Together We Heal
“Arizona Public Media presents a one-hour documentary, Together We Heal, that explores healing in the aftermath, both individually and as a community, over the past year. For many, grieving and healing have become on-going and consequential parts of their lives. The program features in-depth interviews with victims and their families, members of Congresswoman Giffords’ staff and the doctors and nurses who treated them. ” (from the website)
Tucson Survivors Share Their Stories
Definitely worth a few minutes of your time.
Remembering January 8
As we approach the first anniversary of the Tucson shootings, a lot of events are planned for Tucson. We will list links to stories about January 8.
Remembering January 8 – Honoring the Spirit of Tucson
“Beyond” – commemorate, celebrate, commit Events to Commemorate Spirit of Gabe Zimmerman
Celebrating Christina Taylor-Green
Beyond – commemorate, celebrate, commit
This is a tough time for Tucson. We rejoiced when we saw Diane Sawyer’s interview with Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly. We read their book and marveled at her recovery. But we constantly are aware of those who are now missing from us, and those whose lives are forever changed.
Please consider creating artwork that speaks to peace, nonviolence, and the need for everyday kindnesses. Check out the prospectus page. This site will be maintained as a small piece of remembrance – and hope.
If you wish to donate in remembrance, please check the Fund for Civility, Respect, and Understanding, or any of the funds listed under the umbrella of Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. Also consider Ben’s Bells, a unique Tucson organization that spreads kindness around our communities.
Artwork by Laurie Freitag
“Shining a Light on Hatred”
This is a digital photograph, with its origination being reflective light in a kitchen sink.
I find most of my inspiration in everyday reflections in my work, such as kitchen/bathroom sinks, pots of boiling water and swimming pools. Light is what I’m attracted to artistically, and light is what is needed spiritually/metaphorically. Light needs to be shed on many issues here: imbalance of spirit makes people act out in hurtful ways; children need to be hugged so they can grow up to hug others; people need to be able to get treatment for anger/depression issues. Expression is important. Anger and hatred are misled energies. Art can play a huge role here, as any positive way to release these energies is better than acting out on another human being.
I call my submission, “Stretching”. I see a human heart stretching in all ways. Stretching is what is needed. Stretching the heart, to see others as we would want to be seen; leaving our comfort zones. Stretching to love and understand that which is not our view is not easy for a heart that has been damaged, but it’s not impossible. It can be painful to stretch, but the spirit of human beings is meant to be stretched…so it will, in fact, respond to our desires if guided.
Laurie Freitag
In Memory of January 8
We will post articles written by our local Arizona Daily Star in this week leading up to the first anniversary of the Tucson shootings. This one is about a book written by the Green Family to remember Christina.
New Artwork from Jessie Monaco
We’d like to introduce you to Jessie Monaco of New Jersey, who has submitted an art/photography media mix that has been digitally enhanced. Jessie has family in Tucson and has visited often. She is a professional artist and exhibits on line.
“I took the photo of the clown and added the Earth and Universal effects. The image , as I see it, is from the Universe’s perspective of how wasteful and trivial it is to see that the things we all fight over can be as silly as a sad circus clown. I suppose it’s my way of saying things can be worked out in so many better ways than war and violence.”
New Artwork by Sheryl Joy
“Choice Point” by Sheryl Joy, Tucson, AZ
Artist Statement:
The dark and complex background and frame of this piece are intended to convey the chaotic and troubled state of our world … we live in a time (in the shadow of the twin towers) in which many people feel fearful about their future and their safety. These are feelings that I think pretty much everyone has to deal with in some way or other. The message of the piece is that we are responsible to choose how we deal with these feelings. We can choose to be controlled by that fear, and to respond with violence. We can choose to listen to hate speech that fans the flames of fear and anger; that blames the “other” and condones responses of anger and violence. We can close ourselves off with literal or figurative walls to protect ourselves and our things, and we can try to justify the injury we do in the process.
OR we can choose to step through our fear, and reach out to those who are different than ourselves, and build new connections. This reaching beyond ourselves and our comfortable circles is a difficult thing to do, and it may feel dangerous. This artwork is intended to acknowledge the fear and difficulty of taking this step. But transformation (of ourselves and our world) is possible if we are willing to try.
Choice Point is made of cotton, felt, and organza fabric, with machine and hand stitching. Dimensions are 9.25” x 12”
sheryljoy7@gmail.com
Art Work by Lynn Ann Markarian
If you watched the prime time special on Gabby Giffords on Monday night, then you might be even more aware of the healing power of art. Gabby is making tremendous progress through music, showing us all again the incredible force for healing that the arts can be. Just think of how we can feel looking at a particular picture, or listening to a favorite piece of music. Imagine if all our hospitals used art more effectively; what changes we might see in our attitudes toward healing. Our submission today comes from Lynn Ann Markarian, in her own words.
” I am a big supporter of the healing arts. I have spent much time in hospitals as a young teenager through this present time: my mother, who was in and out of hospitals with severe scoliosis until her passing 20 years ago; both sons, my youngest (now 19) having 8 ear surguries; losing my dear brother last year (spending his last 2 weeks in a hospital); and finding my other brother 5 months ago (after 9 years of searching), who now is under 24 hour care with Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia. I am a visual person and a photographer, and I believe that visuals help healing tremendously. I currently have my work permanently in 2 local hospitals in Michigan and would like to be a part of this online event.”
Peace,
Lynn Ann Markarian
Images by Lynn Ann
http://www.imagesbylynnann.com