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"Art you will Love - People you will never Forget"

Artful Insight

by

Writer and Artist Laurie Homan

Last update 06/22/2007 11:25 AM -0700

Insight:  to be able to see and understand clearly the inner nature of things.

Greetings and welcome to Artful Insight! 
 
My name is Laurie Homan and I will be doing my very best to represent the extremely talented and inspirational artists of Disabled Artists Network, (DAN) through this newsletter.  We have every type of disability.  In fact, DAN is comprised of artists from around the globe.  We are a true community of artists, working together and supporting each other; sharing our hopes, dreams and fears. 

DAN's newsletter will explore the art world of disabled artists; offering the stories, journeys, lives and difficulties of being an artist with obstacles to overcome.  There is beautiful art as well as great inspiration to be found among the pages of DAN, and  we're going to be bringing it all to you.

Find out the latest news here! Plus a fun survey every month!

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New News!  Oct.  2006

Do you want to see more!  Go to the Artist Directory to meet these Artists and view there Art!

 

 

 

 

Who has an exhibit, New Artwork, Photography, Jewelry, Music, Video, Sculpture or any new creative work, Concert, Auction, Sale or Book coming out this month?

May 2007

Check out Colleen Lambert's newest work at:
Definitely well worth the time!!!
 
Don't forget to go to Anita Swan's new site:
Check out her latest work and sign up
for email updates and monthly freebies!
 www.thecrescentswan.com
Great work, Nita!
 
Make sure to see all of Marcia Rankin's newest work.  Her page has been updated and I'm thrilled with her newest work.
 
Congratulations VSA arts of New Jersey & The Arc of Monmouth County!  Their gallery for disabled artists opened on April 16th and was a smashing success!  I was honored to have 9 pieces in the show and as a result of my participation, I'm being interviewed by a local newspaper next week!  I'll make sure they put DAN's website in the article.  : )                     I was also delighted to hear from Jodie Green, the Program Assistance for The Dream Society. http://www.thedreamsociety.org/ >  I was very happy to discover the existence of such an organization and delighted to be given the opportunity to support their cause in a fundraiser scheduled for next year.
I'll be starting a great adventure in June; a cross-country road trip with my two best friends.  We'll be leaving from New Jersey, heading south to Delaware and then west to California.  I should have a lap-top available and will keep in touch.  I plan on updating the Newsletter from the road.  Until then, have a great Spring!
Laurie 

Click on Pictures above to see the VSA Arc of Monmouth County which features art exclusively created by Artists with Disability's.  Laurie Homan was there for the Grand Opening and had 9 pieces of art featured. Check out that crowd!  Congrats to Laurie!

 

April 2007

Springtime is here and I'm happy to report that DAN's artists are in full bloom.  There's a lot to catch you up on, so I'm just gonna jump right on in.
 
DisabledArtistsNetwork.net is ranked # 1 out of more than 9 million websites!    We also have the #2 listing and show up among the # 3. This is fantastic news and I'm extremely proud and honored to be a part of DAN.  Congratulations to everyone!
 
Dave Simpson has two sites that are well worth looking into, I did and was very impressed with his artistic ability.  Definitely take the time to check it out at:  www.BigSimpson.com and
www.bigsimpsonartworks.homestead.com   Dave also let me know that the search is on - looking to introduce new bloodlines in dachshunds in Midwest, USA and you can check out The Club @ www.WolverineDachshundClub.com and Our Dachshund @ www.SpringvaleHomePage.com
 
Marcia Rankin is continuing to do awesome abstract and Spiritual work using vibrant watercolors.  I've been lucky enough to receive a couple of prints from her and can attest to their beauty.  She recently completed a piece titled "Praise Him" that I can't wait to see.  Check out her page as new works are being added.
 
Kriss Erickson has just released a 14 track CD on CD Baby.  The CD is titled The Dark Mistress by the Gentle Rebels.  Kriss is the songwriter/singer and her husband, Michael plays guitar and did the engineeering for the CD.  Check out samples  at
The Buy The CD link on CD Baby is
Please take the time to listen - I did and WOW! It truly is "A little bluesy, mostly folksy with an edge, Gentle Rebels' music speaks of subjects many consider taboo--social injustice, social blindness and the aftermath of childhood abuse. Some selections show the light at the end of the tunnel."  As an incest survivor myself, I really identified with the songs.  My favorites were: Dissociation, Shattered, I'm Through Being an Acolyte and At the Abyss.  I wish her much success!
 
