SIX-FEET-A-PART-ART
SIX-Feet-A-Part-Art is intended to be an expression of hope contained in the three sections a collection of art, a collection of poetry, and an article by Brea Persining about nurses’ experience. The art was created during the past weeks of social distancing. I hope you find connection in this space. I hope you feel a little more A-PART of the whole. If you would like to submit writing or thoughts to add to Six-Feet-A-PART-ART please submit to panoplymichiana@gmail.com.
Majestic
By Dan Breen
On Sunday I went for a walk in the woods with my son, Jack, to Sarrett Nature Center north of St. Joseph, Michigan. We hike for entertainment and to get out of the house during this time of social distance. The park is a low wet land surrounded by a higher rise along the south edge. We hiked the rise first, and as we walked down into the swamp section of the park a large and majestic oak tree came into view. The oak was at least thirty-six feet around at the base. The canopy gracefully ballerinaed twisting limbs far above the other trees. The girth of the oak’s broad limbs belittled surrounding wooded companions. Several old burls the size of yoga balls embellished its bark. Trees are just beginning to bud so the invincible life and strength of the tree’s branches majestically revealed an honored position of the forest.
I wanted a photograph of this inspiring oak. I tried to capture a single image from several angles with my camera. From one angle I could frame the base, but not appreciate the canopy. I tried from the base to shoot up into the canopy, but the marvel of the limbs would be unknown. I tried from another angle from a lower path, no good. I tried from an angle higher up, the oak was concealed by lesser trees. Jack was eager to move on; I left the effort behind me.
The oak reminded me of life in COVID-19. Each day when we look at our life it seems a little unknowable compared to a few short weeks ago. Our perspective has become askew. Our ability to see the bigger picture, a little narrower. Family, friends and acquaintances worry for those close to them, concerned for their own well-being and safety. We are looking at a potentially different world in front of us, if only for a short while. It is confusing, stressful, and keeping us separate from each other.
Only when I stood back could I appreciate the whole majestic oak and the woods surrounding. I feel we cannot ignore the important, the now of the COVID-19. We must wrestle with the passions of our fears. We must rest our heads at night with concern for our parents, families and friends. Hands sanitized we cautiously step out in a world expressed six feet apart. I feel it is important we step back and appreciate the whole of our life keeping perspective on the beauty surrounding us. I think of all the past tragedies that were to be life changing for us, and how they did not change us significantly. I think of the courage people are filled with already. I think of how courage has changed the world, not because tragedy caused heroics. Out of tragedy the true expression of faith, hope and love found higher ground. Individual courage a greater expression of peace and love as a change agent than the alternatives.
I came across this quote I saved from the tragedy of April 2019. Rabbi Yonah Fradkin, executive director of Chabad of San Diego County, said that "in the face of senseless hate we commit to live proudly as Jews in this glorious country. We strongly believe that love is exponentially more powerful than hate" (Washington Post April 28, 2019). If COVID-19 is to change us, then let us be the masters of change.
Let our change be a light of hope, reason and courage.
by Steve Sult. Find more Sult at https://www.sultminecreative.com/
"I’m recognizing the power of a kind word when people could use a helping hand; and promoting a sense of
community when people are kind to those who need help. "Peace and a Kind Word" to me means focusing and noticing when others are suffering. A kind word, a smile, opening a door, or helping carry a heavy load can all be acts of kindness. Please don’t forget that a kind word can speak power into someone’s life. It can inspire. It can motivate. And it can provide strength to someone who can’t find it within themselves."
– Steve Sult
by Kandy Grady. Find more inspirational paintings at @simplyfaithbygrady
Click on the carrousel to see all 7 pictures.
Usually I don’t go into much detail about the meaning behind my work. But in such a time as this, when everyone is fighting this enemy together, but differently, emotions are hard to suppress. Especially if you are a person who suffers from depression, anxiety, lack of self confidence, or just constantly overwhelming fear. Maybe you don’t see a way to have peace or hope. But trust me when I say this, God is hope. And God is in every living thing. Even you. “The joy of the Lord is my strength “ Nehemiah 8:10. #god #godisgood #hope #strengh #love #compassion #joy
-Kandy Grady
Brittany DeShone
Soon enough our world will speed up again. Stores will open, our work hours will return, and social gatherings will mark much of our schedules. It can definitely be difficult at this time when we, naturally social creatures, are forced away from our friends and family, but at the same time it creates a unique opportunity to focus on our talents and interests that often get buried by things considered more necessary by the busy world we live in. We might not get this chance again to pause and remember who we are or reinvent ourselves. Anytime I have felt restless during these past few weeks, Bob Ross has been an incredibly calming figure, which is why I chose him as a subject to draw. His always positive attitude towards anyone learning to paint is so encouraging and so different from some of the art culture that I see. He makes me want to branch out and make lots of "happy accidents". I hope many more people will use this time to make happy accidents too!
- Brittany DeShone
by Patrick Dillon. Discover more of his woodwork at https://www.facebook.com/patrick.dillon.18.
See 7 all pieces by clicking on the photos.
by Russell Frantom.
by Josh Cooper
by Caitlyn O'Neal. See more at Etsy: www.CSOart.etsy.com
I used a variety of colors to represent the nuances of emotions running through me during this
time. The drips are a stylistic choice. I love incorporating this technique because I don’t have full control over how the paint drips will interact with other colors or how it will look once it dries. One may connect this theme with their personal lives, such as not having full control of the future and accepting the inevitable reality of the unknown. This might be exciting for some. For others, it’s overwhelming and scary. Regardless, the journey of our lives has meaning. Our stories are all different and there is power in sharing our stories. I hope my piece demonstrates the beauty in the unknown.
The close up shots of my painting so you are able to see the detail and multiple layers of colors.
-Caitlyn O'Neal
by Beth Kane
Click on the photos to see all 8 photos.
So basically, for me this period of social distance has been one of reflection. Taking a look at
what I have. What I can do. What I can learn. I am able to bike without traffic which is fabulous. With that, I’m always on the lookout for what I call “two wheel treasures.” Those things we pass and don’t see when I’m in a car rushing through life. I just stop, take a pic and pedal on. My connection to nature has grown very strong. I’m not distracted with all the go to’s and have too’s. Time with my animals that is uninterrupted. Vegan life, spirit life is very important to me in this new normal. The downside is missing people, the laughs,
real-time face to face, the hugs. The freedom to choose where to go and who to spend time with. I look for joy and beauty in everyday things and my heart aches at the same time.
-Beth Kane
by Nikolet Burger
See more on Facebook at Vintage Nina Studios ( https://www.facebook.com/VintageNinaStudios/?hc_location=ufi )
Click on photos to see entire display
by Dorothy Graden. See more of Dorothy Graden’s creations at https://www.dorothygraden.com.
The words that mostly come to mind for me are loving kindness. In time of this distress and fear and confusion it’s important to feel loving kindness toward ourselves and others. Meditate and breathe and think about your true self and the beauty and love you have inside of you so you can project it to the people you are with and the ones that you are missing.
-Dorothy Graden