While creating the webpages for our projects, I am faced with queries of my own., so this small corner is retained for my own ponderings.
The views and outlook on this blog are solely author’s, they might not represent that of volunteers or members mentioned on this website.
My heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and encouraged our projects through the years and continue to do so
Kuldeepa VM.
Request access for my artworks here. Some sample works, at the end of this page.
Humanities make Arts possible.
The post is a compilation of Diary excerpts from the end of October as a tribute to the Arts and Humanities month. It might be edited to add links as they are received.
Though Arts have an upper hand on Maslow's pyramid (unlike many stereotype education systems) the health of the categories at the base of the pyramid might pose a foundation to the prosperity of higher states of Art.
Should we as Artists, Connoisseurs, organizers be aware of that? May it be health or wealth or success or failure of all sorts it always entails a communal effect on everything that is connected at the grass-root level and also within its sphere.
I feel fortunate for the experiences I had this month while consciously thinking of ‘Humanities’ that are at the base of any Arts to happen.
October is 'Arts and Humanities' month
From its end now,
looking at the far end of October's start.
So much happening, so many stimuli.
So much to learn and understand.
Though our events did not go as planned,
The meaningful experiences
brought new insights to the creative platform.
These experiences might seem less fancy compared to our very first AAHM 2022 with E2Re project events but for me these ordinary everyday experiences feel more important in understanding the backstage, the ground level efforts that sustain the successful shining of any Art shows. My AAH month is dedicated to those wonderful unseen humans that make Arts and Humanities possible.
AAHM 2022 Cultural event, part of E2Re project at the Spurlock Museum.
And my love for capturing moments through photos, made this visual sharing possible. I believe a Picture suffices many words... but words can b a pointer to understand the picture better?
1 Oct
Garden club:
“This work is not directly connected to Art but definitely fosters a sensitive mind that can be so conducive for Arts”.
Since last year, we have been trying to restart the after school Garden club initially started by Beth Evans but fell off after she shifted. Happy now that it finally resumed this year! Thanks to volunteers (Susie Berkes, Joyce Hurd, and Kuldeepa) in maintaining the Garden patches. Though the joy of seeing the kids touch the earth, look at natural colors and critters, all seems worth the effort, its sad to see not much attention is given to such vital activities as part of mainstream edu curriculum. i am humbled though to see Suzie drive an hour and a half and Joyce 20+ min, to volunteer their time here not expecting anything but for the club to go on.
Gardening might not directly be part of Art but definitely fosters a sensitive mind that’s conducive for Arts. Art cannot survive in solitude, let alone prosper whereas holistic view is concerned. This outlook also supports our inquiry into 'interconnectedness' explorations for C. Designing Inquiry Project.
Restart of FSA Garden club 2024-2025
Students harvesting potatoes from a veggie bed. It was their choice not to wear gardening gloves and it amused me
Book2Prisoners: Tuesdays are my Service days. The same day I was at Books2 prisoners replying to the letters from the incarcerated requesting for books of their interest.
It's just been a few times I started helping here but had touching experiences with every letter and every book I packed. It was like connecting with them in some way sending them warm thoughts.
Thanks to UCIMC for taking under its umbrella such a meaningful cause along with many others. Our volunteer guide is Rachel Rasmussen who overlooks so many operations and still has the energy to help us enthusiastically search for materials and periodically laugh, bringing joy to our work though the letters are sometimes sad. Rachel was one of our guest presenters for the book event. Listen to her audio talks on this page
While responding to requests of books for Arts, Crafts, Creative projects, a thought crossed if we can have art studios or any infrastructure for creativity in prisons that could be a wonderful entertainment and also empowerment. So much more to be done from us all..
Searching for books in response to letters
Books2 prisoners at UCIMC
2 Oct
It's Gandhiji's birthday. This year, It was an honor and a pleasure to attend Rajmohanji's tribute to Gandhi with a 'website opening' virtual event. As expected, the talks were inspiring and so were the discussions around 'We are one humanity' . This also reminded me of a skit play celebrating Gandhi and Dr King on the same day a few years ago, at the Spurlock Museum . It was a great amalgamation of Arts, Culture, History, Humanities within one event.
On this day I also made up for my missed Mentoring session. Happy to meet my mantee with some flowers for apology and while returning back, what a coincidence to see Gandhiji's slogan 'Be the change...' in a corner of the school hall. We are really 'One Humanity'!
5 Oct
I was at the Lincoln Square Farmers market. A lovely sunny day to be outside and a cherry on top, a band playing some celtic music outside Common grounds Coop! Thanks to the organisers, to the space lenders and to the musicians who can be equally credited for creating a joyful ambience all around!
Moving towards the market, other melodies continued… ohh the deep vibrations of a hang drum! Listening to it and shopping for locally grown/made products feeded the conscious gratitude for everyone who grows our livelihood and feeds our senses with beautiful creations. We donated a few $$ but all music was free for all! Arts serving humans, Humans serving Arts, I thought
I quote by Gandhi in the local public school
Program flyer for event- celebrating Dr. King and Gandhi
7 Oct
The music vibe continued. This time it was a School Jazz night. The help given prior and after from all parents is crucial for these educational events, not just for the sake of help but also as a contribution in supporting Arts for our children. Added advantage, the healthy bond with our kids and inspiration for our students to help when its their turn.
8 Oct
Got to attend an inspiring discussion on 'Race forward' hosted by Americans for the Arts. I joined this session with a curiosity on how others view 'moving forward' as.
We were sent to zoom rooms. I always enjoy this chats in small groups, it lets us open up and gives more time to share. Our group head must be amazing activist, she shared her insight on how a fundraiser they had was more to do with the impact it made and value it created for the participating members while also raising funds. This was in response to my question on how to be of more help with less conventional programs like creativity in prisons. Not that I found answers but definitely felt more hope for Creativity to be made accessible for those pockets and corners of our community that are ignored.
It's garden club day again! This week I felt like pulling back a bit from this obligation and using that time and energy in my creative work. But the other colleague was missing.so went to help Suzie and had fun working with the lively students anyways :) Made me think how these blessed ladies come this far without any complaints. Hope the school district respects the dedication by taking up more charge and involvement into such meaningful jobs. Cannot stress enough how learning in outdoor settings can be most impactful. Possible edu activities like Play, Sports, Arts, Gardening, infact in some way, all subjects periodically taught outdoors adds to better quality education
Band concert at Franklin steam Academy
Concert outside of Co-op Common Grounds Store
9 Oct.
Luckily, I got to know from my friend, Naza about a podcasting workshop at the Grainger library and rushed to attend it as I had developed an interest in collecting interviews and talks. So glad I could join this stimulating event. The inspiring attendees, the content of slides, the way the discussions unfolded creating more ideas and enthusiasm, I felt charged up while leaving the session. Find more about their upcoming sessions here.
