Ahimsa Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

During my evening run tonight, a mosquito (at least I hope it was that small) flew down my throat--that reminded me of seeing an image similar to this in a yoga book.

Indian Jain nuns, New Delhi  wearing traditional face masks to prevent the killing of any life - even the accidental inhalation of an insect.  via poculum

Ahimsa means kindness and non-violence towards all living things including non-human animals; it respects living beings as a unity, the belief that all living things are connected. Indian leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi strongly believed in this principle. Avoidance of verbal and physical violence is also a part of this principle, although ahimsa recognizes self-defense when necessary, as a sign of a strong spirit. It is closely connected with the notion that all kinds of violence entail negative karmic consequences.-sorry for the little wikipedia blurb-- I do believe in doing as little harm as possible to anything living and will go out of my way to avoid an insect, especially one in my face!

Summer Projects

 
My output is slow, as in turtle pace slow. But I think I'm getting better at listening to my voice by not planning what to make--for now making things with fabric is just for fun, just a way to see what comes into existence.

I felt like embroidering with no underlying drawing or idea--interesting!

Another pillow that I made from vintage handkerchiefs back in the 2000's. 

I'm busily embellishing them now.

Made from repurposed sweatshirts, t-shirts, bag handles and found life jacket, 

with a little hand dyed batik on the left.

Embroidered detail. No preconceived notions were involved in the making of this piece!

Gallery Hopping Does Pay

Have you ever been contacted by a vanity gallery? I got an email from Agora Gallery today through my website asking if they could send me "some information about our gallery and about an upcoming exhibition that you might be interested in".

Since I had visited that very gallery in Chelsea a year or so back, I knew immediately which one it was. I hadn't liked it because it was so reminiscent of  many not so tasteful galleries in backwater areas I have observed. Sort of like the art "malls" of Asheville (though I'm not saying Asheville's a backwater--au contraire).

The website looks nothing like the gallery when I was there so I imagine they've decluttered since. Apparently the deal is, artists pay from $3-10K annually to be represented. No thanks.

But what's a little sad is I didn't even get that instant of elation-- when I thought I had been "discovered" by a NYC gallery--before coming back down to earth. Guess that's what happens when you're a blasé and analytical middle aged emerging artist!