Karin Bolstad Original Artwork
  • SHOP
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • News + Events
  • Contact
  • SHOP
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • News + Events
  • Contact

My Tears and Anger will Fuel my Action

11/18/2016

4 Comments

 
Picture
"Aquatic" 9" x 11" Scratchboard + Acrylic, copyright Karin Bolstad 2016
I, like many Americans, have been on a rollercoaster of emotion for - ok like a year and a half. But over the past 10 days it has been extreme. Shock, sorrow, fierce anger, hope, motivation, exhaustion. This past week's theme for Illustration Friday was "Aquatic" and this is what appeared in my sketchbook as I attempted to connect to this word. The storms are raging, and I have cried an ocean. But.
But.make.
But.make.no.mistake.

I will NOT be wallowing. I am channeling all of these emotions towards positive action. I will no longer be the "slacktivist" I have been in the past, simply casting my vote and thinking that's enough to participate in a Democracy. Full disclosure: I am not one naturally called to Social or Environmental Justice. I have been lazy about matching my actions to my values. But there are times when we are all tapped to step up, and I am answering that call. If there is one powerful thing that is positive in the current state of the United States is this: my eyes are open, I no longer take my rights and privileges for granted, and I will use these things to fight anyone who tries to take it away from me, my family, my community and those who are currently in a much more vulnerable place.

What does this mean in a practical concrete way?

I belong to a private group that is now 3.7 million people strong who are now organizing for change and to resist what is currently happening.

Specifically I now have the phone numbers of my state representatives and Senators so that I may call them DAILY if I have to, to express my strong opinions on things like the appointment of Steve Bannon, a white nationalist who now holds a position in the White House, my feelings of horror over the discussion of a Muslim Registry, and my fierce rage over the suggestion that Roe v. Wade is overturned. Sadly that is just the tip of the iceberg that threatens our great ship. But it's a place to start.

I also will be giving 50-100% of any art sales towards organizations such as the ACLU, Southern Poverty Law, Climate.org, and to people running for office such as Louisiana Democrat Foster Campbell (please go donate right now: if he wins the race this December, the Democrats in Senate will not be as much of a minority ).

I will be emailing Journalists who use words like "Alt Right" instead of "White Nationalist". I will be subscribing to media such as NY Times, The Atlantic Monthly, The Economist, and Bitch Media to support the integrity of journalism.

I urge you to, if you are feeling helpless, to find a local group of like minded people to join in the fight. We have much to do now and in preparation for the elections in 2018, and the elections in 2020. 

If you are a reader like I am, you may find the book "Hope in the Dark" by activist Rebecca Solnit inspirational and helpful: www.haymarketbooks.org/books/791-hope-in-the-dark

If you enjoy listening to podcasts, NPR TED Radio Hour has an episode called "Democracy On Trial" which I found informative and very hopeful.

Please listen to the call. Do not sit idly by. That is a privilege we cannot enjoy right now.
/K
Picture
"Aquatic" from the sketchbook of Karin Bolstad, 2016
Picture
"Aquatic" Black and White Scratchboard, copyright Karin Bolstad 2016
4 Comments
Rhonda Williams-Parent
11/18/2016 09:32:42 am

Karin, you are so right! I absolutely agree with your ideas, and share them. I am inspired even more by your call to action. We cannot sit idly by and see what happens. Also -- I LOVE this piece of art. It is very moving to me. I am crying with her.

Reply
Karin
11/18/2016 10:15:09 am

Thank you Rhonda! Together we can do so much!

Reply
Kristen Corning Bedford link
11/18/2016 11:13:24 am

Wonderful. Thank you for sharing your words and talent ... you're an inspiration. xo.

Reply
Karin
11/18/2016 11:24:45 am

You are my inspiration too, lady.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Click below to see a current calendar of events.

    Calendar

    Karin Art News Sign Up

    * indicates required

    subjects

    All
    Art Story
    Body Image
    Divine Feminine
    Goddess
    Icon Illustration
    Illustration Friday
    Political
    Shows
    Tarot

    Archives

    April 2021
    March 2021
    August 2020
    July 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    May 2016
    January 2016

    RSS Feed

copyright Karin Bolstad 2015