While walking on the streets, I saw a familiar scene that made me nostalgic. Students sketching their Uni high school building from across the street. The teacher, Ms Lisa was attentively guiding them from behind. I was touched by her calm yet involved gesture. Reminded me of my days as an Art Student and also an Art teacher. Apart from the benefit of being out, observation while sketching becomes such an important training in process of Art creation.
That same day was a make up for volunteering at the Idea store. I enjoy this time sorting through small found objects and organizing them neatly. There is something therapeutic about working with our fine motors, it fine tunes our focus, may it be painting or needle working or organizing our desks. Anyways, what's special about today was, I made a new friend. She said she was on the border of Autism spectrum but to me she was very creative and also intelligent. While pricing tiny brushes individually she came up with tricks to minimize the tedious efforts of cutting, numbering, and sticking the cello taped prices. Why dont we have more outlets for such undervalued genius minds around us, I ponder.. Was nice of her I thought, to volunteer at the store, though she had recently lost a job so could have sat home instead, saving her commuting funds. These unnoticeable beings make my day and my life so rich!!
Uni High School students sketching across the road
Pricing the brushes at the Idea store
‘Podcasting Workshop’ by Graduate students from the ‘Idea lab’ at the Grainger Engineering Library.
Organizing can be therapeutic. Thread pools organized by color.
11 Oct
Volunteering at the book sale fundraiser at IMC was an inspiring time again. So many volunteers put in the manpower, muscle power, intellect and creative minds towards one cause! Most impressive for me was to work with a high schooler whom i made my guide that day. He spoke less but seemed like enjoying his work. Then I met a lady who spoke about Monkeys while we scanned the records. It made our time a fun learning period.
Though there is inequality in justice, there are wonderful beings that counterbalance that part of humanity by offering care and concern and help wherever needed. Do consider volunteering anywhere in your proximity.
14 Oct
Monthly 4 H meetings are my opportunities to learn from Mrs Thiele, our 4H club leader. Whatever she does and more importantly how she does it is always motivating for me. Mrs Thiele is a strong lighthouse for the budding 4 Hers. At 70+ she has all the enthusiasm and vigour to arrange tables, compile and print notes and oversee smooth happenings of monthly meets, apart from the special events’ work. We are humbled to have such a dedicated leader as our inspiration.
Mrs Thiele setting up for the October 4-H Club meeting
A high schooler helping setup materials for the Book2prisoners Book sale fundraiser
18 Oct
Colbert park is a newly developed public park with open spaces and an unusual feature for our usual flat land, a small hill that is fun to climb. The park has musical instruments and some interactive questions as one walks around the trail. The prairies are a good addition to its ecological value (thought ornamental stage yet).. We need more of these mindful, playful additions for meaningful stimuli in our parks.
22 Oct
Mentoring time again. This time we have my manatees sister and her Mentor join us outdoors. We collect some leaves and tree pods then make up a silly song and play that with pod music before getting inside. So much fun in just a small period of lunch time! We all should do that whether school students or office bearers, even teachers administrators and also politicians, not going out and singing per se but being outside, mindfully touching the natural things and listening to nature's poetry in our free time.
Garden Club again in the afternoon. After cleaning weeds and harvesting some produce, it rains! Ms Suzie has some tarp that we use and shelter under. The fun of it all and then watching the double rainbow, what a pleasurable experience that wouldn't be bought no matter what.
A small hill at Colber park
Garden Club members under the tarp when it showered
25 Oct
While the fast paced events of this month go on, there has been stress of pulling together our own event. In such times, Thanks to WILL radio for the lovely classics that entertain and destress me while driving kids from pickups and drop offs. Music loosens my mind and uplifts my heart, diverting my attention. to the beautiful side of us as humans.
This public radio is supported by donors, so many thanks to the unseen supporters because of whom we enjoy the programs.
WILL FM public Radio entertain sin car
Listening to classical music in Will radio while enjoying the fall while waiting on signal light
26 Oct
Prep for Cultural celebrations- Halloween and Diwali are a fun multicultural experience most years. While making our own handmade decorations (from repurposed papers) a friend visits and brings some homemade pastry rolls (with homegrown berries!) How delightful I feel when friends go that length to prepare from scratch with joy and Care and then share without hesitation! Art is not just with Art supplies, these rolls and my playing with Shakerpali geometric shapes, presents a great example of Art’s scope in many other everyday sectors.
Chinese berry rolls homemade with homegrown berries
Making Shakerpala and exploring geometric designs other than conventional crisscross diagonals
28 Oct
Setup for Jazz night fundraiser was physically challenging but mentally insightful experience.. I have been feeling guilty for not being able to help as much with my kid’s band group. This was a chance, I thought so signed up for only remaining help on the list- setting up music equipment on stage. Bit skeptical knowing the heavy weights of these equipment but surprisingly, it was fun.
Made me ponder, these school events go on every year more than once. so much to load and unload twice per event when the programs are away from institutions. The helpers come from somewhere and the shows go on every year with success! Hats off to these unknown source of efforts
29 Oct
Mentoring in the morning was fun outdoors again with co-mentor and mentee sisters. They had fun eating outside and me being in sunlight. Looking at the falling leaves we come up with an idea of making prints with them. Hehe Nature's inspirations!
In the afternoon, there was the Garden club. This time we worked on the flowerbeds. While cleaning the annuals and learning from Ms Suzie and Ms Joyce about the perennials and its care, the wind blew a pile of leaves behind and it swirled up circular upwards. There was that AWE and wonder! And also a buzzing insect that no one could identify but I am all curious. it's like the hummingbird moth maybe.
As though a reimbursement for my volunteer work, life gave me a chance to attend a Zakir Hussein concert at Krannert centre. Thanks actually to my hubby who got tickets even though we are moving thru a low financial period. It was truly a touching experience listening to the melodies, the subtle and exhilarating sounds without any disturbance or concerns is so transcendental! We have undervalued the role of sounds in refining human psyche, in fact in many ways we have abused our listening sense.
