Projects

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This year’s projects have seen my time split between written word and photography. Ongoing health challenges require that I manage my time and energy carefully. Perversely, some of the health challenges make social interaction very draining, and also mean my mind runs at high speed for long periods. This can lead to burnout. Nevertheless, I’ve been working on a few projects during 2022. Today’s post promotes some which are in aid of charity, and a local exhibition.

2023 Calendar

Proceeds from the Art of Compassion Project’s 2023 calendar go to Shelter Ugolyok. Established in 2013 by Alexandra Levitska, the shelter is a non-profit organisation with the official name ‘Organization Paw of Help and Shelter Ugolyok’. The rescue has expanded since 2013, and currently includes three shelters across Ukraine which home more than 500 rescued animals.

Alexandra and her team have remained with their animals since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Their work now includes daily rescues of animals left behind – either abandoned to the streets or left locked up inside properties.

One of my images was selected to feature in this calendar, which can be bought online here.

Oracle Cards

Another Art of Compassion project, the Oracle Deck comprises 100 cards, each featuring an animal and associated message. A Youtube video talks in greater detail about the cards, and how to use them.

Proceeds from sale of the cards go to VegfestUK. Established in 2003, VegfestUK launched the Bristol Vegan Fayre – the first event of its kind to mix veganism with rock-‘n-roll and a festival vibe. The success of the Bristol Vegan Fayre was the inspiration behind many of the vegan events in the UK since then, including further VegfestUK events in Brighton, Glasgow and London.

My contribution to the deck is the cat card, starring my very own rescue cat, Thor.

Voices for the Silent

The poetry anthology, Voices for the Silent, is sold in aid of League Against Cruel Sports, Britain’s leading animal charity working to consign cruel ‘sports’ to history. Poems include those which highlight the plight of animals, and others which celebrate the beauty of wildlife and nature.

Authors include Margaret Atwood, Gillian Clarke, and Philip Larkin. My own piece, ‘Encounter’, is also included in the collection. Based on early morning vulpine encounters, the poem captures the magical experience of connecting with wildlife in the natural environment.

Exhibition

Finally, a local exhibition at MAMS Gallery, Swindon, in collaboration with Morgan Rye. Morgan has exhibited her art in galleries and events across the Southwest, and her preferred medium is acrylic on reclaimed canvases. Also a writer, Morgan’s poetry is published in ‘The Trawler 2020-22’ and ‘Steel Jackdaw’. Her debut novel, Snowball Earth – Quinn, will be published by Black Eyes Publishing in 2023. It’s a privilege to exhibit alongside her.

The exhibition runs throughout December 2022, with a range of artwork available to view and buy.