the Painting Activist

Tomorrow marks the 87th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the American Constitution, providing women with the right to vote.  It’s incredibly hard to believe there are still women living today who, in their lifetimes, have not been afforded suffrage.  It sounds like something tucked away in a dusty old history book, far removed from modern times.

From 9-5, the Frazier Arms Museum in Louisville is offering free admission to all women and girls in honor of Women’s Equity Day.  Crafts, interpretations, and other activities will take place before a 6:30 performance (which I don’t think is free) of “‘The Long Road to Victory’ in which Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others come to life!  This one-woman performance showcases a story of vision, courage and tenacity.”  Click here from more details.

The best way to end this post is with a quote by a woman who, unfortunately, did not live to see the amendment enacted, but devoted much of life to ensuring the right for future generations:

“…The day will come when man will recognize woman as his peer, not only at the fireside, but in councils of the nation.  Then, and not until then, will there be perfect comradeship, the ideal union between the sexes that shall result in the highest development of the race.” - Susan B. Anthony

For those Louisville residents interested in the topic of land development, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (a statewide advocacy group) will be showing a screening of the documentary The Unforeseen at the Kentucky Center for the Arts tomorrow, Aug. 24.

The film is an fair and unbiased look at both sides of the story of transformation in the landscape of Austin, Texas as big plans were set in motion in the 1970’s and 80’s to develop a residential neighborhood. As I would imagine is always the case with land development, there was a polarization of opinions and beliefs that threw politics and law in to the messy mix. Click here to watch a preview of the film from a PBS interview with the director.

A private reception with the director, Laura Dunn, will begin at 6:00 at Bomhard Theater (tickets for the reception are $100). The screening will begin at 7:30, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker as well as local authorities on land use policy, economic development, and environmental impact. General admission tickets are $15. Click here for more details.

The film title was inspired by a poem from Kentucky writer and environmental activist, Wendell Berry, who wrote,

“I walked the deserted prospect of the modern mind. Where nothing lived or happened that had not be foreseen. What had been foreseen was the coming of the stranger with money. All that had been before had been destroyed. A new earth had appeared in place of the old made entirely according to plan.”

A close friend, immersed in philanthropy through her job at a charitable foundation, sent me this editorial piece in the Wall Street Journal that resulted in some very interesting dialog about corporate social responsibility (CRS, or just CR, as I refer to it). The piece, entitled “Do Good — or Else” is a shallow look at where the responsibility falls in the corporate world where many companies have a powerful social impact. Initiating interest for the article is was a recent decision by the president of Indonesia “to sign a bill this month requiring companies to spend money on ‘corporate social responsibility’ programs. It would be the first instance we know of world-wide that CSR is mandated by law.”

I’m incredibly interested in this topic and for months have been trying to get through a rather dry book about CR, called The High-Purpose Company, by Christine Arena (although “dry” is not meant to deter you, by virtue of the subject, it’s simply not Harry Potter). Arena highlights companies blazing through all obstacles obstructing the way to the highest profit, crippling many bystanders and the environment along the way. The author spends just as much time, if not more, focusing on successful for-profit companies (holding their own alongside less socially conscientious peers) that have shifted directions by maintaining their fiduciary duty to shareholders while making that profit selling a product or service that alleviates a pain in the world, rather than creating one. Most aren’t this angelic, but many at least have a socially-neutral footstep, and give back in some other capacity as a result of their success.

The editorial in the WSJ specifically focuses on whether or not governments should mandate that corporations act morally. It makes my stomach turn when I think we even have to ask ourselves that. In reality, having the upper hand against your competitors means honoring your “legal” obligation (to first make money for your shareholders) trumps whatever socially negative impacts that upper hand creates. This discussion, between, let’s say, a corporate CFO and a nonprofit program director would just go in circles, as it has between myself and my business-finance other half.

Businesses operating “freely” in an open market have enormous potential to build thriving economies and healthy nations. They can be the lifeblood that stimulate and kick-start a peoples’ ability to participate in the growth of their own economy. Inclusion of a triple-bottom-line, foresight, personal ethics, and business incentives to encourage such behavior might thwart the need for intervention by the government. I feel that many corporations are pushing to the point that status quo has evolved into continuing with whatever unethical practices benefit the company, fully aware of the harm they create, stopping only when caught (unless they can use the power of money to change laws in their favor, making misconduct legal).