Cleaning the space and Setting up music equipments for Jazz concert to follow
leaves fell off after swirling in air
at Krannert to attend Meastro Zhakir Hussain’s concert
a big buzzingg insect seen during garden club
30 Nov
Most of the month's planning was around a senior special event planned for 3 Nov. with our 96 year young senior guest, Dr Stake. Today I received news of him being unwell. It took many moments to calm myself before I could respond with care. Though sad about his health and of event cancellation, was glad to know, Dr Stake was in the hands of a good Care.
Wishing a smooth recovery and sending warm thoughts his way. In flashback I wondered how at 95+ age he had the enthusiasm to be part of our Book reading event earlier. Thanks to Dr Stake and Dr Merel for inspiring and encouraging us in this initial stage of the Inquiry project, part-II. Their co-authored book, 'A Paradigm of Care' is truly in the spirit of this Arts and Humanities month.
With my low spirits, I reached out to listen to Thay (Thich Nhat Hanh). The first link that came up was my solace. More discourses here
Dr Stake talking to attendees of the book reading event
a screen shot of Thay giving a discourse
31 Oct
Happy Samhain eve, Happy Halloween eve, Happy Diwali eve! Such a multicultural world is mine!
While setting the Halloween candies on patio, i couldnt but fall in love with the happy Prairies infront. Some are still blooming but most are dried now. I had to organise some dried ones for kids to come by but left most of them as is, for there are ladybugs and bees and insects flying. crawling by.
Thinking of Nature and Festivals and our Celebrations- always makes me sad how festivals from all cultures have turned into commercial consumerism that uses the degenerative products just for fun lasting a day or even an hour, and then they lay in landfills for years and years. Education seems to be the key, not just informational, but more to do with mindful consumption and its generative alternatives.
A good Question to start the ‘America Recycled Day’ month
Thrash generated in one week by one child who is low on candies. Not to mention the toxic artificial chemicals this deteriorating our kids’ microbiomes
Prairies in front yard
moths seen end of oct
while raking parts of yard, an insect crawled from under dried leaves trying to hide somewhere else
. These backstage volunteers, helpers, creative compassionate minds and also the many educators, leaders, policy makers who go out of their way to make Arts (or any Nobel acts) shine, are my heroes of the AAHM celebration. They teach me dedication and selfless work towards a higher purpose.
October over all has been a demanding month, physically, mentally and psychologically too. While rushing around, I tried to make sense of it all. Are all these events interconnected? None had anything to do with each other, nor were they affected by each other. Or were they? or should they?
With C Designing inquiry back of my mind, wonder how all these activities fitted into our theme of 'Wellbeing for all’.
With these Questions my interest shifts from pursuing the hectic schedule to streamlining my attention towards the creative Inquiry.
November seems to give a chance to slow down with a couple extra holidays we have had. Many important events happened last week that made me rethink Work, Creativity, Lifestyles, Ethics, Evolution.... Lets see what unfolds from these experiences
Compilation of C. Designing events
Looking back at the phase-I of C Designing Creative Inquiry it feels like a good learning curve. Updated some notes below-
This project, unlike others, was meant to be less structured and more open to be built upon by collaborative events, letting it take its own shape. In that sense it feels like a good success though some plans didnt work as we would have liked.
I purposefully avoided opening social media pages as it would affect my research and creative focus but that is also the reason why we failed to reach more audience and get more participation. Something to ponder on for the next phase.
Any success this far is a shared one with contributions from each collaborator and from all participants!
Though not very effective or of much impact, the phase-I seems to have laid a good foundation for the project to move ahead in more meaningful ways.
Some Diary scribbling to compile all events.
As the phase -I of C Designing inquiry ends
I sit to ruminate over the six months of events
But instead of the project
thoughts on consciousness and Art flow through instead
Anyways coming back to the project,
It was less structured
and meant to be built upon as we go,
So not many aspects worked as we had hoped
Some successes came as pleasant surprises though
Looking back,
All the efforts and hardwork seems worth
For the learning that happened,
and the wider areas it touched.
As I close the first phase
Jotting down thoughts that flow
I would like to start with the latest event as it’s the freshest
June celebrated Environmental day
with the concluding Book reading event
It was one of those wonderful surprises,
that felt like Quant working at its best
but 'What the Bleep do we know'
Things were not working as planned,
the confirmed guests were unavailable at the last moment
But magically so, some new guests appered
just a couple days before
Thanks to Phil Nyman, Ms Rachel, Dr Stake, Dr Visse, Ms Manjula, Meera and Vyom
They made the event much valuable and inspiring for everyone
Whether a coincidence or help from higher intervention
Grateful for the chance to witness the stimulation
May was the month for Biodiversity
Thought some of us informally discussed the topics
and went for casual hikes,
Our planned events were postponed
In hope of more time and structure.
April's Earthday events were exhilarating
The Virtual exhibit special meet included
Mrs Thiele, Ms Pruski, Ms Doris, Sphia and Vyom
Also there was so much going on around the town
Sustainapalooza felt the grandest
A sustainability event hosted by SECs at the UIUC quad,
So impressive to see our youths taking action
to care for the Planet.
March was celebrated as Zero-waste Crafts month
while promoting all kinds of Crafts
So Craft workshops prevailed
Working with discarded papers and found objects,
Kids crafts were unique and original
saving much of our resources
including waters of the third world
and of every manufacturing place
that are contaminated at the expense
of the consumers' flamboyant ways
This aspect was discussed with the kids,
who readily agreed on making possible change
Feb was dedicated to wetlands
but included multiple celebrations
The Cultural Lunar New Year
The Valentines day
and The Wetlands day
all seem interconnected in some way
Thanks to Julie, Claire, Naza, Phil, Vyom.
We touched the topics of Love, Water, Habitats and Climate change
We had groups from various backgrounds and different ages
So it was interesting to co-relate.
Though our backgrounds were from different fields
we seemed to be on the same wavelengths
Just a thought crossed if that correlation can be continued
to hold that space of trying to relate
and come up w solutions as inmates
January started with first virtual talks,
Thanks to our guests Kiri and Julie
for shedding light on
Handloom weaving and
the Wetland wonders, respectively
It was interesting how the talks intertwined
bringing out common healing aspect of Nature
and that of hand weaving
We had another virtual meet
The Puzzle Day specials
Thanks to Phil Nyman, Abigail Narayan, and Vyom
It was interesting to look at puzzles and games
from Phil’s personal collection
and Museum's collections
and Vyom’s hand-mades
It highlighted the mindset to innovate.