Jamie Winter has got some new, absolutely gorgeous work that you've just gotta see on her page.  She has a new 2nd gallery and her work is selling fast, so check it out!  Her education is impressive:  Bachelor of Fine Arts; Bachelor of Social Work; Master of Psychotherapy. Jamie's resume is also remarkable and extensive. Her work has been on display not only in galleries through out Wisconsin, but also at galleries in Key Largo, FL, Norfolk, VA, Tous, NM, Gunterville, Alabama, Long Beach, CA, San Antonio, TX and Seattle, WA.  She has been invited to participate in May of this year in New York for the United Nations Program for children.  She will be teaching for 3 days and will leave a painting at the United Nations to inspire children to follow their dreams.  Jamie was also featured on the front page (with a full page inside)of Clinical Psychiatry as well as featured in the Easter Seals magazine.  Jamie has sold 12 paintings in 4 months to doctors who read the articles about her.  Congratulations Jamie!!!  You certainly deserve it.  I've always loved your work and I wish you much continued success!!!
 
Laurie Homan, (me) has a few new paintings, plus a new feature showcasing some of my writings on my page.  Nine of my paintings will open in a new gallery in Freehold Mall, NJ in April for disabled artists.  The gallery opens through the generosity VSA of NJ and Arc of Monmouth County.  I am also working to organize a Chinese Art Auction for members of DAN and VSA of NJ to be held (tentatively) in August or September.  Details will be provided in the near future at which time I will send out a call for art to everyone.
 
Congratulations to all the artists of DAN for work well done - we should feel very proud.  Remember to keep sending me emails about any news, updates or information about your work.  I wish you all happiness, health and peace during this wonderful spring season!  Til next month,
Laurie

March 2007

Beth Walloch   is now doing children's portraits.  She specializes in birth to 8 yrs old and works from photographs.  She is also creating novelty sequin (etc.) boxes to customer specifications.  Make sure to check out her page and give her a call.
 
Marcia Rankin  has been venturing into some abstract work.  I've seen some of her newest work and agree with her that it's exciting.  The new series is called "The Symphonies of Nature" and is done in vibrant watercolor and depicts the brighter side of life.  She's recently entered the painting "juggle" in an orthopedic art auction and we wish her luck!
 
Colleen Lambert has new artwork which can be viewed at:
http://www.colleenlambert.com  (watercolor paintings)
Make sure you take the time to check out her sites - I have and it was definately worth the time.
Colleen also sent me next months Question of the Month and I'll be sending it out to all DAN's members, so please respond with an email of your answers to me in time for next month's Newsletter.  Thanks!
 
What is the most profound way that you have found you art is affected by your disability?  Or do you find it isn't affected?
 
Laurie Homan (that's me) has a few new pieces that will be updated to my page soon, including some recent writings.  I've been spending much of my time completing a manuscript and getting it ready to submit for publishing.  I'll let you know how I make out as soon as I know.  I've also been fortunate to be involved with VSA of NJ, they're getting ready to open a new gallery of Disabled Artists work in Freehold Mall, in NJ.
 
Well, that's all the news for now.  I hoping all of you are doing well and being successful in all your endeavors; and please keep me posted so that we can all share in your accomplishments.   Till next month,
Laurie

 

 

February 2007

Click <<

Colleen Lambert will have paintings at the Ballard Art Walk beginning February 10th through March 9th. The host is Parker Real Estate and she will have 12-20 paintings depending on room in the Cascade Board Room they have. Hope you can make this one! :)
 
In addition, 2, and possibly 3 paintings featured at the Hi-Life Cafe in Ballard from February 28th for a month. AND - (phew, busy busy) Colleen has been selected as 'artist of the month' which means she gets a solo show in Woodinville for the month of June at the Woodinville City Hall and Council Chambers. :) Way to go Colleen!

January 2007

Sorry folks, it appears as though I forgot to mention the date on your e-vite to the Edmonds Art Walk.
It's the 18th, the third Thursday of January.
 
Hope to see you there, I will be at the Salon Pena, #1 on the art walk map - from 5-8 PM.
Regards,
Colleen Lambert

 

October 2006

 
We've got a lot to celebrate this month!
 
To begin with:  Congratulations to Colleen Lambert!  The ArtWanted staff reviewed her portfolio and choose two of her pieces as featured images @ http://www.artwanted.com
Way to go Colleen!
 
