Welcome Feb! Happy Imbolc

Drops turned Ice like diamonds hanging on Carb Apple tree.. Pic from early Fen 2022

As the first Gregorian month subsides 

the next in line arises

Though next, it’s still at the beginning of the year.

Carrying with it 

A possibility of transition 

from intensity of cold 

to showing signs of warmer weather

From intensity of New Years excitement 

To mellowed joy of Valentines heart chakra vibrations

Welcome Feb 

The only short month 

Short of couple numbers to three 10’s

Yet the most important 

To regulate the calculation of entire year

Is it a coincidence? 

Or is there a Cosmic relation

…..

These lines are a part of a longer writeup and were penned on 1 Feb to welcome February.

The last two lines were in connection to some correlation I wanted to make with Spirituality and Water elements, but felt some research was needed as I was unclear. Glad I did, for what flowed thereafter was even more clearer and took me deeper. When we say February it's a Gregorian month but this season is different months in different calendars from different cultures depending upon its geographical regions.

January enjoys the limelight of New years excitement

Nature of which is like fireworks

As the fun subside quickly

most of us are either left with all sorts of harmful hangovers

like the residues of fireworks,

Or not-happy to start work after vacations.

Only a few percentile can carry the happiness of the 'new'

and look forward to exploring the year unfold.

In that sense, Imbolc seems to represent the New Life Cycle.

So while researching, its Spiritual significance and connection to Waters, I found context in many religions/ cultures. This webpage mentions some practices.. Though Feb is an  AIr sign it precedes the Water sign of Pices that starts in same month. On a Global context, we have World Wetlands day at the beginning of this month- a Geo feature that's crucial to preserve. 

Then I read a blog that had landed in my inbox. It was in sync with what I was thinking. What a great timing I thought! Creative Fire and Power of Art its titled by Nancy Hausauer. I opened it for art but guess what, it was 1 Feb and this blog spoke of Imbolic celebration in Celtic region. It was a pleasure to revisit Nancy's Energy healing insights.

While my hands finishes chores my ears have the privilege of listening to the podcasts, talks and more. Happened to bump into Deepak Chopra's talks. I have. not been his fan but have appreciated his work in alternative medicine and more so in Quantum healing. This talk touched me a lot. What a wonderful color of ageing i thought, i could feel it in his voice steady yet jovial talk.

All this in a matter of 2 days. So many stimuli happening around!

Even if I am receptive, can I process the thoughts 

and put it to action where it is needed the most

Thats the challenge

what do we do with so much given

We use, we share, but waste not.

There will be left over

but nature will take care of it all!

For more new and fresh is coming by...

So prep the Feb for abundance to begin with a small blad of grass, with a tiny bud smiling back, the sun rising earlier and birds preparing to say Hi! What are you preparing for?

Here's to Feb 

Wishing us all 

A Happy start. 

The Joy of being a Rasikā

The ink and poster color ink work is from my Ink stroke collections couple decades ago but recently found a piece of wood that reminded me of this. In this case the art developed my sight to art in natural elements.

Rasika is a term I formally learned in my college days but has been planted in me since childhood days at home. 

I feel lucky to be seeded with this concept for as I grew, the Rasikā grew in myself.

So what is Rasik (noun)/ Rasikā (English version)

Its a Sanskrit term with multiple meanings and relative in various forms.  

As per- Sanskrit Dictionary online

As per- wikipedia

As per me- Rasika is a person who can savor the taste of everything, viz-  Arts/ food/ beauty in nature/ experiences of life. One who is capable of enjoying the artistic pleasures. I would simply put it as a Lover of beauty in its purest forms.

It is obvious to develop a taste for Aesthetics if one is trained in disiplines of Arts, but it need not be the privilege for a select few, everyone can be a Rasik. A bit of training would help. fine tuning our senses to the perception of world around us.

There are many implications to developing the Rasikā within us. It starts with opening our minds. When someone points at the beauty are we open to looking at it? and we might not like what’s seen but are we ready to learn different ways of looking? Thats the ‘Begginer’s Mind’

Also its not just different angles but finer ways of looking. This entails cleansing out sense perceptions to understand the deeper layers of its existence. It need not be a deep philosophy but exposing ourselves to the the interesting nuances happening around, giving attention to the various sensory perceptions like sounds and sights and tastes and touch might do wonders..

This is possible with diverting our attention (from negative thoughts) to the joyful feelings or calming our minds or challenging our intellect with brain games, these all foster a receptive mind that affects our senses too. Isn’t it all interconnected? Is it possible to see differently? so we can feel differently. that might result in thinking Newly? 

These Q’s can be addressed in Designing talks.. As I ponder on tomorrow's 'Puzzle Day' meet, maybe we can focus on nourishing our innovative mind. To explore possibilities of lateral thinking. Isn’t that what puzzles are about? A challenge not a problem, to be solved! Puzzles challenging our minds for innovative, creative thinking that builds our ability to think laterally. The more we create possibilities for lateral thinking, the more possibilities we create to create solutions. And not to mention the fun of being engaged in finding creative solutions. And then theres a hidden possibility of AWE to happen. 

Frank Llyod Write’s ‘The Falling Waters’ is a piece of beauty mist the serene mountains. The architect must be a true Rasika to perceive the existing beauty and add, not destroy it.

Training our senses and opening our minds is a process worth going through. For it can enhance our perceptions and therefore our lifestyles. Let's explore together the many possibilities of nurturing the Rasika in us. Join us for your views, suggestions and advice. 

Happy New Year(ning)

As the New year's wishes fade,

the momentum for new plans gain.

But are the plans in anyway New?

Is the Yearly Yearnings changed its objects

or objectives?

has it transformed to anything else? 

As we get ready to start the 'Conscious Designing' Inquiry Project, sharing some queries, ponderings and background. 

What is New? What is not?

What is Conscious?

Designing What?

I cannot answer these Q’s but we will definitely explore them during the Designing talks.

It might sound paradoxical. but Nothing is New and in some way everything can be New every so often in its lifespan. 