From January coming back into this July warmth
No much success feels achieved
that we can account for
No social media page as thought about
nor the newsletter generated
But
in some ways it feels like
a foundation is being laid
for possibility of something more valuable
to take place in the fertile grounds
of Conscious Inquiry project
fostering interdisciplinary exchange
that leads to intertwined 'Wellness’
Book reading event infant of the ‘Books 2 Prisoners’ boxes
SECS Sustainapalooza event at the main quad.
School students Making display cards for Teacher’s week using outdated fliers from school.
Virtual exhibit for April.
Puzzle day special
Kiri sharing her weaving process while talking about natural fibers and dyes
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 artwork on right is one of my abstract ink works from couple decades ago but recently found a piece of wood that resonated with that artworks so I tried to compare it. In this case the art developed my taste to enjoying the aoristic visuals 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.
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 since a long time. Apart from Fabric art making she makes blankets to donate too. She inspires me in many ways! I loved Mohan’s ‘Circles’ representing various concepts. it was on display at this year‘s boneyard art fest,. I could connect to her circles thru my own works on ‘Mu’ and ‘Shunyã’
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. ”
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’”
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.
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."
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 Water- language arts 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.”
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
This post was updated later to make correction with changed links.
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'. It is build upon the Wetlands Week- 2022 project that included an in-person event at Weaver park where 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. Later in the week ‘Art Playdate’ event at Meadowbrook Park included some grounding exercises led by Grasshoppers Club teacher, Bogden Heretoiu, art activities by Ascend Art 360 and Water visit with David Subers. 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.
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 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 an area of shallow waters where Cattails stood swaying . As my knowledge grew, it was amazing to know the many types of water bodies that are identified as Wetlands. Here are some from Illinois
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! I was fortunate to have Mr José, a staff and guide who shared his insights on Everglades ecology and culture, some excerpts from his Everglades talks here. Thanks to Mr Josê for sharing some insights and for his devotion to wetlands awareness.
Talking of Everglades, reminds me of a talk by a local Elementary Art Teacher Mr Grant Thomas, during our virtual event 'Inspired by Nature- 2021'. His Graphic Poem, 'Killer Hats' talks on how birds were shot down for their beautiful feathers to go in ladies hats. 'Foreverglades'- excerpts here.
Just one of the examples 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.
While visiting Cancun, amazed but not surprised to see a board that mentioned it as a ‘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. Wondering how the localites approach this site? And first hand experience of how we as travelers undervalue its ecological wonder at the cost of our momentary enjoyments.
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 a relative shared this 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? How can we work towards Research based planning and a holistic approach towards ‘development’?
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 respond to this quest with Creative actions 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.
----------------
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.
—————————-
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.
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
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/
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
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.
Nature’s Poetry in a Red Maple Tree!
Its a Poetry month! And though I am not a poet nor a writer, I enjoy poetic talks and penning down my flowing thoughts.
For that process, makes me flow rather then talk
Makes me dance rather then just walk
It helps organize, the scattered attention
Around one refined thought.
-Part of a diary page from 04/13/2022
My diary excerpts on this post span within 3-4 days. It was inspired by the ‘Poetrees’ time at local library and my Red Maple Tree.
Thanks to Elaine Bearden from Urbana Free Library for creating a beautiful ambience during ‘Poetrees’ event. And for Nature to share its immense joy and abundance with me!
These scribbles were chosen to be read with other local authors during ‘Pandemics as a Portal to Change’ virtual meet. it was a shared experience of revelations and insights into ‘We’ as a community facing common challenges. Thanks to Champaign Public Library for bringing us together!
Studying the textures of Red Maple bark and blossoms
Poetry might be a way of seeing things not just a genre of writing?
But these r just my thoughts.
For me, Nature is poetry
That always brings Awe
Whether in forest, cities
Or on side walks,
There’s always a wonder
And Drama
Happening interestingly
Continuously
Simultaneously
Miraculously
On every enchanting path.
There’s a Red Maple Tree in our front yard. It’s a housekeeper that welcomes us with smiles every time we enter or leave our driveway. While we have appreciated it all throughout the year, I feel this year in my 3rd season of its flowering, I actually felt an Awe
I who promote connection between ecology and arts, learning by observing, being in nature, blah blah, couldn’t find time to sketch flowers of something so close by and beautiful.
We get so busy with what we are doing that we lose sight of why we are doing; and if that doing can happen without even doing, so much time energy and resources are saved. Probably that what they call getting simpler? But we are not talking of Minimalism or growing our own food, it is more about mindfulness that can help each of us reach our own ways of simplifying life for ourselves.
Just sitting there under a Tree,
with wind dancing merrily
and sunshine spotlighting
every corner of Nature’s beauty
Reciting a poetry,
In textures and forms
patters and colors
of this blessed Maple tree
That connects me to the Cosmic energy
Its like a poetry happening Here and Now
Nature’s poetry always brings an Awe!
With the onset of Pandemic, we were pushed to explore virtual world.
My journey of virtual sharing began with a few poetic lines I had scribbled at the start of lockdown. And out of respect for the local call for Arts for ‘Pandemics as a Portal to Change’, I submitted those as a poem instead of my artwork (Pic on top right). The poem had shades of my guilt, for enjoying the Nature when the world was ablaze with sorrow and distress. We were at the mercy of some microscopic killer virus that even Alexander the Great would not be able to suppress had it gotten to his chest. What is ‘Great’ then, I had thought?
Its been a journey of 3 years now going through another mass destructive cycle on Earth with onset of War in one of the corners of this interesting celestial body, which humanoid creatures address as- Our/ Your Land
Whose land? Whose Earth? and what for?
Who’s ‘me’? And who means ‘they’?
All the might of global organizations
May it be UNO UNESCO or Peace corps,
Could not Stop
The the destruction
of the huge neighboring mass.
Yet, in this chaos
There peeps a call
From the blessed Nature
To my mind’s hall
Asking me to open up
To its beauty that perishes fast
Yet its effects persists for (sometimes) life long
Poetry is great
It pulls from the unknown depths of
my terrifying darker space
That which I cannot decipher
With what I can connect
It gathers the dispersed seeds
of many thoughts
Into one enclosed fruit
That my heart wants to taste
3 years now!
This how much the Pandemic completed
And also how much my association
With the Red Maple blossoming season going on.
So much has happened
Times ran fast, but with each step
One could see the milestones passed
Working diligently
On a thought that was revealed
In recent years past
About some connection between
Creativity- What? Why? How?