Congratulations to the DAN members who participated in the
Art of Two Palettes in Elywn, NJ.   The proceeds from this event will be used towards the purchase of a new handicapped accessible van for Elwyn New Jersey's use to transport clients to their daily work programs.
200 people attended the event and enjoyed an evening of fine art and fine food.  This was Elywn's first Art Auction and it may very well become an annual event! 
Elywn is about a two hour drive from my home and I arrived just after 6:00 pm with a good friend, Ray.  It wasn't until I arrived that I realized I had been there before.  Several years ago, when I was interviewing residential programs for my son, I had looked into Elywn.  Although they couldn't meet my son's needs (he needed a very specific treatment), I was very impressed with their programs.
There was a large tent set up and inside were hundreds of people.  Music was provided by a wonderful orchestra band playing in front (in their own tent) while gourmet food was being served by the many chefs surrounding you.  Throughout the tent was the art.  Many pieces were part of a silent auction, while some were held for a live auction scheduled for 7:30.  I was impressed the with time and detail Elywn put into the event.  I was also impressed with artwork submitted by DAN's members.
Jim Messick sold two paintings.  One, Good Spot for Fishing was sold at the live auction and the other, I See You, in the silent auction.
Linda Bowman also sold two.  Butterfly sold during the live auction and Tiger sold in the silent auction.
Laurie Homan sold Surreal in the live auction to Mr. & Mrs. Phil Rottini, a lovely senior couple from Wood Ridge, NJ.  Mrs. Rottini confided to me that her husband had seen my painting and just had to have it. 
It was a marvelous evening and all the artists deserve to feel very proud of themselves for participating and supporting
such a fine institute as Elywn!
 
We also have a new artist to celebrate and welcome:  Chad Lichterman and his mom, Sharon .  Together they started Chad Lichterman Designs.  He has a supreme talent for creating intricate designs using colored pencils or pens.  I just love his piece, "Connected".  Make sure you take the time to check out their page.   
 
Calling all artists!  If you have a "Question of the Month" e-mail me.  If you have any new information about your work or shows you're in, let me know.  Thanks. 
 
Till next month
Laurie

 

September 2006

Congratulations to all the artists who have work in the upcoming art auction:
"The Art of Two Palettes" to benefit Elwyn NJ, A Network of Resources For Children and Adults with Challenges.  Linda Bowman had 2 pieces accepted:  Tiger & Iron Bridge.  James Mesick had A Good Spot for Fishing and I See You accepted.  Laurie Homan, (me) got two pieces Captivity and Surreal accepted; last but certainly, not least,  Jamie Winter's beautiful work was also accepted.  I understand she may have difficulty getting the pieces delivered, but I want to recognize her acceptance in the show!  I plan on going to the show on September 21st and hope to have some pictures and news to share next month.

Congratulations to Marcia Rankin who won 3rd Place in the professional category for Art in Titusville PA contest!

 

Congratulations to the Artists whose artwork will be Auctioned at the ELWYN  http://www.elwyn.org/Calendar  ) event in New Jersey!! 

The Auction is on Thursday, Sept 21st from 6-9pm.  The evening will consist of a Gourmet Food Tasting (by many local restaurants) and a live and silent auction of all of your lovely pieces of art. 
The tickets are $50 per person if you are interested in attending the event.  If you would like to go to the event or know anyone who may be interested, you may contact Ruth at Elwyn and she will send you an invitation with a response card. You can call her at 856-794-5300.

August 2006

Congratulations to Marcia Rankin whose Watercolor Artwork titled "Methermized" which is an important piece about Addiction won Third Prize in a Local Art Contest.  August 2006

.
 

Kriss Erickson:  Kriss has been quite busy this summer and has several projects going on.  She has a series of 5 children's books with San Min Publishing Co. in Taiwan coming out at the end of July.  The series is called:  "Bug Buddies". Kriss will also be at an open Mic @ Mukilteo each Thursday all through August to the 1st Thursday in Sept.  Also, she will be participating in WA Artwalk where acrylic and colored pencial art, bead jewelry and copies of writing anthologies will be avaiable.  Kriss donates to the Memphis County Humane Society at http://www.memphishumane.org/ to help animals.  Buy this art or other art and you can help animals too! We wish her much success!