New year is built upon the previous, a birth of new life is continuation of its already existing species, a new painting is a result of the preceding art practice, a new Idea arrives after passing through the old (mostly outdated) thoughts in tired mind. So lets be conscious of our thoughts and ideas and actions. Its not about designing but for enriching ourselves.

About project

The project starts from November 2023 as part of AmericaRecyclesDay. and formally begins from 2024. Introductory talks here

Aim- Exploring the scope of Designing beyond parameters of Arts to include Interdisciplinary views and Mindful practices while Designing. 

Nature of project- Inquiry based. Can include- Virtual Talks/ Make handmades/ Events/ Exhibits

As part of this project, we will restart Meet and Make while looking at ‘Waters’

This project, unlike previous ones, is open ended in many ways. Meaning, the goal is not to achieve a certain aim, rather to explore the aspects of designing with a mindful approach, making the ‘process’ important.

It can be an open space allowing collective works, collective understanding, collective consciousness to happen. 

Design is not just about making, it emcompasses the whole process of Ideas,  thoughts, intention, attention and execution. 

It is not always about making/ creating something but can include how we arrange objects or spaces, not necessarily in just art galleries, Creative places but even in our everyday makes in our homes and our offices. That means Designing need not be a privileged undertaking of the few Art practitioners, it can be touched upon by anyone with or without prior experience/ knowledge. Of Course there will be difference in end results of what a layman does versus a practitioner makes.

Many Designs (some mentioned here) inspired me, not just for its looks or execution style but also the quality of involvement of the maker. not all designs might have all the criterion of conscious designing or for that matter even 'designing' but there was totality in involvement that impressed me as an Art Facilitator. Such ways of working, I thought, might promote Originality?

Acknowledgements

I am grateful to our member friends Julie Nieset, Dr Sowmya Anand, Nazannie Agassi, Ms Chong Hwey Fee, Ms Megan who supported and encouraged experimental projects.

We as a group are Thankful to our previous year’s collaborators of Water project - Urbana Park DIst., AACC, Planted, IAS Library and other big and small groups.

My gratitude also to Phil Nyman and Seth Feldman for pursuing our Inner-outer talks that have. helped my decisions in coming up with the nature of 'Conscious designing'. 

Painted repurposed Map as part of redesigning a room..

It has been a joy and privilege to experience the many Designing moments while organizing our Art projects and to come across the many inspiring artists/ crafters/ makers. i will always be Thankful for these chances to learn.

There can be multiple facets to design(ing)- innovative, Functional, Social, Psychological, Ecological, Economical, Cultural, Contemporary, etcetera etcetera.  Since its a vast topic, we can look at each aspect separately in the posts to follow. Stay tuned.

join me with your thoughts, views, enthusiasm, but most importantly with your mindful presence and positive spirit to explore Conscious Designing inquiries in hope to discover ways of enriching our lives and wellbeing for all. 

Flashback on Inspiring Designs

Designing inclines towards functionality unlike Fine arts that are Arts for Art sake, yet, there is a factor of pure creative pleasure even in designing.

As we move ahead with Conscious Designing project for coming year, here is a flashback on the many inspiring experiences with designing- personal and with others, that inspired arriving at this project. Also the inner outer talks prepared the ground for adding the angle of ‘Conscious’ Thankful to everyone who supported and encouraged the work.

It has been a pleasure to witness creativity unfold while working on our projects especially the last couple years while working on E2Re project and the Zero waste Crafts in relation to Waters.

What is designing? Where can it be seen Or we can ask, WHERE NOT can Design be seen.

Anything done with conscious effort can be a design good or not so good but an efforts is made to make things more beautiful then they existed. Does that make sense? It might be my personal view.

More on Designing discussion in next year, for now would just like to share some of the designs that helped grow my understanding on Design, Arts and its connection to Life as a Whole. So much more to learn…

*ALL photos are courtesy of the author, they should not be used without prior permission.

Tutorial Designing for Seniors' Art Boxes aiming for Zero waste. 

Thanks to Champaign Family Services for their commissions.

The designing was fun and easier but the amount of technical work it demanded, felt like a pain then. But now looking back, i feel good about myself and inspired to use them in the near future. 

Water poems and collage works around 'Waters'. during SAL Conference at Siebel Center for Design

While leading this activity, the focus was on promoting creative thinking rather then make good Art.. It might not pass the norms of good art technically but they had an element of spontaneity, originality and involvement! Thanks to AACC for organizing our talks.

Kiri's Handloom designing

I met Kiri Fagen-Ulmschneider at the Spinners and Weavers exhibit. She designs Fabric with  Cotton material on her own handloom and is a propagator of natural materials.  

We were fortunate to have her on our intro designing talks as she continued to speak of natural dyes too. 

Handmade teaching aids for wetlands enrichment

For the wetlands week Enrichment event,

Julie Nieset, Wetland scientist at I NHS had prepared Teaching needs to show the length of different plants in our yards versus native plants her it was a genius design. Simple and impactfuful

Designer Easter Egg collection for reuse. 

Anuvaa Joshi and her mom initiated a plan for collecting the plastic eggs but coming from.an Arts background it would not be any simple cointainer. They made posters and designed a collection center stand. The concept and execution is impressive and the intentions, commendable! 

Handmade Art project For the SOI Seniors special virtual meet, the Grandmas shared some elaborate handmade designs. It's amazing to see the kind of patience and effort put into their crafts. With readymade getting cheaper, my gen or next is diluted with such capacities. 

when one lead one also follows when one is teaching one is also learning 

the most benefits i had from my efforts on events activities are the inspirations from the students who created original works

The designing of 'Art with Nature' activity has been an invigorating experience for me. From planning, to gathering and cleaning natural material, to arranging it in given space, I enjoyed it all and would definitely want to work more on this concept. 

The Dolls with Repurposed Fabrics and cardboard/ papers

in reference to Spurlock Museum’s artifacts at AACC The Boxy' by Jinyung was a wonderful execution of materials in hand. It was neat work and creative thinking. He was aptly named Boxy adding to the emotional touch with designing.

