On sunflowers and paring down technology

and a special art fundraiser !

Yesterday I woke up to even more cheerful blooms of sunflowers in my garden .The seeds had been gifted to me by an artist friend back in May —and I had tenderly raised them in little pots before transferring them to a larger space in three garden plots. Later some blustery winds threatened to snatch their tall stalks from their beds and I anchored them with stakes and hoped for the best. They have survived through intense heat spells , punishing wind and torrential rain. Admiring of their jaunty determination I am a proud sunflower parent at this moment . They are definitely show off flowers with giant flowers and stems taller than me .Watching the bees nestle in to their centres is yet another side bonus of this flower power.

Taking care and bearing witness to the beauty of our natural world can be pared down to watching one species of flower grow . The wonder of it all.

Yesterday I also set out down our gravel road in search of wild apples .. Our pig Winston loves to indulge himself in this special fruit -and our own apple tree did not offer many gifts this year. I picked a motherlode but lamented that there were so many more that would not be eaten -left to spoil on the ground. I might make some applesauce to try to capitalize on this bounty. A few peck marks in the apples at least indicated a bird or two had helped themselves to a tasty treat.

a few of the apples- imperfect but perfect for Winston (and two of my tomatoes )

Changes in my Online Presence

I just finished reading a book by author Mark Boyle titled “The Way Home “ Tales from a life without technology . His approach to rural living in synch with his Irish ancestors filled me with awe and admiration. Sometimes a book finds you at exactly the right time.

I have felt for many years that my connection to others via the internet and social media has enhanced my art career. I have been able to singularly grow my art sales by relying on various social platforms and diligent postings . I have watched numbers of followers grow over time and benefited from posts announcing sales and new art created. Lately I have been feeling a bit of a void in my soul. A crankiness that creeps up now and again in that my scrolling and even my exposure to my curated news channels has not contributed to my values of who I am and how I like to spend my Precious time. Mark’s writings have given me pause. Although he goes way beyond how I could fathom living in paring down his life to the most rudimentary tools for survival -He is a man in tune with his values -and is true to himself in every way.

This might be a gradual turn of events for me but I am starting with letting folks know on my social media sites that I will not be posting photos of my art or life and if they wish to stay in touch with me they will find me here on Substack. . I have already made some huge changes this year by cancelling my website (WIX -too costly and also for political reasons) and my Etsy shop. After a time I will be cancelling my Facebook and Instagram accounts completely. I wish to communicate with those who take the time to read my newsletters and to respond from time to time also . I will also keep my artist jetpack newsletter alive as well as if you are subscribed you will receive emails to inform you of new art initiatives,live videos and ways you can participate as an ageless artist.

I don’t post to it often but will continue with my Youtube channel for now -as it’s handy for sharing videos. My Big Cartel site will remain for now also as its the one place online I will be offering my art for sale -and that you can also discover my fundraisers!.

This feels more personally satisfying to me as a person and a creative than all those numbers of followers and heightened scrolling frenzy. I am also open to writing letters the old fashioned way -If you write to me I will write back. So Mark has ignited a spark in me that was already to burst and just needed a nudge. Thank you Mark! (Alas.. I know he won’t read this :-) I have a way to go-but this is a start .

I was so grateful to take part in a local rural Fall Fair last weekend . It was lovely to witness the children and families strolling through our art exhibit in the midst of aisles of the best produce, quilts ,crafts pies etc. It affirmed my feelings that art needs to be accessible to all and shown in places where people live and congregate -beyond gallery walls .

The addition of fabric on the fences was brilliant !

The Palestine Art Fundraiser will be happening starting this Sunday September 15th . I will selling my original sketches for 20-30 dollars including postage in North America (-10 dollars more International to cover postage.) All monies collected will be forwarded to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund .

Sometimes doing something feels better than just continuing being exposed to the horror in news form and feeling helpless ..

The fundraiser will be live in my shop Sunday September 15th at 2pm EST .

You may peruse the listings currently until active tomorrow at heathermurray.net