Press/Activism

When asked about myself I always reply-I am a passionate artist and my heart is with the environment.  Artists, are of another sort; we are dynamic about life, and what is in it-but quiet.  All our senses act differently, we are born to create, and are happiest when doing it-with or without pay, accolade, or recognition.   Our chosen craft pays our expenses, but ask any artist from photographer to musician…fame does not mean the same to us as it does to others-it’s not why we do it and could give a fig about it.

I am happiest & content being a behind the scenes artist.  I am content to volunteer, rescue, save, and donate my money on my own time until… I realized I was naive. I was leading a double life when I became aware of the real business world-and its actions-and then specifically in my industry.  From uninspiring, toxic designing, to horrific environmental damage, to socially unjust imported products.  I was crestfallen and I did what most do…I went to the tree that the apple comes from; my Mother and mentor-the talented, master artist,  gutsy environmentalist, and animal rights activist.

 She sat me down for a serious chat and said,”I don’t know how I raised such a whimpy child but you have a choice to continue on contentedly or do something bigger-and only you can do this because you are the one with the passion.  If you really want to bring awareness then it is you who must speak up as no one will do it with more heart.  It’s your actions that will motivate-no other spokesperson or employee”.

So, I could move to Woodstock and become another quiet, content, tree hugging artist or… I could listen to her and I did.  I went against my shy, quiet, and comfortable, behind the scenes persona with a mission to try going out in public and opening my heart and mouth.  I learned soon enough that press in any form is the key to any cause and Mom was of course right about my voice (as they always are).  I am not happy with publicity or being in the press and loathe public speaking but every time I get uncomfortable I think of the reason I am doing it and my bravado prevails.  If my news article, design show, display, television appearance, or radio script will influence just 1 person,  convince an institution to change, or save just one animal..then my fear is nothing compared to that.  It is why I am doing it.  If I want to educate and bring awareness then I must have press and I can’t do that behind the scenes.

I will go wherever it takes me to do this-and even took me to Congress-talk about fear-that was frightful.

Lynn