The WSJ writer said, “A corporation, after all, is just a legal designation; it’s individuals, not paper firms, who have moral responsibilities.” Agreed; so if those individuals are the executives of these corporations and it’s up to their personal determination whether or not they decide to act morally, then we’re all just left hoping they make the right choices, which is clearly not always the case. So someone, supposedly the government, has to regulate that. What other alternatives are there? Effective implementation of such regulations ideally would be on an international level so as not to put any one country at a disadvantage. Such a stupendous feat is, however, a heavier matter than my Sunday morning schedule will allow, although it certainly deserves a later look.

Today is anti-apartheid activist and former South African president, Nelson Mandela’s, 89th birthday. I guess last night’s TV airing of “In My Country” was no coincidence.

If any one is interested, I would love to take on a portrait commission of Mandela and make a contribution to his foundation or any of the many directly related or ancillary organizations continuing the work of his legacy.

I just finished watching this wonderful movie:

“Langston Whitfield (Samuel L. Jackson) is a Washington Post journalist. His editor provocatively sends him to South Africa to cover the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings, in which the perpetrators of murder and torture on both sides during Apartheid are invited to come forward and confront their victims. By telling the unvarnished truth and expressing contrition, they may be granted amnesty…”

The film is a beautiful balance of an emotionally charged factual history with personal struggles in establishing new perceptions of race, and of complicated love. You have to see it!

$21 a week for food? Anyone relying on food stamps to feed themselves wouldn’t find this such a crazy idea. Apparently, this is “the amount the average food stamp recipient receives in federal assistance.”

I found a shocking article in the Washington Post detailing 4 congressmen’s experience of eating for one week on a humble $21 ($1 per meal).  The objective was to gain an understanding of the magnitude of this reality for those living it week after week.  The “Food Stamp Challenge,” presented by the House Hunger Caucus, meant “the four House members [could not] eat anything beside their $21 worth of groceries. That [meant] no food at the many receptions, dinners and fundraisers that fill a lawmaker’s week.”

The article is certainly worth a read.  I was particularly reminded of the implications such budget restrictions have on one’s  health options.  Only the poorest quality foods, laden with additives, bad fats, sugar, and refined/processed carbohydrates, are affordable. It’s an ugly equation resulting in a snowball effect of further poor and compromised quality of life.  Read for yourself; here’s a link to the article.

10″ x 20″ oil on canvas, $400 ($50 donated to Witness for Peace), shipping not included

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Traveling to Venezuela in February of this year left me perplexed about my own stance on various forms of government, capitalism, and corporate involvement in politics, the media, and foreign affairs. I met with many disadvantaged Venezuelans who made the benefits of socialism hard to dispute, if as nothing more than a transitional solution to their social and economic crisis. On the other hand, I associate with many people working for, starting, and investing in capitalist ventures who logically make solid arguments as to why competition in an open market benefits society, including who least fortunate.

Essentially, I’ve come to the conclusion that corporate responsibility is the issue at the heart of the problem. Venezuela’s poor majority has repeatedly elected a president who promises social and economic salvation. Hugo Chavez stood on a platform of free health care, education, and the availability to business opporunities; exactly what the majority of Venezuelan people want and need. It’s hard for someone in this position to consider the downfalls of socialism when children are going hungry and uneducated because there is no work (that pays a living wage) for family members. If corporations thought beyond their fiduciary duty of making money for shareholders, the social impact of their decisions would be taken into consideration. Christine Arena, author of The High Purpose Company, calls this the triple bottom line.

Going into the details of what constitutes an especially responsible or pathetic company is the start of a very long-winded spiel that you’re better served to read about in The High Purpose Company. What is worth expanding on is my endorsement for organizations that offer first-hand exposure to the countries and people grappling with these issues. Paintings, like this one, are the result of my trip to Latin America with Witness for Peace. I applaud the broad itinerary the organization compiled for the delegates with meetings and appointments covering the full gamut of political perspectives. There’s no better way to develop an informed opinion than to witness with your own eyes what is going on behind the curtain. It certainly shifted my thinking.

As much interest as I have in politics, I don’t think I could ever tolerate the personal sacrifice that comes with the job.  Tonight I heard a devoted Michelle Obama speak about her husband and all the reasons why she fell in love with the “good-looking” “nerd” from Hawaii with the “weird name.”  For those same characteristics, she knows she needs to support her husband’s efforts in bringing his talent and passion to Americans as President.  It’s a very steep personal price to pay, but she married him because of his sincere devotion to service, therefore she feels committed stand by him as he takes it to the highest level.