Also Sinyee's Doll though 2D had some action that added movement.

The Pine cone Fish by visitor at EDE, MIC during ‘Art with Nature’ activity. Thanks to Urbana Park District for organizing this huge event

This Pine cone Fish was innovative and original, most impressive was the patience and involvement of a pre-teen kid. He carefully selected the suitable rose petal for fin and cut Oak leaf carefully to fit in. Then put much effort in tying the thread. His fingers seemed to be in total union with pinecone and thread with focused attention. It will always be one of my memorable experiences as a facilitator and an audience.

The Paper Upcycling activities 

most kids at the teens lab were creative and innovative, encouraging me to design more challenging assignments. It made me realise how potentially new thinkers our kids are! ts my generation that need to open our minds and step into newness

Rattlesnake Runner Puppet

I encountered this Puppet in the beautiful ambience at Kalyx center.for sustainability. It is skillfully created by Miriam Larson, Exc Director of UCMIC . As it arrived from far, its presence felt more and more powerful, yet playful until I could connect to its vibes. It is large but Miriam has engineered it to attach it as backpack and move it while walking. Her companion was holding the stick hands and jovially waving at us. i had a chance to handle one of the arms and dance with the music at the background. It wa truly a touching experience! I feel the surrounding environment, the gathered group, the intention of gathering, all were supportive to creating such feelings.

Circles designed on Fabrics for Boneyard show

Mohan Tracy has been engaged in her creative pursuits with Fabrics. She makes Quilt blankets and to donate. She inspires me in many ways! I loved her ‘Circles’ for this year‘s boneyard display as a concept and designs too. With her fabric quilting style Mohan created various representations with ‘Circles’. I could connect to her circles thru my own works on ‘Mu’ and ‘Shunyã’

All of the Shaw was very interesting with some wonderful artist in that group.

At the same event, for David Monk’s memorial, at Kalyx center.for sustainability the owner-sisters distributed small cotton bags with Prairies seeds. The bags made for a nice gift packaging and i could sense the careful effort gone into categorizing the seeds (full sun/ woody areas/ partial sun etc) and ready to serve. 

Life-size ply figures at Adams book store

While attending the CU poetry event, I couldn’t resist capturing these dramatic figures reclining on windows on the topmost floor of Adams Book store.. The structure of building itself (architecture) is tricky. just climbing the stairs and reaching the venue at top was a fun time. that mixed with the poetry and theses figures creating a drama, in all it was a wonderful chemistry!

The SECS booth (Students for Environmental Concerns) at UIUC’s Engineering event showed integrity to their work on sustainability. The table covered with cloth not plastic, the boards were hand written and painted. The booth was well thought about in relation to the their message.

'Companion Species' by Marie Watt at KAM

 large reclaimed textile assemblage with Wolf embroidered.on it.

Everything about this piece moved me- the color scheme, composition, the liner subtleties of fine drawing and apart from its Aesthetically appeal, the repurposed material with Humane theme was impressive.

when one leads one also follows, When one is teaching one is also learning 

The most benefits i had from organizing these projects and activities is the inspiration to move ahead with creative spirit and the energy to explore the beauty around! I will always be thankful for these learning opportunities.

Questions, Pause, Direction

“A Pause is therefore not essentially a break. A pause can help accelerate or it can dissipate
A pause can help reconstitute  regenerate,
Or it can Erase , presenting a new challenge with a clean slate”

in last few years of designing, leading and practicing the goals of our Eco-Culture-Arts projects I start to ponder on our aims and its true purpose. Do we really need to do what we do/ what is the outcome of our work/ will our community work change anything atall? What is Impact and how does it work in a bigger picture?

These questions call for a pause.

Arriving at the answer to these questions can be relative, depending on who is asking them and with what intentions. 

As from my personal experience, it feels like no Impact is of any value till it is directed towards transformative change. All other efforts are cyclic momentary satisfaction.

Transformation can be the pinnacle of change, or maybe the basis of it?

My Paper maché experiments on ‘Mu’/ ‘Shunya’ (nothingness)

Many of us want change and are looking for it outside . Though many say, real change might begin at an individual level, yet, how do I address individual work as a collective being? Or should one even mix both these things.

Upgrading Physical structure without enhancing the essence might not sustain long enough.

But what do i do with many such Questions?

Maybe a time for a pause i thought

A Pause can clarify

saving time and resources

which would end up as a waste.

A Pause is not to not do

but to slow down and not initiate.

Not to completely press the left leg on brakes

but not either to exert the right one and accelerate

A Pause is therefore not essentially a shut down

But to slowdown and maintain pace

A pause can help reconstitute  regenerate

Or it can Erase

presenting a new challenge with a clean slate

A pause can be gradual

slowing down and picking up momentum

While retaining a chance 

for a change of direction.

Change might not be visible 

but internally felt

whose effects might show up at a later date.

For the pause too is not seen in outer layers

it is experienced within one's inner space.

And from there arises the new ways

Sometimes changing direction

sometimes our goals

many times the grade of work

Leading us towards evolutionary methods?

Well, I keep searching 

and breathing 

to find what's next.

Can Crafts be Zero waste?

“Technically, in today’s world, nothing humans do is fully zero waste; unless we are to follow the indigenous lifestyles that too from pre- industrial age. ”

— Ponderings while designing projects

Since the last few years, we have been celebrating National crafts month with various themes, like- Traditional Crafts, Crafts and Folklore, Art with Museums.

Though we have always been mindful about sustainable methods and materials, this year the theme itself was Recycled Crafts for health of Water. It wasn't a novel activity but definitely a sincere effort to cut down our waste or in a wider sense, our carbon footprint, Water footprint. (Yes, Water footprint is a thing!)

So were our Crafts a Zero waste activity? Let's check and discuss at the end…. 

A Paper recycling Tutorial designed for repurposed Handmades. More about our craft projects on the picture link.