Halloween Monsters made out of recyclables for exhibiting at ‘Thrash Flash’ exhibit in Makerspace event- 2016
“‘Creativity develops finer mind, Art itself being a faculty of advanced mind’”
These lines will be found on our webpage ‘Creativity Sustainably’ from where other content is being eliminated to make space for new. Some of this content seemed fun to be shared and talked about. So made it into a post.
What is Creativity? Why is it important for our mental health? What develops creative faculties of brain?
While many studies on this topic can b found on internet, this post is aimed for interactive talks rather than just info based. We have few starter points below while sharing our past events and their creative nature. Feel free to question, elaborate, play with for ideas. Welcoming all :)
‘Creativity’ broadly means, ones unique way of doing anything, not just creating Art. It can be applied everywhere. May it be home decorating, problem solving at work, fixing things with inadequate tools, or cooking, or pretty much anything. ‘Creative’ is an ‘Outlook’ and its possible for all.
Many factors promote Creative thinking.
Left: Casually made cave with fallen grass cuttings and rocks around.
Nature play or just being surrounded by it, has profound effect on quality of brain development. Where arts are concerned, Nature has influenced the many artistic expressions, even if there was no trace or direct reference to it in the art works.
As an advanced animal species, we do not need to try hard to connect with Nature, we just need to disconnect with unhealthy mental and physical practices that stop our creative organic flow as a part of Nature.
Right: Friends playing as princesses with long colorful hair.
Girls made Paper flowers with colorful streamers and used the rest to make their hair streaks. The dances and gestures that followed were a visual treat with novel play!
Unstructured play time is a great platform for promoting child’s own creativity. Being Mindful of the materials that surround them during that time of their exploration, can help give it a meaningful direction.
Left: Environmental Day 2020 virtual celebration with puppets.
Puppets made during Earth Day-week Zoom meets, came to life in Puppet Show on World Environmental Day 2020. Puppets spoke about the effects CoVid19 has on their Habitat and discussed possible ways of co-existence with humans.
“But like every human thing, Art and creating
need not be contaminating anything.
True Art is Sanctifying.”
There is immense raw material around us for making casual short-term Art and playful creative projects. There is no need to buy foam stickers, sparklers, or any materials that will be used for 15 minutes of crafts that end up in landfill within 5 days and stay there for 50 years. The less we buy ready-made, the more is scope for creativity, and added advantage— Fun close to Zero waste!
Making available Natural world can amaze and inspire, bringing in the wonder of creation while touching ones own naturally creative channels. Why not use dry materials found in Nature that can be decomposed into nourishing earth for life! For example our creating activity at Maker Fest 2017.
Unlimited supply of market products
can hinder ones creative stimulus
also increasing our
carbon footprint Extensively,
Can we Re-think
Creativity Sustainably?
Check our latest Earth-n-Arts projects here.
Our Past exhibits like ‘Paper exhibit’ for Boneyard fest 2019 Environmental Arts at Maker Fest- 2017, 2019 , Inspired by Nature and many others were successful Zero-waste events.
While we face some daunting Global issues, compassion and creativity can play a positive role in finding the right solutions.
They all point towards our relation with Nature, and towards exploring our own Nature as humans, towards our relations with each other and with our co-creatures existing on this unique planet.
Transitions- Gratitude for 2021
Movie Night at Anita Purves Nature Center. Wall-E in Moonlight.
As one man-made calendar outdates,
the other is replaced.
The previous events
r still playing its presence in the next
And present movements
already had its seeds in past events.
This is a space where
two moments, two planes, two episodes
Interact Transit Transform
Creating a chance for change
2021 saw the best of both-
The brunt of pandemic, shadows of which seem to extend into this following year.
And the rise in awareness, in connectedness and urgency for harmony as a collective fate.
As Thich Nhat Hanh says- ‘No mud, no Lotus’. The mud is the reason for Lotus to flower. There has been enough space this year and much negative from past to accelerate our speed for humanity to blossom.
As an Art facilitator, It is nice to see how Arts are creating a revolution, making a difference and creating awareness while also maintaining its flavorful creativity, nourishing our senses.
It would be nice to share some of my inspiring Art-moments from the exiting year as 2022 makes its way into present. Most of these events would be continued into 2022 and I feel pleased to write about them.
I would like to start from events we hosted. A huge thanks to all the Volunteers, Supporters and Guests who, inspite of the stress and challenges, made 2021 a productive year generating more hopes for all.
Our first important event was ‘National Crafts Month 2021’
We r Thankful to Spurlock museum and Museum of The Grand Prairie for being our cohost on this week long virtual celebration.
Ms Kim Sheahan had beautifully compiled various resources and activities based on each day’s themes. As a Storyteller, she did a fantastic job with her interactive stories, opening up youths for creative activities that followed!
Kim Shehan’s stories can be enjoyed at Facebook live on their page
https://www.facebook.com/SpurlockMuseum
Also it was wonderful to hear Ms Katie Snyder, from Museum of Grand Prairie, talk about the local history as she gave us a virtual tour of various Museum collections. Interesting to know a little more about our local orientations.
Over all it was a great learning experience and fun too!
We are working on ‘Art based on Museum’, a project for March 2022.
Our Earth-day event was a wonderful culmination of Arts, Culture and Eco -Talks. Thanks to Ms Beth Watkins from Spurlock museum for cohosting this virtual event. Ms Watkins brought to the virtual scene, the Museum’s prolific collection based on Series themes. The presentations, in form of slide shows, were a treat for one’s with artistic taste and historic inclinations.
Link to the meets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZWwqKneOMo&list=PLRx2TLHW7oP4DcBbg1FebnmHXA79TDFdN
Another event in the series of Earthday celebrations was Spirit of India- Ladies’ meet. We are thankful to our guests, Harshal Jagdale who shared her creative reuse of fabrics and Nirmala Gehlot who threw some light on her Native foods and their foraged origins. It was a wonder and learning while watching them.
