Work/Study in Nepal and How You Can Help

Dear friends and family,

A few weeks ago I ecstatically made the announcement that I was invited to join an expressive arts work/study program in Nepal. I was floored by the amount of love, and encouragement that poured in. I really had no idea that I was seen and supported by so many and am so very grateful that you took the time to connect with me. Many have come forward and asked for more information about the trip as well as inquiring about how they can partake of this experience with me. I would love to share this information with you now.

But first, a little back story…

painting by me 1996

I have lived long enough to know that we have all seen dark days. Times when our pain overshadowed our hope and joy. Just like you, I am no stranger to suffering.  And at the darkest of times I have received the greatest of blessings. Of course, it’s a process, like the transformation that coal undergoes under vast amounts of pressure over time. And it looks different for all of us, but for me, my process of working through pain and troubles has always involved a few things - conversations, prayer, and creative expression. This is actually how I came to be an artist. I was driven to express feelings that I could put no words to and found release there. 

Ever since I discovered what a powerful tool the arts are for me, I have been wanting to share it with others through sharing my own expressions - my art, and leading women and children in the art-making process. Wanting to learn expressive arts therapy is a natural progression of this.

I have also asked myself who needs this the most? Traumatized individuals. The terminally ill. Those who have been abused and neglected. Survivors of human trafficking. So when I saw the opportunity to learn art FROM survivors of human trafficking, I flipped my lid!! Imagine my excitement when I got the news that my application had been accepted!

The Deets…

from last year's trip, photo by Jenna

Here’s what I know so far about the experience from http://www.harambeearts.org/download/TraveltoNepal.html

May 24 - June 7 2014, I will be participating in a unique expressive arts therapy work/study program led by Harambee Arts, a non-profit organization that partners with grassroots programs in Africa and Nepal in the training of local caregivers to provide healing art programs for vulnerable women and children. 

During our two-week stay, we will be lodging in a charming guesthouse in Boudhanath located on the grounds of a Tibetan Monastery, in Kathmandu, Nepal. The first week of the program we will be trained in the Harambee Arts methodology by survivors of trafficking and their support staff. During the second week, we will work directly with Nepali girls in safe houses as well as other groups which may include orphans, and children with cancer or disabilities. 

The training covers key elements of practice, including:

• How to introduce the work effectively in crisis situations with diverse populations

• Best practices in creating a safe space for participants to heal, especially when they have no sense of safety

• Creating community to allow everyone to be heard and valued

• Using multiple art forms - including dance/movement, visual arts, storytelling, and drama - as transformative healing modalities

• Strategies for planning, organizing, communicating and creating effective workshops and interventions.

Much of this activity will be very emotionally intense, so in between we will go for hikes, shopping, and visit sites of cultural interest.

How this trip will help me further my goals…

After my return from Nepal, I will apply my new knowledge and experience in my volunteer work at a local safe house. Between now and when I depart for the work/study program, I will undergo a 40 hour volunteer training with Freedom House, a local non-profit organization with two safe houses in the bay area that provide survivors of human-trafficking with long-term aftercare. I believe the combination of these two experiences will provide me with the tools I need to do this work. Beyond serving trafficked individuals, I will also be able to conduct one-on-one interventions and create workshops and retreats applying expressive arts as a healing tool for enrichment and personal growth.

Where you come in…

As you can imagine, this is an ambitious undertaking. I could really use all the support I can get. There are several ways you can participate:

PRAY - pray that I will be able to raise all of the funds necessary (approx $4500) by March 31st, that I will be able to work out all of the details (particularly the visa and child care), that I (and all other participants) will be physically and emotionally strong in the face of the rigors of this trip, for the safety of all involved, and that we would all be teachable in spirit and return with greater compassion and hope.

SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER - as much as possible I will be documenting this journey and would love for you all to come along. If you sign up for my newsletter you will automatically be e-mailed any updates.

DONATE - if you feel called to give just click the paypal button below. No amount is too small. Everything helps. Also, if you would like to donate an art piece or a product or service, I will be holding a fundraising auction in the next few weeks.  Please e-mail at smshammack[at]gmail[dot]com or FB message me and let me know 1. what you are wanting to donate 2. a picture of the item 3. a minimum bid 4.your contact information (this will not be published but will be provided to the winner).

SHARE - please feel free to share this information with anyone you feel might be interested. You'll find some snazzy buttons below so you can share this on twitter, facbook, pinterest, or in an e-mail. The more we spread the word the better!

Finally, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of my support team. I couldn’t do this without you!!

Giveaway Time!!

Ever since my own profound experience of healing through artmaking, I have been deeply interested in continuing to learn and explore ways to use the creative process to restore our spirits. Melody Ross has long been a source of ideas and  inspiration to me in this area. That's why I was so excited when she announced her new course Soul Comfort.

Soul Comfort makes use of two of the best techniques I know for reflection and growth: journaling and art. But the best part about this class is that the focus is on making the projects portable, easy to jump in and out of and with minimal mess. Isn't that what we need?! I don't know about you, but I struggle to find long stretches of time to make complex pieces of art and my family is tired of me taking up the living room with all of my supplies. And yet, I still long for that nurturing creative time.

Here's what Melody has to say about it...