Teri A. Davis:   Teri is currently waiting to hear if her beautiful work will be accepted in a Medieval Faire; she'll know in a few weeks.  If they're intelligent, of course they'll choose her!  Check out her site for her latest silver work; there's a cameo in a Spartan soldier ring that is just gorgeous!
Jeanette Purkis:  Jeanette will have some work at the Atkinson Gallery in Southport, UK.  The show is call "Post It".  She also is working on a new book, her second, and is doing interviewing and research.  We look forward to hearing news about it being published!
Matthew Roze:  This wonderful musician is currently re-doing "Coming Together" for an e-single which should be out and available very soon.  We look forward to an album some time in the future, but you don't have to wait to hear some great songs.  Check out his site to listen to some really cool music! 
Marcia Rankin:  Marcia is one of our newest artists and I have been lucky enough to become friends with her.  She will have 3 pieces in a PA show on August 12th.  Congratulations & Good Luck!

Jane Strauss

Vote for Jane!  Go to http://www.number1artist.com/janesprints

Jane is very busy this week, hanging shows, getting other stuff together, helping with a benefit show for Mississippi artists who lost everything courtesy of Katrina...
 http://katrinapatina.blogspot.com/

http://www.minnesotahelpers.org

and

http://www.citypeace.org/games/flow.html

and

I also will be participating in a show in October at The Chocolate Spoon in White Bear Lake and one in July next year at Thrivent Financial's main HQ in Minneapolis.

Colleen Lambert:  Check out these sites to view & purchase some absolutely beautiful art work:
http://www.colleenlambert.com for watercolor paintings
I checked out each of the sites and I was very impressed with her work. We wish her much success!

Laurie Homan:  I have been working on a new abstract series called "Lifelines" which deals with the color of relationships upon a black canvas.  You can see and read all about it on my page, so check it out. 

 

Congratulations & Good Luck for much success to all DAN's artists!

 

 

 

Learn more about Disability Arts!  This Months survey.

May 2007

Question of the Month:  If you became so severely disabled that you could not tell anyone if you wanted to live or die and someone said there should be a law that decides, what would you want that law to say if no one could speak for you?

 

     I would want the law to read that my health directive needed too be followed to the letter. This whole thing with the Schaivo family merely points out the need to HAVE a health directive filled out and signed beFORE you get in that position. Wills and health directives are SO important, particularly with those of us who stand a chance of being in the same position.  Colleen Lambert.
 
I have already made my wishes known, in a document called an Advanced Medical Directive, duly signed,, witness and notarized.  It names the only 2 friends I have that I trust to carry out my wishes and it states that not only do I refuse to be resuscitated in case of heart failure, but I don't want to be put on a respirator, and I also refuse a feeding tube and artificial hydration (IV's) for everything except to administer medication to help keep me comfortable.  I know that it sounds harsh, but MS is a progressive disease and in my case it is progressing rapidly.  It's not going to get better, they are not going to find a cure in my lifetime and I have had just about enough of this particular pony ride.  My husband has made it clear that he would keep me alive at all costs ("I'd keep your head alive in a jar if I could" is the way he put it) and even my sisters say that they could not bring themselves to carry out my wishes.  My attorney even made me have a psych eval to be sure I was not 'suicidal'!  There is a reason why so many of Kevorkian's patients were women with rapidly progressing MS.  Every morning I wake up to see what it is that I've lost overnight.  Most nights I have to wake my husband up several times to help me get to the bathroom.  My Dragon Naturally Speaking stopped working so I am writing this one finger at a time because I feel it is a VERY important issue.  DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT AND PUT IT INTO A BINDING LEGAL DOCUMENT, NAMING PEOPLE YOU TRUST TO CARRY OUT YOUR WISHES!!!!  Don't let  yourself end up like Terry - as a media circus with your most personal choice splashed all over the front pages of newspapers across the world. 
Anita Swan

 

the law should remind us all of "The Americans Creed" which states that we are a government of the people, for the people, and by the people., established upon the freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives. therefore it is my duty to love my country, support it, and to defend against all enemies.
"Declaration of Independence"- in the course of human events it becomes necessary for people to assume among the powers of the earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of natures God entitle them a decent respect for the opinions of mankind and requires that they declare the causes that impel them to the separation.
Why? because,
all men are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; the right to life, liberty, and happiness. Governments are instituted among men to secure these rights.
We the people of the United States , in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity do ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.
 to forget this, would be the most heinous crime ever committed against mankind.
Everything that can be done to save a human being, should be done.
anything less, is a travesty.
God bless America!     Marcia Rankin

 

I believe it is of the utmost importance for each and every person to take the time to make their personal wishes known and protected.  Laws are not designed to make exceptions and will most likely always try to preserve  life. I personally don't believe any law should force a person to remain alive if there is honestly no hope of any kind of recovery.
Laurie Homan

 

While I respect each person's desire to live or not live and whether they themselves take there own lives or allow others to take it from them I would declare that no human being be tortured to death like Teri Schiavo was and that this nation stood helpless and ineffective to stop it.   Dogs and criminals are treated better. 