Check the excerpts here
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRx2TLHW7oP4wdgjpmjcFNTva8VQQVV9l
Spirit of Inia also celebrated ‘Environmental day 2021’ We are grateful to Aditi Tiwari Misra and Ketki Bendre for gathering the kids and helping organize a week long virtual STEAM workshop that culminated in Environmental day zoom event. It was impressive to see how our youths at this age are aware and open to work towards the right change. Excerpts of the meet here-
Collage of Art works display at Boneyards Arts fest 2021- Artists from right to left: Michael Roughton, Mohan Tracy, Michael Sherfield, Kuldeepa VM
Our Cultural exchange event for Boneyards 2021 was an invigorating experience! Thanks to Nazanine Agassi for sponsoring the event and gathering her talented friends who brought various interesting facets of their native cultures, making it a fun yet enriching experience! Thanks to Bao Bui for hosting the event. There was Music, Talks, Food, and Visual arts!
We are looking forward for more such cultural events. Check some excerpts here-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyZ-PBzoJjk&list=PLRx2TLHW7oP5L_Tcty_7KemxTcejx4-BF
‘Inspired by Nature’ exhibition including the following meet ups were part of ‘America Recycles day 2021’ celebration. It was fun and educational series.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRx2TLHW7oP41TyuyZpLNJpOmDE6VyDOQ
Huge Thanks to Asian American Cultural Center for hosting our exhibit, and to all the Guest Artist, and David Subers from Anita Purves Nature center for being willing to help in anyway to promote environmental work. Even though a short time, he agreed for a presentation on pollinators and a game based on right recycling methods. He shared the following link to help create local pollinator pockets.
https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/pollinator-pockets
APNC will have many interesting events and Nature based activities as the new year unfolds. Some events are mentioned below in APNC para.
As part of the exhibition prep, Julie Nieset and George Hardbeck hosted a persimmon planting activity and art making from dried leaves, a panel called ‘Nature the best recyclers’ with 4-H youths. Thanks to them both and to Mrs Thiele, our leader for 4-H Club, for encouraging us always. The panel adorned one of our exhibit walls.
The ‘Inspired by Nature’ project will continue well through Spring of 2022.
Some of my surrounding experiences.
End of the year I happen to attend a book discussion on OCTAVIA E. BUTLER'S ‘PARABLE OF THE SOWER’
A virtual event hosted by Champaign Public library as a pre-event discussion for upcoming performance at Krannert Center.
I haven’t read all the book yet but the discussion was very involving and for me, it was inspiring to hear each participant’s take on revisiting our own societal, personal and inner relationships moving into the Future.
The performance is coming up in Feb of 2022.
https://krannertcenter.com/parablepathcu
Another event in fall by CSAMES hosting Afghanistan rapper, Sonita, was deeply moving and inspiring how the next Gen is leading in powerful ways, a much needed change.
Sonita Alizada’s family has been targeted by the Taliban due to her public activism for Afghan women and girls. She is trying to get her family safely overseas and we can help her at following link.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-sonitas-family
This reminds me of ‘Wonderful Women creating Change’ a virtual event hosted by Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. As they mentioned, ‘ Women’s history is the history of entire humanity, of science, and of arts…” I felt uplifted after attending part of the event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG0H8_f3wa8
On Arts and Cultural front, it’s astounding to see how the global issues are impacting the Art creation in immersive ways. The exhibitions I encountered this year were not just high quality Art, some of them were centered around social activism, cultural awareness, human histories, Ecological issues, all in interesting ways, bringing new approaches towards social norms as well as Art expressions!
‘Americans in Spain’ at Milwaukee Art Museum,
https://mam.org/exhibitions/details/americans-in-spain.php
Sewn in Memory: AIDS Quilt Panels from Central Illinois at Spurlock Museum
https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/exhibits/profiles/sewn-in-memory.html
Abraham’s Farewell to Ismael at Perez Museum of Art
https://www.pamm.org/collections/abrahams-farewell-ishmael
Krannert Center for Performing Arts annually celebrates Ellnora guitar fest! This year I was fortunate to attend it after several years of gap. Many uplifting performances! The one caught my attention the most was Joe Reuen’s performance with his hanmade guitars from everyday objects. Not only the designs of instruments were amazingly creative but also their varying Sounds were engaging! Joe also learns Eastern classical music making it no surprise to feel the depth in his art an his music. https://college.berklee.edu/bt/news/joe-rauen
On environmental front much work is impressively progressing all over the world!
In March, I happen to attend a virtual Turtle conservancy meet hosted by Florida Wildlife Conservation. https://flmtph.myfwc.com/attend-online/
The talk of saving turtle habitats touched various topics related to environmental issues. One of them, the night light pollution coincided with our ‘night lights off’ promotion based on Champaign county’s documents on this topic. The page 6 on link takes us to useful info on light pollution
https://www.ccfpd.org/Portals/0/adam/Content/m0Yrrp4qo0Co3Fvdr8-fOQ/Text/DarkSkyResourceGuide2.pdf
Who doesn’t love pristine nights! You see I have always been attracted to the Darkness. ‘Darkness’ seems to be aesthetically and spiritually inclined, whereas the ‘Dark-side’ carries negative connotations.
No surprise I love All Night landscape paintings, not just ‘the Starry night’ and I enjoy my own collection of night captures, though they r urban. Oh so much to write about night landscape… may be a different post later!
Talking of night, reminds me of movie night hosted by Urbana Park District at Anita Purves Nature center, a place me and my kid loves to visit whenever possible! And the movie was none other then my favorite— Wall-E!!! I watched it several times yet it was wonderful experience to watch it in open air with people dispersed at secured lengths and the moon rising behind movie, it was like experiencing a larger drama around the movie screen!
The UPD has some interesting events planned for coming year! One of them is ‘Butterflies Across the World’ exhibit which is open at the center for viewing. They will have an adjoining virtual event free for public but registration is required. Check their event at
https://www.facebook.com/events/496097961838832?ref=newsfeed
To register for event-
https://apm.activecommunities.com/urbanaparks/Activity_Search/10579
As we talk of Nature, comes to mind Ms Elizabeth Evans, an ESL teacher from Franklin Middle school who initiated the idea of Gardening on unused piece of land in their premises. Her work caught momentum forming into a Garden club. It is inspiring how Ms Evans worked through the challenges to get the ball rolling and made possible some meaningful addition to the education system.
Talking of eco, reminds me of WRI’s talk on Carbon emissions promoting E- vehicles in public sectors. Personally, it is uplifting for me to attend any meets hosted by WRI. It’s putting efforts in action based programs simultaneously promoting Global Eco- talks, data softwares, creating provoking newsletters and much more. Their work in developing countries makes it an impactful organization curbing Climate change
So many events are catering to awareness of a global village, simultaneously fostering local lands.