Mrs. Obama is an extremely well posed, well spoken professional with a intimidating career balanced with a down-to-earth personality coming from a middle class, public school background.  It was wonderful to put a personal story with Barack Obama’s name.  Sifting through main stream media and gossip is never enough to form an honest opinion about a politician.  Events like tonight help give clear perspective as I continue to take information about the candidates.

Myself and 99 other “wise women” heard Kentucky State Auditor, Crit Luallen, speak this morning at a “One Hundred Wise Women” breakfast.  I had planned to post a quote of inspiration from some popular philosopher, poet, or visionary from antiquity.  After hearing Crit speak, I instead decided to share with you what I found inspirational about her talk.

Given the nature of her work, Crit is inundated with statistical information about the state of Kentucky.  A very large portion of this information is terribly depressing.  I hope I have this wrong, but I swear I heard her say that 3 in 20 students in the state will graduate from high school (please, please correct me on this if my ears heard incorrectly).  In spite of such dismal facts about our state, Crit has forged on and devoted much of her self to affecting change.

Crit highlighted three crucial characteristics imperative for strong leadership that fully resonated with me that I’m sure you will appreciate as well:

• INTEGRITY
• COMPETENCE
• VISION

All three especially remind me of traits becoming evermore important as things heat up on the campaign trail.  Kentuckianas will vote for governor later this month and, of course, presidential candidates are revved up like we’re voting tomorrow.

I just spent an inspiring first half of my day at the “political skills campaign school” put on by the Metropolitan Louisville Women’s Political Caucus. An array of workshops informed and counseled an ambitious crowd of attendees on the basics of running for office 101.

Our first keynote speaker was the well posed Dr. Leslie R. Wolfe, president of the Center for Women Policy Studies in Washington DC. Dr. Wolfe, like many of today’s speakers and panelists, told her compelling story of overcoming sexism of the 60’s to work her way up to now empower other women in her current role as president of the nonprofit feminist policy research and advocacy organization.

For any woman pondering the thought of running for political office, this seminar was an ideal opportunity to learn from, and network with, participants including:

• Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Mary Noble
• Mayor of Bowling Green, Ky Elaine N. Walker
• David V. Hawpe, VP and editorial director of the Courier-Journal
• Rick Howlett, host of WFPL’s Morning Edition
• Jim Cauley, campaign manager who ran Barack Obama’s successful bid for the US Senate, and current manager for the Beshear-Mongiardo campaign for Kentucky Governor
• Kathryn Groob of The Women’s Network

Congressman John Yarmuth also stepped in at the end to offer words of encouragement to hopefully female political leaders. With the influence of major players in Yarmuth’s life such as his wife, speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi, and several of his work colleagues, he acknowledged the vital role of women in his own life and to society at large.

For anyone interested in finding out more info about the Metropolitan Louisville Women’s Political Caucus, I’m sorry to say that I’m not aware of any website they have up. But if you email me, I’ll be happy to put you in touch with the appropriate person.

8″ x 10″ oil on canvas, $220 ($50 donated to Witness for Peace, or a nonprofit of the buyer’s choice)

See all artwork available for sale.

Harsh criticism never gives anyone the warm fuzzies, and until I returned from Venezuela, this blog had only faced mere complaints about careless typos. I’ve certainly changed that. In my on-going efforts to tell more people about my artwork, I recently jumped in on other blog conversations related to Venezuelan issues. I was quickly reminded of how naive I can be when I was verbally jumped by bloggers and blog readers because of my “10 day tour of generalities.” My novice, although sincere, interest in Latin American issues of politics and humans rights were indicted by many with long standing personal experience in Venezuela. With a simple link to my website and two lines of text, I unleashed a Pandora’s box of emotion and fervor in others that made my palms sweat (here’s a rather mild example).

My greatest struggle has been surrounding myself with a group of people who share very similar beliefs and, without any previous point of contextual reference, I begin to mold to that group’s philosophy. Then, I intentionally immerse myself in another group with opposing views because I want to get both sides of the story and find that, again, my thoughts bend to that group’s opinion. As a result, two things have happened; 1) I’m overwhelmed and uncertain, and 2) I’ve really ticked some people off by simply entertaining ideas of people on the other side of the fence. Everyone has facts, statistics, and personal accounts, but as I taxi back and forth from one side to the next with new information, inevitably I’m met with equally substantial informative ammo once again.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t leave me anywhere especially productive, but I have a plan. I’m going to list just a couple of repeatedly mentioned talking points, and with extra prompting on my part (via sending emails), I hope to start a discussion in comments below.

