right and the channels open it is a glorious day!
Exposure – Since I don’t very often join outside groups nor am I a big fan of committees and organizational politics and bureaucracy then it goes to follow that if I am able to showcase my work via on-line contacts I am satisfied.
Ego and honour and pride go hand in hand in my opinion.
If I offer, it is sincere – or if I look for an opportunity to repay someone for a good thing – integrity goes into play naturally.
And so maybe just maybe a portion of my purpose is as suggested is creating for a CAUSE.
My friend Jean Ann French (I met her while volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Global) approached me to paint an original piece for a conference she was going to be attending with Zonta International, a women’s group who concentrate on the betterment of females world-wide. What a great Cause!
I immediately agreed and then she laid the bomb on me – it had to be based on the theme of yellow roses. Now, anyone who knows my art pretty well knows that painting pretty yellow roses doesn’t jibe too well with my style. I suppose if I were a classically trained artist I could whip off a bunch of yellow roses in a heartbeat but alas that wasn’t the case.
“Jean Ann, while the roses are truly beautiful I don’t see myself painting a beautiful perfect rose.”
“Oh no, no, no. I fully expect it to have your stamp on it.”
“Okay:)” (ego)
“Of course you will be compensated for your contribution.”
“No, I think I would like to donate it as my way of supporting the organization.” (the giver in me is happy, the artist in me feeling a creative surge, the ego patted very nicely tyvm, the berth of exposure more than met, the friend in me caring).
Yes this is what I was meant to do. All the criteria has been met.
Here is the result of my work. I decided that in order to attract a younger base of members to Zonta the work would have to reflect not only Zonta’s ideals and goals but also appeal visually to a modern mind.
Acrylic and Collage (mixed) “SEEDS of the ROSE”
Another result being than I am now an honorary member of Zonta – Now – how cool is that? So, as you can see, in the end it is me who becomes the all around winner.
Dr.Jean Ann French is a dynamo – a tireless advocate and volunteer, professor, (shopper 🙂 ) and traveller.I would challenge anyone to try to keep up with her schedule and gifts. Her latest adventure will take her to Nepal with the organization Crooked Trails where her purpose is
“My trip to Nepal will serve two groups or more by sharing reports, papers, and presentations for the following:
I will submit a report of my findings to Zonta International, while my trip will be ‘service’ work credited to the Zonta e-Club USA-1because I will invite the new Zonta Club of Katmandu to attend our meeting with Maiti Nepal. Zonta International promotes the advancement of women and has a real passion for stopping human trafficking.
I will write an academic paper on leadership on Maiti Nepal and present at a conference, which should get the paper published in a scholarly journal.”
To find out more about the Nepal Trip – visit http://nepalwithjeanann.wordpress.com/
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Lesley Fletcher is a writer (freelance, books, content, lyrics, stage plays) as well as a visual artist with a concentration in monoprints. To learn more about her please visit the tabs here on WordPress or her website at http://www.LesleyFletcher.com
Peace – Have a wonderful day.
Mark Armstrong said:
Hey, I was mighty impressed with you and your work before reading this post– now I’m even more impressed!! (I should probably put on a suit to write this comment, but I’ve already got my pajamas on, so, uh… : )
I’d never heard of Zonta International. You sure did ’em proud, Lesley. Love your interpretation as well. Just goes to prove my theory: it’s not the roses, it’s what you do with ’em!! Great work, cool post! : )
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
How true Mark – I will remember those words. It’s not the roses, it’s what you do with them. Often people are so quick to give an insincere gift to ease the conscience (at least that is how I interpret your words) Thank you, thank you.
PJ’s become you – no worries 😀
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munchow said:
I love your approach to art and life in general. To give, to be generous and compassionate, that is ingrained in creativity. I love your yellow roses – and even if it wasn’t your kind of subject matter in the first place, you sure made some special out if the painting, exactly for that reason. And congratulations with the honorary membership.
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
Thank you Otto – your perspective is always so welcome and enlightening to me.
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LadyBlueRose's Thoughts Into Words said:
oh I do love Yellow roses and yours are terrific!
( it is a favorite of most Texans LOLs)
they made me smile..I love your gift….and you being you…
Thank you…for sharing….
Take Care….You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
MaryRose – your comment is so appreciated and needed at this time and I thank you too.
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Susan Scott said:
I am re-reading this Lesley, and I so hope that my comment gets posted this time! I loved this so much. I remember that I commented a while ago but it didn’t get posted so just to say that this brought a smile to me again, so thank you!
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
Appreciated Susan – Haven’t been posting in a while because of family (mourning) but your comment gave me a smile.
It is up your alley isn’t it? 🙂
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LuAnn said:
You have such a beautiful, colorful soul that spills out into your gorgeous artwork! 🙂
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
And you and those like you give me wings. What a generous person you are. Thanks so much.
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LuAnn said:
Not sure of my generosity, just know how your words and artwork speak to me. 🙂
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marymforbes said:
Your art often makes my day brighter. Good job Les.
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
Thanks Mary. That means a lot to me.
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G.R. Bliss said:
Fantastic post Lesley! And, as usual, a most wonderful piece of art!
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
G>R> You are so sweet. Thanks 🙂
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valeriedavies said:
Lovely post Lesley… it all had a perfect completed quality to it…including your yellow roses
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
Thank you Valerie. As I mentioned further down in the comments my purpose presented itself very fittingly and it took its own shape. This is one of many gifts of my art I have donated but usually it is something I have already painted so that was why I decided to write about it. I will go fetch my halo now, if you’ll excuse me. 😀
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Md. Alsanda said:
Thank you for stopping bu and the following.
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silentlyheardonce said:
good for you. What you give always comes back two folds.
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
Supposed to right? Still waiting on some. Karma is for another day – still waiting on some of that too 😀
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jeanannfrench said:
Thank you, Les, for such a nice piece that explains our various reasons for our work and our passions.
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
My pleasure Jean Ann. As I mentioned here – it met all of my criteria even though I hadn’t realised the exact measurements of that until I put this post together. Looking forward to creating the next one.
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Margot Kinberg said:
Lesley – That’s truly beautiful. You know, you raise a very important question, too. Why are we given the talents we have? It’s worth some real contemplation…
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Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher said:
It is worth it. This post brought some of my reasons forward and I am pleased if it gave you food for thought. Thank you Margot.
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