the Painting Activist

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

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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
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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.

Just weeks ago Ky State Treasure, Jonathan Miller, announced that he would be running for Governor of Kentucky. Quickly following the announcement he and his running-mate, Jefferson County Attorney, Irv Maze, began their campaign efforts. Last night I attended a “Miller-Maze meet up” at a Louisville ale house where the two gentlemen address an audience eager to hear their promises of fresh leadership for the bluegrass state.

One of my fellow bloggers, Jim Pence of the HillBillyreport.com, was there doing his YouTube thing. So, instead of re-creating the highlights of the evening with text, I’ll direct you to Jim’s blog where you can watch interviews with both Jonathan Miller and Irv Maze (left and right above respectively). Thanks Jim!

8″ x 11″ oil on masonite, $200 ($50 donated to CASA).
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What a day it’s been! The polls seemed to have a steady flow of traffic. Fido waited outside my polling station in the rain this morning while its owner cast his vote.

Get all of the latest national news at CNN and local results here.

Technorati tags: Kentucky election, election, voting.

8″ x 10″ oil on canvas, $200 ($50 donated to CASA)
SOLD
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Bill Clinton spoke last night to a sea of Kentuckians who, fortunately for the democratic candidates, came with fat wallets. I met a fellow blogger in the press area who devotes his time to politically geared vlogging, when most men his age would be fishing with grandchildren. I was inspired by his devotion to citizen journalism and truly impressed by his tech savvy. He video records events, such as this, in extended versions to supplement the short snippets fed to us by TV media. He and I both were curiously glared at by reporters and camera crews wondering, “how did they get press passes?” Times are changing.

Prior to Clinton’s talk, the event was a crash course in 2006 democratic candidates 101. The massive audience cheered to “Are you ready for change?!” from various speakers like high schoolers at a pep rally. The enthusiasm was strong and all ears were attentive to the election issues. A few of the speakers included Jerry Abramson (Louisville Mayor), Jerry Lundergan (Kentucky Democratic Chairman), and John Yarmuth (Ky Democratic candidate for US Congress).

In addition to attending this unique event, I also finally answered a question plaguing my mind for years. Estimated from the number of mouths moving during the singalong to “My Old Kentucky Home”, I would guess that just over 50% percent of well educated Kentucky residents know the lyrics to the state song (or maybe some just don’t like singing anywhere but their own shower). Odds are in your favor for being able to join in on the Stephen Fosters number if you are 60 years of age and up. Now I don’t feel so shamed by staring at my feet at derby while those around me bellow mint-julep-intensified lyrics.

8″ x 10″ oil on canvas, $250 ($100 donated to John Yarmuth’s campaign)
SOLD
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Last night I attended a fundraising dinner for Kentucky congressional Democratic candidate, John Yarmuth. I accepted the last minute invitation with a resounding “yes” and immediately began to think about possible compositions for the painting I would create for today’s post.

If you ever feel dulled by a lack of individuals to engage in intellectually rigorous conversation with, I suggest you frequent political fundraisers. It was an inspiring evening with no lack of enthusiastic proponents for positive change and growth in Kentucky. I was surprised to find that some of the attendees were republicans. There doesn’t seem to be much grey space for the “undecided” voters to stand in nowadays, but apparently even some firm republicans are looking for a new voice for Kentucky in congress.

I will admit that, although I lean left, this election has often left me inclined to bite my tongue when I’m surrounded by my democratic friends. The issue that personally leaves me on the fence is healthcare. I am sorely reminded of my self-employment when my friends talk about their employers’ health benefit packages and I feel at a disadvantage. Given my OCD involvement in my own healthcare, I’m a huge advocate of consumer driven healthcare and Health Savings Account (here’s a great blog post about HSAs). But at the same time, my volunteer work with disadvantaged people, especially children, pulls my heart towards the universal healthcare model that Yarmuth stands for. Clearly, I’m not certain where I stand. Having said that, I will add that I have met John on several occasions and feel confident about his sincerity and competency.

If you’re interested, here is John Yarmuth’s site, his opponent’s (Anne Northup) site, and further info on all the candidates running for office in Kentucky.