• Hugo Chavez has been decidedly democratically elected president three times by clear majorities, but have his election platforms been more talk than anything else? Some argue it has been unfilled propaganda to appeal to the poor majority; playing to their needs foremost to position himself in the authoritarian role he is now in. Others feel that Chavez has truthfully implemented many of his promises, such as social programs addressing literacy and job creation. For those agenda items left unfinished (or even not yet started), many believe he will come through in time and that anyone with such a monumental job of leading a revolution needs allowance for error and time for implementation.
• Although Venezuela has a long history of being a country rich in natural resources, the distribution of this wealth has not been fairly distributed. Corruption has bred a great divide of classes that Chavez is supposedly tackling by nationalizing many companies and industries. Through small business loans and support of community cooperatives, Venezuelan poor are enabled to pull themselves out of poverty and develop a skill that sustains them and a community. Others argue that many such ventures are not sustainable. They rely on government aid for survival, reinforcing the dependency of the majority of Venezuelans on Chavez’s “hand outs” which keep him in office.

This is my enticement to encourage the behind the scenes messages that slam my inbox to come to the forefront by leaving comments here.

8″ x 10″ oil on canvas, $220 ($50 donated to Democracy Matters)
SOLD
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My dad and I try to get together when he is off on Fridays. So yesterday I ended up tagging along with him while he visited with old friends he worked with 30+ years ago when he first got into car sales. I wasn’t expecting that I would sit in the enormous plush office of the owner of the Walmart of car lots and talk at length about corporate corruption and politics and how it all effects the environment, the media, policy, and everyday people. This friend of my father’s admitted that he “wouldn’t last 2 weeks in the corporate world” where an individual’s voice may be compromised so as not to rock the boat. His assessment is based on years of first hand experience with various committees and boards. The behind the scenes struggle to balance social ethics and integrity when your multi-million dollar employer is dangling a secure and luxurious retirement before your eyes is more than many can resist. The conversation certainly wasn’t a capitalism bashing session; far from it actually. Although the three of us did speak frankly about motivates and self-serving human nature that seeps into not only the business world, but also into politics.

I’m painfully aware of how loudly money speaks. Grassroot level efforts represent the interests of those effected by a reality compelling them to rally for change. Unfortunately, it takes a disproportionate amount of the blood, sweat, and tears of the little guy to create equal results that large amounts of money can magically make happen before your eyes. It’s sad really, because I find the disparity in interest between many of those with the control and those with smaller voices is ethics and values.

Let me venture, for just a moment, into the wonderful world of Ashley’s ideological mind. What if monetary contributions to political campaigns, for example, did not play a part of the outcome of elections? I know; who’s going to cover the campaign costs? It’s a system I haven’t mentally attempted to restructure. Nonetheless, it’s no secret that those with the means (many of whom are in the corporate world) alter the outcomes with major contributions in favor of their own interests.

I try to keep my posts as concise as possible, so I will stagger the details of this topic for another day. But I want to tie this issue back to an organization that is putting a strong foot forward in bringing transparency and fairness to the election process with a focus on engaging youth.

“Democracy Matters informs and engages college students and communities in efforts to strengthen our democracy. With campus-based chapters throughout the country, we focus on the issue of private money in politics and other pro-democracy reforms. Democracy Matters in this way encourages the emergence of a new generation of reform-minded leaders.”

Although a bit long, their video is a fabulous description of their mission and work. Check it out and spread the word if you are someone you know can take advantage of organization.

8″ x 10″ oil on canvas, $220 ($50 donated to Witness for Peace)

See all paintings available for sale.

The more I travel abroad, the more I realize how unaware many homebody Americans are of the horrible reputation we’re assigned by virtue of the Bush administration. There were many times while I was in Venezuela when I wished I could have taken my painfully obvious “whiteness” down a few notches while Latin Americans chatted about US policy and US interference. In other countries the complaint is often more vaguely along the lines of arrogance and snobbish superiority. Then I come home to answer the question, “How was your trip?” only to get a blank awkward face staring back at me in confusion, or maybe the statement, “but the Washington Post said…” It makes me feel like I’m watching an unruly child, who has never been taught appropriate behavior, throw a fit in a quiet crowd of strangers watching with raised eyebrows.

There is hope! Most people I’ve met on my travels either give me the benefit of the doubt from the start, or are open to changing their mind after they get to know me. Goodbyes usually then consist of “You know, the American people are good. It’s just your president that I don’t like. Why was he voted in a second time?” (please note that I’m just the messenger).