Membranes that divided science, arts, ecology, economy, compartmentalized gender groups, discriminated social classes, are all dissolving through time, creating newness.
Though the situation is not the best, we r better equipped after couple of years of survival challenges, more resilient for future threats. So let’s look forward to a creative world thriving in a harmonious wave.
Autumn Leaves
As December dawns,
the last leaf from November awaits its fall.
There are other trees
Still bearing several more leaves
That are still tightly holding on
So this is a small tribute to the grandeur of passing Autumn
Before all those leaves fall.
Like every year, we resumed our autumn fun activities with warm hues of Fall leaves.
As we resumed our art play-dates beginning of this October, small group of kids met and collected various fallen leaves’ specimens.
We Sketched them observing its shapes and curves while learning about rendering and graded line fun.
Some kids colored their drawings, some traced!
But that was irrelevant as best part was we all touched a part of nature that was technically dead but had some life left with much more beauty in them!
The girls giggle and teased amidst the fall leaves, echoing the beauty of Autumn amaze!
Then another day we had couple of senior members gather for Art meets.
Photo credit: G. Zhang.
One of them awed on design of Maple leaf that lay outside the entrance door ready to be carefully picked.
He brought it in with him, enquiring and discussing about its type of species to solve his Quest
We rendered a still-life that was placed.
And the Maple leaf fitted in just fine within the Visual context.
After the sketching was ended, G took photos of the still life, that became an art in itself!
Then came Thankgiving!
Instead of just card making, we baked cookies
That would go with the theme- ‘The Autumn Leaves’
It was an experiment!
And though intimidating, it was a lot of fun to execute its shapes.
We intentionally used white flours
So as to bring out the intensity of Natural Color, more.
We made sugar-cinnamon cookies with Beet for Red
And salted cookies with rice flour plus turmeric for Yellow’s flair
The raw batters looked amazing with stunning colors
But after baking, they all were fade
And ofcorse it was expected
But yet we had not accepted
until…. The cookies cooled
And the kids tasted..
Ahh, they said, “Not bad at’ll'“
For the efforts we made
For the ideas we executed
While shaping the leaf contours
And carving carefully its veins
It was worth all the pains!
So much fun we gained
making edible Art that also entertained!
Art need not be confined to Art
It can intermingle with everyday’s caos
While tidying, while dressing while cooking
or even on gardening patch.
Art can be part of anything you choose
Enhancing beauty, adding zest
of creative Energy
in whatever we do!
Good bye, beautiful Autumn! Thank you, my Friend :-)
Zen experience with living structures
Guggenheim Museum from inside.
It was a dream come true to visit some of the art destinations on wish list.
I was fortunate to be granted a visit at Guggenheim, MOMA and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling waters’!
One could feel the Zen experience in each of these.
Guggenheim had Kandinsky displayed elaborately through all his phases. i have liked Kandinsky for his thoughts more than his paintings but this exhibit changed my relation to his huge body of works and art journey!
Apart from the morphing phases of his interesting paintings, the Museum’s non-angular circular movements could not be missed. Though a backdrop to exhibits, the Guggenheim Museum offers a beauty of its own, without distracting the value of artworks on display. For me, it was a contemplative experience more intensified with Wassily Kandinsky’s presence.
The magic of a beautiful visual or melodious sound is that it lingers in our minds and heart long after we have parted with it That is what happened to me with Motherwell, Rothko and V Gaitonde’s Paintings. And later, the playful light hearted joy with Calder’s Art works at Museum of Modern Art. I still savor the subtle visual pleasures after returning miles apart.
Both, Rothko and Gaitonde had expressed their interest in Zen philosophy when they met at New York. A fact that was surprising to me. The influence of Zen is felt in both their paintings which are meditative. One has to be relaxed to feel these masterpieces.
About Mark Rothko: https://www.nga.gov/features/mark-rothko/mark-rothko-early-years.html
About Vasudeo Gaitonde: https://www.christies.com/features/VS-Gaitonde-7387-1.aspx
The abstractionist at MOMA reminded me of another fav contemporary artist from India, Pandit Khairnar, whose color field paintings create similar experiences of contemplative spaciousness. https://www.gallerythreshold.com/artist/pandit-khairnar/
While the visual pleasures still lingered, as though a cherry on top, I was gifted a ticket to tour ‘Falling Waters’ a Frank Lloyd work that I have always yearned to visit. A Huge thanks to the lady at entrance who helped me get into the tour in-spite of technical challenges and to my hubby who went lengths to procure a ticket for visit.
The ‘Falling Waters’ is not just visual experience it is deeply moving to ones being. This architecture is a precious gem in the wilderness of Pittsburg. We had Guide Gerald who had his own interesting way of sharing the narratives of history geography and science of this house, Thank you Gerald!
Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Falling waters’ built on top of a waterfall.
I could feel the Zen in entire structure! It was in rhythm with the surrounding natural formations. One particular corner in the passage that leads to guest houses has a partial rock cutting naturally thru the corner walls. There flows a tiny unnoticeable stream of water. Instead of repairing the wall, it is let to flow down with an outlet in the floor for water to subside. Gerald quoted Wright saying, ‘it is better to flow and play with the water rather than fight it’.
Lloyd’s love for Japanese paintings and its design principles shows its influence on his own designing philosophy.
After returning home, I did not want to waste time in trivial happenings of life. I think the 3 day trip changed me in some way (at least temporarily ;-)
Talking of home, I have always enjoyed the sanctity of my own house! The light and space are dramatic and the entire house feels connected! It is Amish built!
A well designed space can heighten our experience of living. And it doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive, in fact it needs to be simplified, connecting us to the immediate surroundings and to ourselves and to each other dwelling in this house.
Reminds me of an architect (may be from Texas university) I watched a decade ago on Art21 series. The episode was about how architecture (in this case housing) design should be space and environment specific. The conventional four walled structures cannot serve the best interest for all geographical regions. It was a genius solution to the heat and economic conditions of community living in New-Mexico.
I forget the name and details but loved the driving force behind designing simplified low budget yet strong and sustainable housing complex.
With the onset of lockdown, we have experienced our houses in an intense way. Many of us beautified our houses in our own way. This might be counted into the positive outcomes of Lockdown! Art works add to the mood of the space and sometimes it creates spaciousness of internal nature. Having an expensive art piece is not necessary, we can create our own art! This art adds beauty and belonging to everyday living.
Visiting great places is wonderful experience but creating some of these spacious zen aspects in our own homes is of better benefit and easily possible.