“Forget the more contaminating sectors of present times, the Art market by itself can make a big difference if we acknowledge the need to be ecologically alert and environmentally inclusive by tethinking MATERIALS- ‘what’ and ‘how much’”

— Ponderings while designing projects

Technically, in today's world, nothing humans do is fully zero waste; unless we are to follow the  indigenous lifestyles that too from pre- industrial age.

What does Zero waste actually mean? 

No thrashable waste created? No new materials used?  No harmful by products created? All of the above? None of the above?

A Paper Mache (truncated) Tutorial designed using magazine papers, and flour glue, (almost Zero waste) but also Re-used cleaned cut plastic bag for covering and bowl as base.

Many web pages have tried to explain Zero Waste (some have the website by that very name too but one can see a huge carbon footprint in their promotional events)

There are also many well formulated examples on net, one of them i could resonate with-

" Zero Waste: The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health."

- under the name of EPA website 

Whats important is how and how much of what we know and talk, can we put in action. 

Materials used for the Language-Arts workshops during SAALC workshop at the Siebel Center for Designing- Reused papers, (magazine papers, Cardboards pieces, punch machine colored waste) glue, discarded yarn. This was not a fully zero waste for use of gel pens. but most other material, though clean, would have gone directly to landfill. Any efforts add up?!

We are thankful to AACC UIUC for a chance to share our project during their conference.

Forget the more contaminating sectors of present times, the Art market by itself can make a big difference if we acknowledge the need to be ecologically alert and environmentally inclusive by rethinking MATERIALS. Especially short term Recreational Art activities for kids, fancy art camps that use pompoms, sparkles, stickers, in overflowing quantities. Do we need these to beautify? Some might say- Yes. Can we avoid it and still create beauty? -?

#RETHINKMATERIAL- What, How Much

Prep material for making ‘Worry Doll’ for a birthday party.

We made worry dolls 7 years ago for our first Craft Month celebration. In those learning stages, we had used Pipe cleaners fro our base sticks. Pipe cleaners are so convenient, cheap and fancy looking! But guess how many plastic microfibers it contains? This year we use not just all Recycled material but most of it was compostable. Yet it was not Zero Waste as the donated fabric pieces might contain polyesters, the donated yarn might not be wool but acrylic.

A Worry doll made by Audrey Chan with the materials provided.

All the picture sequences here are from this year's creative projects that mainly ran through March (National Crafts Month) and April (Earth Day Month).

When it comes to Climate/ Atmosphere/ Land/ Water/ Air, there are no borders, The Butterfly effect is real. Whatever I do or not do affects the Whole. Its not a philosophy neither rocket science. But to realize the effects of choices we make, needs a bit of mindfulness, a bit of slowing down to be able to see what I do and what are its consequences, not with a self interest myopic eyes but open with heart for all that exists.

Paper flowers made from outdated fliers. Clean Repurposed bottles were used for creating paper vase and discarded Fabric pieces and magazine papers for decorations.

After the paper flyers were done the left over paper cuttings looked so colorful, we saved then for next time’s raw materials while having fun creating designs with the Re-re-Cycled bits of Papers

A poster for Teacher’s appreciation used hearts. When more hearts were needed we suggested using magazine papers for background color and plain center made with worksheets (other side plain). Thought it was partly a recycled project, now the idea will hopefully stay and grow for their future projects, like the flowers ‘made with Hearts’

Raw material for Papers don’t always come from where it is used, Paper is taking a toll on our forests and wildlife. I thought it was very symbolic to click that Tiger on opposite page.

A Pencil holder made from glass bottle and card made from discarded papers exhibited fro Boneyard fest. We are thankful to Planted for making us a part of their Boneyard 2023 venue.

Though the glass bottle was reused, it was painted using acrylic colors. That would make it useless for reuse plus acrylic paints are Not eco-friendly. As per Artsy.net-

“Propylene glycol, for example, is safe enough for use in the food and cosmetic industry, but has a disastrous effect in aquatic environments, meaning that pouring acrylic waste water down the drain is damaging to waterways.”

We are thankful to Planted for making us a part of their Boneyard 2023 venue.

Its not craft but part of my Yard designing multiyear project. The corner of lawn was dug up to make it bio diverse. after couple of years it is taking shape. The yellow flowers belong to Wood Sorrel, considered as weeds where I stay, but we use it in salads and just pop in mouth while gardening! Just for fun, if u are still reading this, any idea what other plants are seen here?!

In Nature there is always Zero waste. everything is re-cycle, regeneration. no issues with manicured lawns but the sprays needed for non-native green cover comes with its own toll on local waters and atmosphere as a whole.

As I am trying to write this on my deck, someone in next yard started the lawn mover and disturbed the birds songs. but their lawns are more leveled up, greener and cleaner than mine.

Creating Greener ‘Egg Hunt’ by Anuvaa Joshi, her family and community members.

”For the second year in a row, we successfully hosted a plastic-free egg hunt, but it wasn't without its challenges. Our biggest hurdle was figuring out how to collect all the eggs for recycling, but we came up with a fun solution. We created "egg catcher stations" and games for the kids to use, which turned the hunt into a game-like event that they loved” Thanks to Mrs Shilpa Deshpande for sharing their inspiring works.

Repurposed Christmas Tree bird cover project. by Paige Sigmund and her Dad, Del Sigmund.

Talking about the project, some excerpts from Del, “The branches relax down and once again the evergreen becomes an excellent tree/bush for small birds to use for cover…It is a fun project that looked very nice when done and was good for wildlife too’

Traditional Festivals and Celebrations create a residue that can increase a group’s waste by multiple time in just one event. By changing our outlook towards festivals and focusing on their true essence might be more helpful moving forward.

Diary making activity for Earthday 2023. We offered Notebook papers and magazine/ flier papers to create Notepads. thought non of it created any new demand on Paper production, the projects when done might not be Zero Waste, and that’s not because of what we did but what the companies did when they created the magazines. even the most basic magazines are plastic coated papers these days making it hard for the paper to decompose easily. It adds to the plastic waste and then there are chemicalized ink eventually sipping into our waters.

