Gratitude and Giving Back
Structures #46
©2005
45" x 61"
Sold
Thank You
It’s the day for giving thanks here in the US as we all celebrate Thanksgiving (generally by eating too much). I am so fortunate to be surounded by many wonderful people and am grateful for all of your support and love. Thanks to all of them for being a part of my life
A few in particular I want to mention:
- My Collectors: Thank you to each of you that have purchased my art this year. It was a big leap for me to decided to start selling my textile paintings seriously and I am thrilled with the response. Each of you has my profound gratitude
- The Builders: Jim, Carl, Eric, Colin and all the guys that have worked on my new studio and home. You’ve all been wonderful and I couldn’t be more happy with the project. Thank you!
- My Blog Readers: I mostly write my blog to work out my own thoughts about my art, yet it’s wonderful to have such a supportive community out there listening and participating. You all are awesome - extra pumpkin pie to everyone.
- My kids: You are the best. I love you both!
This has been an amazing year for me. So many wonderful things have happened I sometimes find it amazing how perfect it all turns out. Then I realize much of this is about my attitude change as things have generally gone well for me. Each night before I go to bed I write a list 5 things I’m grateful for and it seems there is a never ending supply of wonderment to appreciate.
Giving Back
Earlier this fall I sold 2 additional large textile paintings to the University Hospitals in Cleveland (previously they purchased Structures #35). They purchased Structures #46 and #36, both pictured in this post.
As I mentioned before, I donate and gift 10% of my art income to causes and people that I learn from, are inspired by or who I feel are doing amazing things for the world. Borrowing a term from Christine Kane, I call this expansive giving
Although I write checks each month, this sale gave me the opportunity to write some nice checks to some organizations I support. FINCA, an organization that provides financial services to the world’s lowest-income entrepreneurs, was again top of my list. In addition I sent checks to the American Cancer Society, Volunteers of America (they do meals on wheels), World Wild Life Fund and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver.
You can read more about what I consider expansive giving on my previous blog post on the subject: Expansive Giving.
Now that I do this giving as a matter of course, I didn’t have any qualms with sending this money out into the universe, even as I am spending more than planned on a new studio and watching my investments shrink. It simply feels right.
What I find fascinating is that as this money was headed out the door to help others someone purchased almost the same $ amount of art from my Small Art For Sale webpage. Now I can give back more in December.
Construction Update
Huge progress on my studio! The roof sheathing is done. The space is now well defined and I’m absolutely thrilled. This weeks photos:
Construction Photos - November 24 and 25
Construction Photos - November 26
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Structures #36
©2005
69" x 50"
Sold
Posted by Lisa in: Being an Artist
Tagged: Art for Sale, expansive giving, gratitude, structures, Textile Paintings
paula said,
November 27, 2008 @ 9:32 am
You have given to me in more ways than one. Your blog gives hope and inspiration. Your voice gives strength, reason and encouragement. Your work has given me new insight on what art is and what is possible. Here’s to more sharing and giving in all manner!
Have a great day and congratulations for your sales and all the wonderful things that have happened!
Lisa Call said,
November 27, 2008 @ 10:27 am
Thank you Paula!
Deborah Paris said,
November 27, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
Congratulations on your sales, Lisa! And of course, I have to comment on the construction photos- wow- your crew is doing a great job and so quickly. I like the way the existing house and addition are coming together. Fascinating to watch the progress. Happy Thanksgiving!
Pat said,
November 28, 2008 @ 7:10 am
I enjoy viewing your quilts and have been impressed with your goals. I am inspired to start my own artistic goals and move to the next level, which for me is showing my fiber art. I also discovered Christine Kane’s blog/website through you, which has been thought provoking and inspiring also. Thanks