Anyway, tonight I officially broke up the series of paintings by donating "Hope" to benefit both the Monroe Arts Center and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The MAC agreed that 33% of the auction price would go to EGPAF, as that is the intention of the series to have 33%, the percentage of people infected with HIV in Swaziland, to go back to the cause.
As the live auction approached I could feel my anxiety level increases, my nerves, my heart beating so strong. Why you ask?
I think for many artists their work is an extension of themselves...a very personal one. And in this case it is certainly that and more. I am so emotionally connected to these works that almost felt like it was my heart being put up for auction....a piece of me....a piece of my soul that someone is putting their own value on. yikes....that is heavy. So, you see and hear people going $250....$275....$525.
I do understand that the value that this piece received in the auction isn't necessarily a reflection of my value...I get that. But is it there....and I am relieved that it went for more than the value I had intially placed on it. Yes, in part for my own ego...my art was valued by another, and I am human and therefore being validated feels good. But more importantly it means $$ for a cause I care deeply for: preventing mother to child transmission of HIV.
Tonight as an artist, a mother, a citizen of the world, I felt fullfilled that my art was able to give back. The message of the Swazi people came through my soul in "Message from Swaziland" and tonight that message was heard!
yahoo!
No comments:
Post a Comment