We are thankful to Urbana Park District for for including us in their EDE event.

So,

which project seems closes to Zero waste? Which is furthest from it? why?

Which products will most contaminate the land? which ones will pollute our Waters?

Even if one wants to, It is not easy to go completely green depending on where you are based. The system dictates the laws and in some measures our life styles.

As someone once said- with what we have, where we are we should do what we can.

Hope I have not come across as opposing art activities. It was an effort to share better ways of handling our materials tools and natural resources while encouraging creativity Sustainably

Efforts/ actions are individual that can turn into collective but results will always be communal- for good or bad of all.

Process and Prep

“As Art fair ends, I set an intent

 devoting regular time 

for creative process 

first thing in the day,

Everyday.”

— Diary from 17 April '23

This past Weeknd was the Boneyard Art fest, a wonderful vibe across towns that celebrates all types of arts in several places. 

So much to write about the inspiring Artists and Charged up events, certainly another post for Boneyard Fest is needed. For now, as April is almost ending and as CU Poetry group’s reading inspired me to touch a Pen, penned something to commemorate the month and look back on my creative process.

Some diary excerpts from -

17 April, '23 while pondering on my prep ritual before touching the paints (or a brush)

As the Art fair ends,

I set an intent

 devoting regular time 

for creative process 

first thing in the day, everyday. 

So I start.

But first I try to calm and bring my mind in the present

 to follow what my mentor had said to do as a prep..  

 "Calm down, meditate, gather attention, be aware.."

 so i try and retry

 not more then 5 seconds 

cud I focus on my breath 

what a fail what a loser I said 

to myself

Three times tried and drifted

but gave up not

Took a pause to shame myself 

And tried again

All three episodes failed 

To calm my mind

And bring it to a focal point 

uniting the brush and brain

paper and hand 

That will hold the brush 

Or by it be held

... But all in vein

Excuse me for using this word 

time and again

BUT, by now I have concluded that 

Spontaneity is the best

So I flow with the flow 

Of my thoughts along with my breath

And use that word again

From where I left

But in vein

I said about my efforts 

For training my mind insane

But they say, 

No efforts go waste

And I believe in it

For enough times that 

I actually have it  felt.

So the aim of focusing 

Didnot yield sucess

But the efforts didnot go waste

For each few minute that I sat 

i felt more and more relaxed

less agitated 

 less intimidated by to-do list's lenght

And for the last session 

The quality of thoughts 

Changed!

Instead of trying 

And pushing 

And forcing 

I let go off the efforts 

after the third attempt. 

As time was limited 

with a serene thought of 

PURITY

and devotion and work balance,

I disconnected my pose 

And took to the brush 

Which I had previously held

three time in a row  

and had laid back horizontly

On top of water cointainer’s edge

as i had not felt the flow.

Ofcorse there was no spontaneity 

Like I have experienced before

But I was more present

More intentional

And let go off any thoughts of 

Spontaneity or Purity

 that was expected 

of myself

————————-

* took a pause for work and continued writing

————————

i have always believed 

in my formative years 

that the result is not more important

then the process itself

For the process actually carves the path

to reach the aims..

So i felt, a need for this to b  documented 

Our aims will not be met

in our expected periods 

But nevertheless

Efforts don’t go waste

The quality will change 

In whatever we do  

When, before beginning,

A clean intention is set. 

Don’t bother if u don’t have time

But definatly 

Make some attempt

To slow down 

And meditate 

Whatever it means 

To you or your intellect 

For it will doubtlessly 

Change the depth of 

What happens next…

— 17 April ‘23

While pondering on previous writings of the day..

Wetland Wonders

It's International Wetlands Day 2023.

Though not as popular as Valentines in Feb but much important in relation to its significance. 

As Love is unseen, so is the function of a Wetland ecosystem, concealed out of our direct sight but crucial for the blossoming of life. 

This year, we are happy to reunite for 'Wetland Wonders- 2023'  and build upon the Wetlands Week- 2022 project that included an in-person event at Weaver park. The school kids tested their handmade Water Filters with repurposed materials. , a hike with presentations from Julie Nieset, wetland Scientist from INHS, David Subers from UPD, Matt Finzel, a UIUC research student. An Art Playdate was held at Meadowbrook Park that included some grounding exercises led by Grasshoppers Club teacher, Bogden Heretoiu. We are thankful for these valuable partnerships! 

We have opened collaborations for 'Wetland Wonders- 2023' starting today and are happy to start planning activities with David Subers from Urbana Park District, Jennifer Wick from CCFPD and our Wetlands advisor, Julie Nieset from INHS.

Ascend Art360 plans to extend Wetland celebrations through Environmental day (June 2023) and are open to join hands with any interested Collaborators. 

The CCFPD (Champaign County Forest Preserve District) has an ongoing exhibit on wetlands through April 2023 which is a great initiative to bring to the community the beauty of wetlands through Art's lenses. 

I am not an authority to write about wetlands so i am just sharing my experiences, and thoughts regarding these ecosystems that pose as environmental boon  for life.

Wetlands as we know are major water filters of Nature. They filter not just manmade litter (plastics, papers, etc) but also the manmade chemicals that runoff from foul agro practices. They restore our Aquifers. But most importantly they balance the Carbon on this globe. Mangroves are a major Carbon sink and can help balance Climate Change. It was inetresting to know more on this while reading AIDA's blog here (on 8th para.).

Looking back I realise how little I knew as a child about these patches of muddy water, plants soaking in water, and though i enjoyed the popping grasses and floating greens, I felt they were untidy features of land. 

“I represent a very large percentile of humans who are ignorant of our Natural surroundings and bother less to enquire until a disaster gushes in... ”

I carried my water bottle everywhere on the trip. it watched the edge of Meican mangroves while saving many plastic bottles from ending up in thrash.