How does this rant specifically relate to Venezuela? I’m not under the illusion that non-Americans get an unbiased opinion of Americans anymore than we do of them, BUT what dilutes the conviction in my defense of fellow countrymen and women is that, as a whole, we are relatively far less involved in our own government and politics than citizens of others countries (Venezuela being a prime example). Never in my life have I seen so much politically focused public artwork, a general grasp of history and government structure among youth and the poor, and general community involvement. Political posters wallpaper every streetlight and retaining wall. A fifth grader in a rural community could tell you about Simon Bolivar, the National Assembly, what a coup is, and how much oil Venezuela exports. Some adult Americans don’t know who Condoleeza Rice is. It’s no wonder I was blown away by citizen engagement in Venezuela, and also ashamed that I knew nil about my own government until I decided to wake up in high school history class.

Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on, it’s inspiring to witnessing a community come together in an organized manner as many Venezuelans do in public places such as the one shown above. It also gives me hope that here, in the crossroads of America, the guy next door, who has a lot in common with many Venezuelan communal council members, has the potential and opportunity to get involved in local government and be a part of change as he sees fit. I’m grateful that Witness for Peace organized the meetings for me in Venezuela to renew my sense of responsibility to be an engaged American and inspire others to do the same.

For as many gripes as we Americans have about our government, we often don’t utilize our own voices when we have the opportunity to be heard. Many people don’t have that liberty, so don’t take for granted what’s served to you on a silver platter while you watch American Idol.

7″ x 9″ watercolor, $70 ($10 donated to Witness for Peace)

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The best possible approach I’ve come up with thus far for reporting on what I was exposed to in Venezuela is to simply play storyteller. I’m absolutely overwhelmed. I left for Caracas concerned that I was stretching the truth with my coverall statement, “It’s perfectly safe. I’ve done my homework.” Friends leaning left were eager for a report back, and some friends leaning right seemed insulted that I was even going.  Much of what was addressed in my exhaustive itinerary of various meetings touch on very polarized topics that tend to ignite intense debate like gasoline to a flame.  I’ve come back to Kentucky in a dumb-founded state of culture shock, and possibly more unsure on where I stand on political theory.  The experience has been akin to a college freshmen, lost for direction, going to a career fair in hopes of discovering, in one day, what career path defines them best.  I was happy to return to the comforts afforded me by a capitalist system that embraces proportionately rewarding the amount of effort, talent, and resources possessed by an individual.  On the flip side, I was painfully aware of the feathers in my comforter, the clean drinking water from my sink, the fact that my walls are brick and drywall, not corrugated sheet metal.  These are all luxuries that the majority of Venezuelans I met and stayed with did not have access to, and never would, regardless of their potential, if it were not for Hugo Chavez’s government.

So, in maintaining a neutral status by simple virtue of my own uncertainty, I want to share with you, over a series of paintings, what I witnessed.  I strongly encourage your thoughts and open these topics up for debate.  Hopefully, my personal records will stir questions in some of you.  If there is one thing I am certain of as a result of my visit, it’s to scrupulously question what you read in privately-owned, mainstream media.  Everyone has their version of the story, including our best known American news media.  For this reason, I will be making all of my usual donations to Witness For Peace, which is the organization I traveled with to see with my own eyes the “socialist democracy” of the Bolivarian Revolution.  Without Witness For Peace, I never would have had access to the organizations and individuals who eagerly spoke about their own personal and professional opinions of the Chavez government.  I heard from citizens on both sides of the fence and will be sharing all of it with you as I post new artwork of Venezuela in between my usual, American-focused pieces.

And thank you to all of my supporters who financially made this trip a reality.  I truly appreciate your support and look forward to sending my work to those of you who pre-purchased paintings.

7″ x 9″ watercolor, $70 ($10 donated to Kentucky Youth Advocates)
SOLD
See all paintings available for sale.

I expect my email inbox to be cluttered with messages of shock that my first blog post after returning from Venezuela is not about Venezuela. Sorry to surprise you, but I didn’t want to pass on this painting from earlier in the month. And to be honest, I am still digesting what I witnessed while on my trip. Additionally, there wasn’t one single free moment to paint while I was knee-deep in appointments and photo collecting. So, please be patient.

This piece is an illustration of Child Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky. The annual event was “an opportunity for those interested in children’s issues to gather and show legislators that Kentucky cares about its children.” Activists from 41 counties around the state were welcomed by a class of singing pre-schoolers leaving a fresh impression as participants went on to speak to their legislators.

The large and diverse group also heard from some of these politicians and child advocacy groups. It was a great opportunity for anyone working for the benefit of children to network and promote their specific mission. Passion and commitment was as thick as smoke, hopefully drifting into the nearby offices of the legislators.