"One of the most wonderful things about this course is that everything fits into one fabric tote bag . . . I wanted to create a whole course where all of the supplies fit into a tiny space so that you could take it everywhere you go…so that you could do it sitting on your bed, on your couch, with your family, do it with your children, in the car, wherever your day takes you. It’s incredible. This has changed my life. This has been something that I have used on my own and I can’t wait to share it with you.”

Because I believe that you NEED to take this time for yourself and your creativity, ESPECIALLY when you are busy, I am honored to be offering a FREE spot in this course. 

How Susan? How do I enter?

It's easy! Just leave a comment below answering the following question:

Why do you think women have a hard time with self care? And how do you think this Brave Girl class might help you get through the holiday season?

See? Nothing to it. GOOD LUCK!!

Giveaway closes Monday September 23rd at Noon PST. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on this blog by 3pm PST. Soul Comfort eCourse begins September 24th. 

Comments for this giveaway are now closed.

And the winner is...................

Carrie Lynne

Congatulations Carrie! Brave Girls will contact you shortly regarding your registration. Enjoy Soul Comfort!!

Monday Inspiration

My dear blogosphere friends.  I know that all two of you are deeply disappointed that I have failed to post my Monday Inspirations for the past two weeks and that now I am finally posting a Monday Inspiration so late on a Monday that you are likely to not even notice it until Tuesday.  Indeed, I am remorseful. 

Today's inspiration is....ME!!  MIO!  I have been doing some abstract automatic drawings lately. 

They are small so they don't take long. 

 I use a sharpie and a few pastels so I don't overthink it.  I am a big overthinker.

 I just doodle with little or no idea of what I am making. 

 The cool thing is, this approach is somehow completely by-passing my inner critic. 

 It doesn't even bother showing up. 

The end result is I get to play.  That feels good.  That's why I liked art to begin with.

I realize these pictures are not perfect.  I just really wanted to share these with you.  Whoever you are.

That's me peeking from behind this one.  A personal fave.

And another.

I want to make this one into a leather applique.  Maybe for a purse.

I realize this is an art blog and this is the first time I have actually posted any of my art. 

So, it took me a while to warm up, I guess.  Who knows, maybe I'll do one every day and  then post it.  Some of these would make cool paintings too.  It wouldn't hurt my feelings if you begged me to make you a copy of one.   Just saying.  Ok peeps, I'm tired.  Be inspired!!

Monday Inspiration

Today's inspiration is....SPRING!!!! 

Even though it's not officially spring yet, I could feel it in the air today.  It was such a gorgeous day that it made me feel happy, light, kind of like this...

Did you feel it too?  All giddy and bouncy?  Did you get outside and soak it up?  I hope so. 

I was walking in downtown Pleasant Hill when a light breeze kicked in and blew hundreds of blossoms around me.  It was one of those picture perfect moments when everything just felt right.  Hmm, this reminds me of a favorite song and gives me an idea for a painting...

After this blissful moment I went to fetch my dog for a walk.  She is living with my niece and her family because we are living with my brother (who already has two cats).  This brings me to a reality about my life that I haven't exactly broadcast.  We're living with my brother because we don't have jobs and are on welfare.  There. I said it.  I'm trying to be more transparent and bring people into my process as an artist, and my financial situation is a BIG part of my artistic journey right now.

You know, I'm actually not that down about it.  After we lost the house and divested ourselves of half of our earthly belongings, I honestly felt...relief.  Debt and junk can really way you down in a way that you become numb to until it's gone and you feel like you're an inch off the ground, buoyant.  Am I making sense?  

Anyways, blah blah blah, I hope I'm not rambling.  One of the cool things about  "losing it all" (I haven't really) and "hitting rock bottom" (I've really had it harder than this) is there's nowhere to go but up (I'm hoping).  You kind of get to scrap it all and start all over.  It's actually kind of exciting.  I always said I wanted to be a starving artist and well...I DID IT!!  Hurray for me! (note sarcasm please)

I guess it helps that I'm one of those people that believes that everything happens for a reason, whether immediately tangible or not.  And that, I'll be ok and even beyond that, this could do me some good - if I let it.  My dad says, "What doesn't kill you makes you fat."  Ha!  He makes me laugh.  There's another gift...humor.  Very thankful for the ability to laugh in the face of adversity.

So, in light of these facts which I have divulged to you, you can see perhaps a bit more of the importance that I succeed (whatever that means) in this pursuit of mine to take my art thing to the "next level".  There's definitely some angst there. 

So now you know.  And if you haven't already, I hope you go outside, laugh at your troubles, count your blessings, and do a snoopy dance. 

Peace out.

It's been a few months and it's time to update you on my progress. My Etsy store is up and running albeit with only one item. A lovely mermaid is now available as a print. I have kind of put a freeze on doing more with it until I can resolve a problem I'm having with using the name "ArteSana". I don't think it's actually a problem, but someone wants me to feel that is is, so I am taking precautions.

My website is also underway. I am really excited about the ideas that my web developer and I have been coming up with. Hope fully we can finish it soon.

Finally, I have a flickr account where I am beginning to organize my portfolio. Lots of things to see, but eventually they will all be hubbed at the website.

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!