Awareness grows as Climate Change sends frequent alarms, yet much education is needed on ground level, meaning, with the immediate localities who directly affect and are in turn affected by the states of surrounding ecosystems. Ramsar convention has played a good role in conservation and restoration of wetlands. Yet, local support is pivotal. 

My inclinations to know the functioning of Artistic forms of nature lead me to knowing and valuing Nature more than when I was ignorant. And that can be applied to each of us. 

What I knew as wetlands was the Cattails standing and swaying in shallow waters. As the reading grew, it was amazing to know the many types of water bodies that are identified as Wetlands. Here are some from Illinois

Left top: Everglades marshes

Left bottom: Cancun Mangroves

Right: Inland Prairie wetlands

Cherishing all the wetland experiences I have come across.

Thankful for life's chances to experience these interesting ecosystems and a pleasure to share them on this Wetlands' Day. 

I have had the privilege of visiting one of the largest wetlands, the Everglades National Park, twice.  When I visited it the second time there was a different awareness to my being there. To watch nature , listen, look, feel, with a different inquisitiveness. Now Everglades was no longer just a home of Alligators from Florida, it was much much more biodiverse! Also fortunate to have Mr José, a staff and guide who shared many insightful talks during our boat ride into Everglades waters. Thanks to Mr Josê for giving us time to chat at the end of the air boat ride.

This reminds me of Mr Thomas' talk during our virtual event 'Inspired by Nature- 2021'. Mr Grant Thomas, a local Elementary Art Teacher who has visited many National Parks, created a comic book, 'Killer Hats' and spoke about his Graphic Poem, 'Foreverglades'- excerpts here.

The birds were shot down for their beautiful feathers to go in ladies hats.  Just one of the examples, I htought,  of feeding the human wants (not needs) that were based on ignorant lifestyles. On a positive note, now there are laws that prevent damage to wildlife and its natural habitat. 

Thanks to the establishment of National/ State/ Local Park Services. 

Amazed but not surprised to see a board that mentioned about it being ‘MANGLARES DE NICHUPTE’ a Ramsar site. After returning I began studying about the area and found this APFF-org Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Manglares de Nichupté that helps protect the mangroves.

I was blessed with a recent opportunity to visit Cancun Mexico.  It was a paradoxical experience of Joy and sorrow, ecstasy and concern.

The joy of being near the sea on one side and huge water bodies with large patches of lush green mangroves, on the other side of the land. Ahh, what a unique landmark and an equally unique ecosystem! 

The human litter that I encountered wasn’t new, just that it was a pinch to realize me as a tourist was adding to its pollution.

Not very far away, we were taken through the mangroves by motorboats to experience the Corals of The great Mayan reef. Seeing beneath the dark shades of water surface, has been an AWE of my life- the sight of a happy Coral Reef!! 

But the joy changed to concern while returning back by those same boats. that had ported us to the underwater wonders as Jungle tours. They had speed, made much noise, and created turbulent waves. Were we as tourist disturbing the whole lifes play there? Were we adding to its pollution? But their economy depends on tourism. and that’s an important factor. Maybe Green tourism is an urgent call as we reopen travels after 3 years of lockdowns. 

Flemingoes as migratory birds add beauty to the Thane creek areas and surroundings. Developing an infrastructure might help promote eco-awareness and Eco-tourism but might also add to the destruction of some natural areas. How do we deal with this kind of development?

I grew up seeing the mangroves of Mumbai., western India. As we were in planning mode for wetlands projects, Couple weeks ago my bro-in-law shared a pic from a virtual newspaper. It spoke of an argument for building birdwatching towers verses concern of its ramifications.

This seems to be a Universal problem. A development for humans to get closer to Nature but in the process affect the natural settings. Balance might be the key? Research based planning and holistic approach towards ‘development’ might help?

The Wetland are profused with various species, operate with such great mechanism for sustaining fresh waters on earth. As an Art Facilitator, how can I raise its awareness... I hope to put the response to this quest into an action based and explore the Wetlands Wonders in the process.

Continuity in Transition 2022-23

 Though 2022 and its projects are over, work seems to have barely begun on the intentions behind those projects. Though there is an end and a new start to the manmade calendar, 2023 might be a continuity in work from the previous year.

This year I missed writing the year-end Gratitudes, but with a heart full of thankfulness (and some dejection about failures) I chose not to stress uploading anything during the weak internet at vacation. Instead let my traveling diary help document some rumination.

 Sharing some of those excerpts might help set our 2023 work intentions. Most were penned on New Year's dawn watching the New (or not) Sunrise on the beach and after returning back home (just for the background of mixed tenses)

Transition is a period, a place

where one plane ends and the other begins.

Just like the simultaneous play of these Sea waves.

Change does not happen in a singular point.

Some newness has to begin before the previous ceases

so there is continuity from the past and that is how our life too sustains.

Nothing New can arise without some raw-material from the preceding past. 

Most of our 2022 has been experimental. It was a phase with lots of Whats, Hows, Whens, Wheres, Whos, the only clarity being 'Why' (purpose). Not much impact in terms of change but great learning experiences created during projects. Feeling Thankful for all the opportunities working with some wonderful people.and learning from their work.

What seemed like big projects and good accomplishments collectively, now seems to be just the seeds of possibilities that might have been sown or barely created. 

Now at this point when the new year’s sun is not yet out and precipitates of 2022 are still available, we make a choice of which seeds to be kept and which ones to pass. Which ones to start immediately watering and which to be saved for appropriate times.

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Some experiences of this trip reminds me of past projects making me rethink about them..

There have been some important happening till the last minute of 2022 and any call to wrap up the year any earlier would have been an incomplete picture of it for me..

Yesterday (midnight) on the beach, when all toasted for new year, the loud music, the blazing visuals, the heart pumping excitements, made me feel obnoxious and I drifted towards the quieter yet vibrant waves just a few yards away. The soothing sea sound with low key hues and the fresher winds that made me Breathe after the loud banging on my heartbeats, is an important ending for creating my 2023 intentions.. #Slowing down #Finding Harmony #Rhythm #Nature's beauty...

