Hi there, I've been so busy the past few weeks I have not been on DeviantArt, and I want to take the next few days to upload my new work, as well as add a price tag to some new fine art pieces that I have. My main goal is to sell them, because I want to donate 50% of the earnings to my friend and fabulous artist Brooke Shaden's newest and dearest dream.
If you did not get to watch the CreativeLive workshop that I had the blessing of attending with her last month, or do not follow her online you may not know about this project, and I want to share it with you. It's very near and dear to my heart, as you know I was sexually abused for years of my childhood, and I use my art as a way to heal and work through my emotions. Photography opened that door to healing for me, and that is what Brooke is trying to do right now in this project. So, what is it....here's the lowdown. And Im going to take the excerpt right from her Facebook, blog, and webpage so I get every word right and only she can explain it in such a passionate way. So the " " marks mean those are Brooke Shadens words, I am just conveying them in hopes to spread the message. If you want to skip all of what I write and go straight to checking it out yourself click here to find the campaign and all about it! Also here is a video FROM Brooke to explain it all
Why this project?
"Last year I traveled to Kolkata, India with an organization called Blossomy that hosts workshops for survivors of human trafficking. I went on a whim, never having been before and new to the cause, with the hope that I would be able to help in some way, big or small. I went home feeling as though I had been changed forever, and wanted to do more.
I was teaching photography to survivors of human trafficking. While I taught the camera basics, we also focused on self-portraiture and the lasting impact of finding self-confidence and understanding that everyone has a story to tell. Something was missing from my experience, and that was a lasting impact that would be able to ripple through more than a small group of women."
What it is exactly.
"With the help of Blossomy and Dave Junion, we want to bring a school of photography to Kolkata, India in which the individuals going through those shelter homes have access to free education in exchange for a certificate in photography as well as the opportunity for a future in a career that can provide confidence and hope. "
How the school will be work. "The school that we propose would be self-sustaining after two years. The way that it works is simple: the school is attached to a fully functioning studio in which the clients that pay for portraits sessions have their money go straight back into the school system, thus providing income for those working in the school as well as those working in the studio.
If a student takes the 5-month course twice, they become eligible to enlist as educators in the school. At that point, they also have the option of working in the studio as a main photographer, retoucher, or manger. Therefore, those were were once students in the school can then filter back through the system to work as a teacher or photographer to help keep the school running."
What is needed from YOU and I, and anyone else willing to help!
"We are looking for $25,000 to get the school up and running. After two years we do hope for the school to be creating enough income to pay those running it as well as keep it going for years to come, but in the meantime, we need to get things going. This money will go towards rent, educational tools like desks, cameras, laptops, and other necessities, travel expenses, educator payment, and so much more.
I believe that if everyone donated just a single dollar, we could raise enough money to get this school off the ground...and think of how many lives could be changed, or saved, because of it. I am so incredibly passionate about this project and I thank you for taking the time to consider it. I am grateful for you."
How far are they to the $25,000 goal?
This fundraising was presented in the last segment on CreativeLive on Feb. 8th, so far from this journal entry, I see that the school has raised just over $12,100. So OVER halfway there! The campaign ends on March 20th so even $1, like Brooke said, if everyone donated 1 dollar image what that would do! Click here for the link to read about the school and to donate whatever you can!
Why do I care and why you should too as an artist.
For me, Brooke has done SO MUCH! If you go to my blog, located here you can read about how I was almost bullied into quitting photography altogether. I was made to feel worthless and an awful person and photographer. Then I saw Brooke speaking during photoweek on CreativeLive and she changed my life. I started writing to her on her blog, her facebook, and then I found out I had the opportunity to meet her and join in the live audience with 9 others for her 'master your craft' class in February. I have to say that Brooke is SO caring, so down to earth, she is so giving to others. If you have not been following her, you should because you will find so much inspiration and positive energy, and she might even 'save your life' as I say she did mine, at least my career anyways and brought me out of a deep depression! My art is now flourishing more than ever, I am submitting to galleries, getting responses, and I am happier, more secure in myself as an artist than I've ever been. I really want to encourage you to at least take the time to check it out. Here is a video that she showed up the class during CreativeLive and broadcast to the world, I hope you take the time to watch it as Brooke pours her heart into everything she does, and this is no different.
Please comment if you were able to donate even $1 to this cause, or feel free to browse my art that is for sale here and 50% of proceeds I am giving to this campaign. I am also giving away for donations of $10 3 stock images of your choice, for donations of $50 or more I will create an exclusive stock page for you and give you a list of options to chose from as well as take your suggestions for the stock that you need, it can be of myself, my daughter, newborn stock, or anything I have in my vast library of over 30k photos. Also it can be new and I will shoot anything you'd like (within reason) for you to use exclusively as stock. Just let me know in the comments and I will check the donations to make sure you are on the list so please when you donate use your deviant art name! Thank you!
