Works in progress: Kindness is always the answer.
Kindness, empathy, compassion, and joy, are gorgeous companions for my new series of paintings in progress.
Hello friends, this week I’m continuing my new ongoing series of paintings based on and inspired by the events happening in the United States, and on the planet.
Read on for my latest article.
Find me online:
Visit my art website: KrisCahillArt.com.
Fine art prints of my work: Fine Art America shop
My Psychic Substack is here.
Thank you for being here, I always appreciate you for showing up.
Love, Kris
Empathy, Kindness, Compassion, and Joy lead the way
I’m making new art that expresses how I feel about what’s important to cultivate more of in our world, starting right here in the USA. Creative activism is fun and healing, and soon my yard will be filled with signs of it.
The first four pieces in this ongoing series are starting to take shape as I write this. I’ve completed the 2nd piece, and am sharing a step by step of my process in painting this one.
This series of works is called the ‘Empathy Series’, because empathy in all of its beautiful meaning and spirit is under attack by fascists and authoritarians.
Empathy is one of the parts of the human spirit that makes life worth living. Who wants to live in a world without any empathy, kindness, compassion, or joy?
“This is precisely the time when artists go to work,” Toni Morrison wrote in her electrifying case for the artist’s task in troubled times. “There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. That is how civilizations heal.”
I find that immersing myself in a creative project gives me the space and energy I need to do the work I am here to do, living in these times.
Here’s a step by step of the process as I found my way to the completed ‘Kindness’ painting at the bottom of this article.
Step 1. Gather my materials and make some color and design tests.
Step 2. I decided to shift the color a bit greener, so the backside of the piece (which will now be the front) is greener.
Step 3. Painting and letters. I’m loving the lighter background of green, it gives me more room for contrast without going dull or dark. The purple-blue letters will look beautiful on this color too.
Step 4. My first painting of the word Kindness appeared too dull to me with the stenciled design over it, so I lightly glazed it with brilliant pink, and now it pops.
Step 5. I’ll give it a day to fully dry, varnish with two coats of satin finish varnish, and then install it out front. More photos to come soon.
I’m so thrilled to have this second piece complete! Next up in this series: ‘Joy’ and ‘Compassion’. Hmmm… I see polka dots and bubbles for Joy, along with lots of color. Fun!
Inspiration for Creating Kindness
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has a website you can visit! Check out their Daily Dose of Kindness page, sign up to receive their newsletter, and learn more at their site.
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.”
―Mahatma Gandhi
NEW: This Week’s Action
We are living in dangerous times, and we have power to shift this energy and change it. I’m starting a weekly Action Suggestion in both of my Substacks with my own weekly ideas. If you have a public voice in any way, please do the same.
This week’s action: Be an ally. Please do whatever you can to support the LGBTQIA+ community. This community is under attack and at risk in this country, and we need to show up together in support and strength.
Suggested Action: Buy and hang flags, stickers and posters publicly. Reach out to LGBTQ organizations, donate, raise your voice, show up in support. Call out the haters and stop them in their tracks. Show your love and you’ll make a big healing difference!
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for being here, and please do share with anyone you know who would enjoy my work. Cheers to you! Love, Kris