Some more work seems crucial for me to participate in, as a collective being. And, that ‘me’ stands for each of us as an individual ‘I’ 

Renovated floors at the O’Hare airport with Welcome in various scripts.

Youth entries from ‘Lingo Language Dialect’ exhibit displayed at the IAS Library.

Our mother language project that resumed in February (UNESCO's Mother language Day), was fun and seemed like a good Cultural-Arts experiment though not very important;. But looking back at our visit to Puerto Morelos, for a zipline activity in Mayan reservation land, brings back the question- how important are Native Languages?.  I met a guide there who helped me know the name of a tree (this tree captivated me with its roots running down the cave) in Spanish and Mayan. He was a rare one who could communicate in English. I was filled with questions about the history of the land, about its beauty and eager to know more about their culture but they were on duty and cared least about Mayan language or Cultures to be communicated to a foreign visitor like me.

Except for a few popular languages, not many native languages, are respected in our jet speed techno age, but don’t they convey the wisdom of their lands? The local culture seems to be so intrinsically woven with its geographical surroundings. this knowledge might be important for survival of all, including human as a natural being.. Maybe we should continue working on this fun yet important project on Mother-Language? 

Much Thanks to Mara Thacker from IAS Library for the cooperation and support with Language-Arts project. The Lingo Language Dialect Art exhibit was displayed March-April 2022 at the library while adjoining 'Language' virtual meet on zoom. 

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Catharsis/ Regeneration/ Detox...  same happens in waters (wetlands) and in our body and in nature overall.

Weaver park, Urbana Park Dist, IL. Prairie wetlands filter ground water that gets stored in aquifers underground

The Quintana Too Mangroves, a type of Wetlands, serve as water filters benefiting the underwater sea life as well as the life offshore.

On the very last eve of 2022, I experienced the AWE of the year! Was granted a boon to experience the beauty of coral life in the great Mayan reef! These are the second largest in world!!! What a delicate ecosystem and equally beautiful! I feel obliged to write another post for it..

To reach the Coral site, one has to boat-ride past the mangroves which are large stretches in themselves. But on the periphery of these water-land ecosystems, where human construction starts, it was daunting to see the amount of human litter,  more so after realizing- as a tourist, I am partly responsible for that pollution. Though carrying my own water bottle even within the resort when I was stared upon, in many ways I have been part of the problem unwillingly, unknowingly. It's time we realize traveling comes with a responsibility towards the destinations.

 Fondly remembering our Wetlands week 2022 celebrations! 

The week included an in-person event with school students at a local wetland area in Urbana IL.There were educational presentations by Julie Nieset (Illinois Natural History Survey), David Subers (Urbana Park District) and Matt Fitzel (Student at UIUC) followed by a hike to clean up the litter. 

The other event, a Nature Play-date at the Meadowbrook park, included a grounding session with Grasshoppers teacher, Bogdan Heretoiu, a hike around Meadowbrook prairie .with David Subers of UPD and puppet-making with magazine papers facilitated by me. 

The events are a good example of what we need more in our education systems-- more hands on experiences in Nature while being part of it.

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The Language-Arts project overlapped with wetland project and prep for Earth day celebration, followed by Environmental day prep, while planning for SOI Fabric exhibit which become a part of Art with Museums and all this culminating into E2Re collaborative Fall project.

So 2022 more strikingly brough out the connection within Culture, Ecology, Education and now to my awareness- Economy being an important part of the chain.

The Earth day 2022 marked opening of our experimental E2E2Re eco-culture-arts project. This included projects like Art with Museums' and 'Nature Art'. The projects later culminated into The E2Re Collaborative fall project with celebrations for AAH Month followed by ARD Month. Collaborators hosted events at their respective venues as we tried to inter-link their missions. Thanks to Beth Watkins and Kim Sanford from Spurlock Museum, Katie Snyder from Museum of Grand Prairie, Thomas Warde from PACA, Christa from IDEA store for coming together and contributing towards this collaborative undertaking.

Also it was humbling to participate in Urbana Park District's 'Earthday for Everyone' event.for Earthday 2022. We will ever be thankful to Savanna Donavan from UPD for letting us be part of their huge event with many amazing organizations that are working tremendously towards reversing Climate change.  

Paper collage activity as part of E2Re America Recycles Day’ with school students.

in some ways, do we need more unlearning as adults than providing too much learning for children. Today’s youths are much smarter,. they are moving much faster, but is it the right direction….

Living culture is -- the existing present that is nurtured by the valuable past.

The E2E2Re project included SOI 2022 celebration in collaboration with Asian American Cultural center. Thanks to Dr Sang Lee for her support and help with 'Traditional fabrics of India on th Silk Road' an exhibit displayed at the AACC August- Sep 2022. As an extension, a virtual meet hosted Guest talks and presentations Thanks to Dr Sowmya Anand for co-hosting and helping organise the virtual meet.

Fabric waste is one of the major concerns not just for its heavy carbon footprint production process but also the microfiber waste that follows. Though presently it feels hopeless for any talk on Circular economy, some more efforts to try and introduce the concept might help feed the bigger global change.d out

My trip was kind of reiteration on how Culture and Ecology are connected, additionally realizing, Economy plays a very important role in the health of both.  Maybe we need to find ways of promoting Green industries, Eco-business, Circular economy, Cultural economy?

In my personal dilemma for focusing on Art making vs continuing projects this year, the projects gain weightage for now. Lets see what the new year holds for us all.. 

A glance at E2Re.

3D Paper Tree Samples at ‘Spurlock Sundays’ as part of E2Re up-cycling activities.

This post on E2Re Project, was due long months ago but with events happening back to back, we were engaged in directing the events! As we are nearing its completion now, it feels overwhelming to cover this project in all its entirety. May be smaller segments will give us a chance to look at this Eco-Culture-Arts project from different angles too.

This post basically compiles all events at a glance.