What does it say about a country that allows this inhumane end to life?  Do people hate the disabled that much that they don't have the guts to just hang them like criminals or put them to sleep like dogs?  Just because a person can not speak for themselves does not mean they do not feel.  Just because a person is disabled does not mean they have no purpose in life or contribution.  Teri Schiavo had purpose and contributed to those around her. Sometimes the greatest purpose in life can be to simply love and be loved.  Teri certainly did that.  But they took that away, along with dignity and hope the day they slowly murdered Teri Schiavo in front of the nation on National Television. 

God save there souls , the ones who did it and and the ones who allowed it.`

Sometimes, life is a test.  For those with disabilities who feel like giving up, that want to die I can only say, live as long as you can and don't give up.  I say this because often there is a cure around the corner, a friend that needs to know more about you or can help you and sometimes you are needed to be a friend.  Just know that everyone in life has purpose and that ability or disability has nothing to do with purpose.  Every person touches another's life.  Every day.  The world needs you.  So don't give up.

Ms. Nicholas

 

 

September 2006

The answers I received regarding the question of the month supported my belief that being disabled allows us as artists, to use our experiences to share the insights our disability brings.  Jim Mesick said, "I have a better view as a disabled artist than I did when I wasn't."  Linda Bowman agrees, "I have to move slowly and in doing so, I see more of the world thru being still and using my senses and my vision that others might take for granted."  My experience through much of my life was as an athlete, I had a very physical job as a female police officer at a time when few women were cops.  Yet, it was only when I became disabled that I truly discovered who I was.  This is my "Artist Statement"  I encourage other artists to email me their "Artist Statement" for inclusion in our newsletter.   
 
Living With M.S.; Learning From M.S.
 
Once upon a time, I ran through grassy fields,
Feeling the warmth of God's hand on my skin.
The light encouraging, the touch a gentle caress.
I had no desire for shadow or shade,
Trees were made to climb.
 
Living to learn and experience more,
I picked up seeds of knowledge all along the way.
Too busy and moving too often,
I would carry them with me,
But never planted them.
 
Thinking life was what you made it,
I did everthing, finding safety in motion and
Slowed down only long enough to pick a new direction.
I was too busy to sit still, and searching for meaning in life;
I only ended up chasing my tail.
 
One day I found myself standing still,
Not by choice, but through circumstances.
The sun, no longer gentle, had sent me away.
In to the shadows to sit
And wait there under a tree.
 
My heart ached with the loss of warmth and light,
Eyes burning with tears, legs weak from grief,
Despairing of ever feeling God's touch
And light upon me again,
I sank down to my knees and cried.
 
Tears drying, I looked around and
To my surprise, found the light peeking
Through the shadows at me
It beckoned to the seeds I had been carrying
And encourage them to grow.
 
A gentle breeze came by and kissed me on the cheek,
Stroking my hair back, causing me to smile,
It was then that I discovered,
That life is not in what you are doing,
It is in who you are being.
 
See you next month!
Laurie

August 2006

Question of the Month:

If there were a magic pill that could be taken to heal any disability, but the pill would also destroy any artistic talent, would you take the pill?   Why?

 
 
All the responses I received were No, we won't take the "miracle" pill.  Overwhelming the artists felt that their disabilities added a dimension to their lives, but was not a definition of their lives.  Many were comfortable and at peace with their disability, Jeanette Purkis replied, "I am actually quite fond of my Aspergerish quirks."    I can understand that since it was through the onset of M.S., that I found my artistic talent.  Overall, even though being disabled has great difficulties, we all choose to reflect and to create; not whine and bitch.  Personally, I'm proud to be part of this communicty. 
See you next month!
Laurie

 

Linda Bowman

Yes I would take the pill cause nothing could destroy my artistic talent, nothing. Being pain free would only make it better! I have a book that is published called "Touch It". I took pictures and added verse under each picture. There are about 50 pages and it describes how I have lived my life. I now have two T-shirt shops open: http://www.cafepress.com/believeit and http://www.spreadshirt.com/shop.php?sid=37914  and I am still taking pictures which can be seen at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spiritwalk. I am busy! Haven't sold a thing, something has got to happen eventually, you think? Peace, Linda Bowman.