Abandonment Can Be a Good Thing...
To know me is to know that I am a saver, recycler and a rescuer...not an abandoner. I have rescued 4 pets, recycled everything from clothing, to plastics, wood and metal. I believe in reuse.
So when I came across the Art Abandonment Project, I was a little skeptical. My youngest son poignantly asked, "Can't you get arrested for littering?"... the mother in me was proud of his concern for Mother Earth, the artist in me was offended that he considered my art... litter!
Then I thought about all of the ways we can give that do not include dollars and cents. We give compliments, smiles, a listening ear, a strong shoulder, and hugs! We give constructive criticism, courteous acts, and we volunteer our time and energy. All of these count and are valid ways to lighten someone's load in our daily grind, that so often proves trying and overwhelming.
So why not art? I know just perusing the colors and designs in a stationery story brings me joy. To others, they are lifted through styles of clothing, technological toys, books, you name it! I have always been inspired and uplifted by art of any medium. While I personally may not work with particular art supplies, I still respect and take joy in what evolves another artist gives their heart and soul into a piece using their preferred medium.
So I am excited to join the Art Abandonment Project and take along numerous small, portable pieces of my own fabric art for abandoning over Spring Break! I've packed some fabric postcards, some fabric brooches...
I have taken care to package them in waterproof ziploc bags, because we are headed to drizzly Seattle first!
I can't wait to find some unique spots aboard our overnight train from Seattle! Then I will leave an artistic trail through San Francisco, all the way back to Columbus! I hope that everyone who finds my gift will reach out and share their experience at i.found.artwork@gmail.com!
I encourage you to join the project- go to Facebook and search the Art Abandonment group, ask to join and once they respond, you will find great samples of previous abandonments from all over the place, you will also have access to templates for gift tags to leave with your art!
Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, there are always ways you can give...and often it takes just one teensy show of compassion, or random act of kindness to lift someone's heart and spirit...so abandon art, or just abandon something of your self! It will not only make you and your recipient happy, it will give you wings!