Aim

The E2Re Eco-Culture-Arts Collaborative Project- Fall 2022 technically began since Earthday 2022 as E2E2Re (Earthday to Environmental Day to (America) Recycles day) and culminated into E2Re Collaborative Project.

Creating Faces with fond objects’ activity hosted at Anita Purves Nature Center as part of Urbana Park District’s America recycles day event

The aim of this project was to bring together groups from Community,  Campus and youth groups on a creative Eco-Culture-Arts platform.

This project is a collaborative undertaking of  Spurlock Museum , The Museum of grand Prairie , Urbana Park district, IDEA store, PACA, Ascend Art360 with educator Shannon Percoco and Kuldeepa VM

The other community groups willing to be part of it, made the scope of this project even more wider.

it is hard to process the various areas that this project touched, let alone document every single member who helped make it happen but we are thankful to all the Collaborators and participating groups for their share of involvement, not just in this project but in their own  workplace routines that correlate with the purpose of this project, that is- bringing more Eco awarness, Cultural understanding in our community.

Events by Collaborators

Each Collaborating organization hosted events that were either part of Arts and Humanities Month or America Recycles Day.

Arts and Humanities Month

Spurlock Museum’s ‘Contemporary look at the Classics’, hosted multiple groups like (excerpts are linked respectively) -

Fresh Press Paper showcased samples of locally made papers.

Fresh Press Paper with Educational tables

https://youtu.be/TaW4mnpjubo

Spurlock Museum tables for Paper Upcycling Crafts

Ascend art 360 with Display of up-cycled creations from community.

Perfromances by-

SPICMACAY- https://youtu.be/639eJ9myrbA

Urbana Fine Arts Center, https://youtu.be/LgWW-S7yrZ0

Shubhalaxmi Kumar’s dance group, https://youtu.be/G_tlHjD7ppo

The Wu Family,  https://youtu.be/E0XgHCEVyXY

Champaign Mixed CLovers 4-H Club. https://youtu.be/6RUGJOKom1c

More info on ‘Arts with Museums’ here

Ascend Art360  hosted the Contemporary Look at Classics- Virtual meet with Designers, Educators and community youths- (excerpts of talks are linked respectively)

Luciana Rezende from UFA- www.urbanafineartscenter.com/

https://youtu.be/MDW9pVu4pEo

Joe Rauen- www.joerauen.com https://youtu.be/zTIeheH3lZ8

Seth Feldman - https://youtu.be/YaFzO0aDff8

The Hindi Language group, - https://youtu.be/h89_4HX-qiA

Vyom Mehta,- https://youtu.be/FbHqwf_VBz8

Ascend Art360 hosted Flower arrangement and sketching with flower before cleaning the yards for winter. We talked about native plants, pollinator gardens, and had some fun watching the critters come out of flowers onto the table (trying to put them back out). It was a good example of using what would be discarded. The flowerpots were upcycled bottles. Flowers stayed for a week more and the drawing for ever :)

Displays at the IDEA store

More on Arts and Humanities Month here

‘America Recycles Day’ month

The PACA warehouse and IDEA store are showcasing community upcycled artworks that were part of E2Re Eco-Culture-Arts Collaborative events. Displays are on through 15 December.

‘Repair it and Rewear it’ Fabric repair event at Museum of Grand Prairie.

Urbana Park District’s ARD 2022 event at Anita Purves Nature center and Museum of the Grand Prairie, Mahomet, hosted their own activities that were in sync with the E2Re project.

Displays at the PACA Warehouse.

All these events promoted Repurpose/ Reuse/ Recycle in the spirit of America Recycles Day 2022. More details on ‘America Recycles Day’ month, here.

While executing action plan the E2Re project reached various other groups.

Art teacher, Mr Grant Thomas at Barkstall school hosted Map art by PACA and upcycling arts inspired by Spurlock’s specimens.

Ms Shannon Percoco hosted recycling collage art with her art class at Centennial High School.

Kuldeepa VM from Ascend Art360 hosted upcycling arts at Champaign library’s teens lab with help from Ms Kathie Kading and in Barkstall school classrooms with help from their respective teachers, Mr Burrus and Ms Blackburn.

Inference:

Over all, this project was a good success looking at the obvious Aim of  getting different groups together on the Arts platform, and It has truly been a join venture with everyone involved.

But it might be challenging to say the purpose was served. The outcome of the project has not hit anywhere close. It dint change much in terms of bringing awareness.. Partly, our weakness with social media might be the cause of this failure.

Although, no effort put in what one thinks is right, is gone wasted, we like to be optimistic in our work :) and see this as a learning opportunity if something similar needs to be pursued in near future. May be the efforts show up in future years? May be the ideas hit some grounds and sprout when its the right time? or may be the project just ends here in time. May be a post on E2Re Reflections is in formation!

We sincerely Thank all those who were involved in planning, supporting, executing the E2Re project.

Thanks to Beth Watkins, Kim Sanford,  Katie Snyder, Shannon Percoco, Savannah Donovan, David Subers, Kuldeepa VM for their help in planning and kick starting this project and to Thomas Warde, Christa, for their help Showcasing community displays at their respective venues.

Thanks to Mrs Linda Thiele, Dr. Sang Lee, Dr Sowmya Anand, Mr Grant Thomas, Mr Micheal Burrus, Ms Madison Blackburn, Ms Kathie Kading for organizing the  creative upcycling events in their respective groups.

We are grateful to artist, educators- Luciana Rezende, Joe Rauen, Eric Benson for their valued presence and contributions to this project.

Thanks to volunteers- Julie Nieset, Nazanine Agassi, Ms Shirley She, Kuldeepa VM for their help setting up, photography, video recording and managing the events.

Thanks to Ms Chong-Hwey, Dr Sayee Annak and Ms Julie Schubach for their Moral Support and encouragement in pursuing this project.

We are grateful to the many Parents, Community members and volunteers that are not seen but played an important role in making this Project happen.

Though the project is coming to an end, hope it can be the beginning of something better! Stay tuned for related E2Re posts in coming weeks.