My dear art family,
I know it’s been forever since I have written or posted and I’m so sorry I’ve been out of touch for so long.
DARE TO DREAM – NEXT STOP, DUBAI!!
Finally! Leap of Faith has been lovingly framed and is at last on its way to Dubai – THANKS TO YOU!!
Here are a couple of pics…
I’m still waiting for customs clearance, which my fearless navigatrix, Liza is arranging, but any day now, with your generous donations, the Dare To Dream exhibition will be a reality!
Here is some more info on the Art Connects Women event:
“Art Connects Women is a socially engaged artistic annual initiative for connecting female artists from around the world in celebration of International Women's Day, which will take place from March 8th to 11th 2023, under the theme “Dare to Dream”.”
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeearts_gallery/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeeArtsGallery/
Tweeter: https://twitter.com/thezeearts
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/zeeartsgallery
I will be sure to send pics when it arrives and some shots of the event,
AS IT TURNS OUT…..
Postage and shipping are EXPENSIVE!! The amount I budgeted for is about one quarter of what it will actually cost to post the pic there and back. Shipping from SA is an absolute nightmare price-wise for me as an artist (and for you as buyers), which is why I have most of my limited edition prints made overseas. I am doing constant work on finding more economical options, but our choices down south are quite limited.
Long story short, I am opening the fundraiser again to try and raise finds to bring Leap HOME when the show is done. As things stand now, it may have to languish in Dubai for a while.
NB
Should I raise the funds and the picture sell on exhibit (and hence not need to come home), I pledge to donate the funds raised to DARG, a local animal shelter which I try and support whenever I can.
A QUICK UPDATE
It took nearly a year, but I finally managed to get into hospital and in some ways, I am a WHOLE lot better than I was 2 months ago. I have come a long way in a pretty short period of time. A lot of healing and processing has happened, but there is still a long way to go.
I must just say this: Without your help support and encouragement, I would never have made it through last year. You gave me a reason to keep on trying. I can never thank you enough.
I left hospital a few days ago, and find myself in a very difficult environment, but I have a roof over my head and a tiny space in which to create.
Physically I am still struggling, but I have a whole list of specialists lined up to see, and I’m hoping one of them will be able to genuinely help me back onto my feet again. I miss walking, I miss wandering in the forests, and along the beaches – with any luck, this time next year, all the pain will be a distant memory xx
Mentally, I have started to feel safe again for the first time in 2 years. My abuser cannot reach me here and being mostly out of survival mode has given me the space I needed to begin healing and processing. There is not compassion, empathy or understanding here, but at least I am safe. I have made some new friends; I am building a support structure. There is hope.
I am not in a financial position to be able to support myself, and likely won’t be for a while – things as still as uncertain on that front as they ever were, but I’m finding it easier to have faith that things will work out for the best.
SURVIVAL IN THE VOID
I’m also still raising funds to keep creating – I always feel awful asking for money to assist, but the reality I face is completely unknowable at this point. My future is dependent on doctors’ reports, which could take months to arrive and may translate to disability compensation and accommodation of some sort or may leave me facing the disability alone. The unknown does not frighten me as much as it did a few months ago. I kinda trust things will work out as they are meant to.
AAAAAAND….I am also thinking of starting a Patreon and would love to know your thoughts.
It may allow me to generate a semi-predictable income and:
· I’ll be able to chat with you one-on-one
· Offer classes in my artmaking techniques
· Give you some exclusive behind-the -scenes sneakypeaks
· Post exclusive content and early-releases of new work and writings.
· Offer you giveaways and fan merch 😊
I’m still very much just thinking about it and putting it out there to see what you think of the idea, so if you have any thoughts, now is the time to share!!
SOME JOLLY GOOD NEWS!!
I was humbled and overwhelmed that I was chosen to do some creative work for the DRESDEN DOLLS and Amanda Palmer!!! If you don’t know who they are, I urge you to rectify that. What incredible people. I am truly blessed.
You can follow Amanda on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/amandapalmer
This is the first work I created for her 3 solo shows coming up in April. It’s composed of 2 paintings combined, both of which will be for sale, as will 10 limited-edition prints in my Etsy store (just of the picture, not the stunning poster they designed for the events). More news on that soon. Amanda will be selling merch of all sorts featuring the design. Find out more about the events here https://amandapalmer.net/events/
AAAAAAND….. there’s more on the horizon, which I promise to post about soon.
Sending you all my love and gratitude,
Niki