May we built structures to create space for awe and harmony not enclosed walls to disconnect from the flow of life.
Art encounters through Pandemic
Since the Pandemic’s blow,
the existing systems crumbled,
people shuffled, ideas tumbled.
Though the annihilation still goes on,
it’s inspiring to see
how we r coping up and moving on.
I would like to share a gist of some lockdown events I came across, that made me feel optimistic and hopeful about future in spite of Pandemic’s despair. As my field is Art, would like to stick with my Art inspirations. Hope this brings the same optimism to you as it did to me.
Since the experiences r fresher, I prefer to start with the latest and the farthest.
~ As the traveling prospects opened up safely, we could visit Myrtle beach, S. Carolina, this summer.
One of the most impressive (and succesful) projects I came across unexpectedly while taking a driving break, was W. Virginia’s Tamarack marketplace stop. This arts program was the state initiative to built a platform for local makers and artisans. Many citizens lost their coal mining jobs. Tamarack was formed to promote handmade, locally made fine quality goods, creating economy that empowered its own home-talents!
Their collection is unique and original. Check the webpage https://www.tamarackwv.com
I am Thankful to Tamarack staff, Mike Bragg, for sharing some interesting info! Check the clip https://youtu.be/SL618t8YqYk
~ Beaches have a way of connecting us to our own vast Ocean within! Apart from the touching moments with the turquoise waters of Myrtle beach, I was lucky to encounter a local library- ‘The Chapin Memorial library’ that gave me some insightful books! Thanks to a librarian who was patient with my search!
The book, ‘Living Beaches of Georgia and the Carolinas’- By Blair Witherington and Dawn Witherington, is loaded with interesting pictures and detailed study about the Grand Strand’s flora and fauna and as mentioned, is truly - A Beachcomber's Guide! My artist mind rejoiced in relating the natural beauty with the picturesque photographs!
The book, ‘Soul of the Sea: In the Age of the Algorithm’- By Nishan Degnarain and Gregory S Stone.
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/34735206-soul-of-the-sea
I had to quick browse for lack of time, but a take-away for me was their provoking thought- “we need to think in new ways, on fundamental levels, to approach new problems that we face in new age...” The content with logistics and diagrams are an eye opener! For me, it stimulates action.
~ Another visit that stimulated me artistically was at the Milwaukee Art Museum https://mam.org, and not just for its Art but more for it as a piece of Art! The architecture is a stunning experience of Forms and Space beautifully illuminated with a modern touch!
They had an interactive activity for kids outside and inside the museum! My kid sketched some of the artifacts and enjoyed learning its aesthetic in a closer way! More such activities needed please :)
Sketches by Khushboo Mehta, 9yrs.
MAM’s Sketchpad activity for kids to note their favorite artifacts.
The many alternative Art events that opened up new ways of working, to cop with Lockdown situation, made them Novel in a positive light! I was impressed by such projects in my town.
‘The great Artdoors’ https://40north.org/programs/thegreatARTdoors was a lovely idea!
This project is a creative response to the limitations faced by galleries and indoor public places. When the visitors could not visit galleries, the Art came out in open for the community!
I also enjoyed the Crystal Lake Art Fair!. Even with the safety protocols, it had the same artsy vibe! Apart from some wonderful art stalls, the interactive yarn art project I found most interesting! Designed by Ashley, a staff from Urbana Park District, it was a board and cut-out letters that would finally make up the decorated Title. Anyone could stop by and work on covering up the pieces with the colorful yarn available! (Title pic of completed letters. The dry leaf seemed to match with the event logo ;-)) This activity was joyfully easy yet so vibrant! (confession :- I messed up the yarn rhythm by weaving instead of circling the corners :-/
As physical spaces closed virtual world kept us afloat! Though the digital experience might not equate the former, it has its pros of being available for longer and for wider audience!
The Giertz Gallery at Parkland College hosted a virtual art competition for youths. https://www.facebook.com/71496921120/videos/273284644434462
While this is not great in itself, the way it was organized was impressive! It had talks and shows for community and was educating in its nature! They also organised ‘Around the block’ virtual exhibit that hosted several artist talks. Sadly, i couldn’t attend many of these but I love the gallery’s approach of inclusion and education!
https://www.parkland.edu/Audience/Community-Business/Parkland-Presents/Art-Gallery/About
‘PANDEMICS AS A PORTAL TO CHANGE’ was another virtual exhibit open to public and would be archived as pandemic collection. https://kam.illinois.edu/exhibition/pandemics-portal-change-community-exhibition
I loved their title and so decided to submit a poem as my abstract paintings were not ready yet. The organisations that hosted this project also were actively involved in uplifting the community spirits through arts ithroughout lockdown period. Like Grand Prairie Museum’s ‘Art in a Time of Quarantine’.
https://www.facebook.com/museumofthegrandprairie/videos/245278170111577
Though not visual arts, I was touched by Elaine Bearden from Urbana Free library who kept the virtual book club going even when the number of attendees fluctuated. There were interesting books to look forward every week! These sessions were followed by their creative art event the Story-Walk at Parks https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/4482232
Though the buzz of crowd was paused, so much was happening in the corners of every block!
Our own website was created because of Pandemic. We stood up to the challenge of designing alternative ways of keeping creativity alive!
We are grateful for a chance throughout Pandemic, to work with some wonderful organizations whose philosophies we respect! Project details and links to the organizations can be found on https://www.ascendingaesthetic.org/projects
My Pandemic experiences have been on extreme ends
oscillating btw highs to low depressions,
joyfully optimistic to draining pessimism,
and though most of it is just loss and failures,
there is so much raising insight gained!
When we don’t hold on, there is nothing to lose!
In fact efforts might be needed to loosen ourselves
so some space is made
for what needs to sip in the cracks
and let the serene beauty fill in those gaps.
Let’s hope we come out on the other side of Pandemic with more resilience for all.
As I finished Fine Arts school, I continued actively painting while also working as a school teacher for a living. I soon realized the inner and outer nature of both. Teaching demands social awareness (energy outward), Painting needs some quiet inner space. (introverted). Though it is a challenge to balance both, I choose to not let go either of my callings. I am grateful for the valuable life experiences that help me design community art projects and understand their impact in the larger whole. I wish to keep exploring both the dimensions and their aesthetic elements that brings joy to my life.
Wire works
Ink and watercolors
Paper Mache
Apart from experimenting with Art, I design projects that help me understand the mysteries of Life even further.