the power of our voice

Over the last week or two, I've been engulfed in the ideas that define A Candid Voice. I have been consumed with the importance of stories and the idea of telling stories. My mind has been reeling, trying to grasp what it is about this concept of finding my voice, using it and encouraging others to do the same that has me so passionate.

Slightly frustrated by what was feeling like a failing desire to express myself in an influential and inspirational way, I decided to take a step back and reflect. I spent some time in silence, some time with my journal and some time listening to others that inspire me. During that time, I came across this blog post: Can I Tell You a Story?.

The timing could not have been more perfect.

Through reading this, I was reminded that I believe the world can be changed in a positive way. I believe that I have a voice to tell stories that will make a difference. I am supposed to be using my voice and I am supposed to be encouraging others to do the same. I know this with all of my heart. And if I follow my heart, there will be more light in the darkness...

peruvian hearts, photos and perfect opportunities

Recently, I found out that a friend was taking a trip to Peru. I was quite intrigued, much due to the fact that my sister and I took a trip to the country a year and a half ago. Quickly, I learned that this friend, Lorissa, would be travelling as a volunteer and raising money for her trip with a fundraiser party. I was excited for the trip and eager to help, but unable to attend the party (and a little short on cash). Then, I discovered that she was having an art exchange/auction at the party as part of the fundraising efforts.

That was an open door sitting directly in my path if I ever saw one!

I got in touch and put together a collection of photos from my own adventures in Peru. I sent them off a few days ago in a box sealed with much joy and hope.

While I was in Peru, I didn't know about Peruvian Hearts. I'm not sure that I had even met Lorissa. And I certainly didn't know that the photos I was taking then would serve such an awesome purpose this week. What I did know and learn while in Peru is that the world is full of contrast. Peru is an absolutely gorgeous country, but in the midst of the majestic landscapes there exists much poverty. Even in the places with more affluence, there is permanent evidence of struggle. Ancient building foundations have been covered and topped with colonial style architecture, telling visually a story of unjust conquest. A young female tour guide desires to see new places and follow her dreams, but in her country this is no simple task. Children are dressed up and sent into the streets to make money from tourists for photos. These are some of the things that settled in my memory during my trip and they are pictures that can be hard to see. However, in darkness, it only takes a little light to make a big difference. It only takes one voice to say something.

Peruvian Hearts is a non-profit organization started by a young girl who was born in Peru. Her name is Ana Dodson and she is an inspiration to me. Ana was adopted from Cusco as a baby and upon returning to Peru to visit as a child, she was moved by the poverty in her country. She started the organization to help provide health care, nutrition and education to children in schools and orphanages. While reading through the work and stories of Peruvian Hearts, I was moved to realize that the children being helped by this wonderful organization may be some of the very same children my sister and I gave away packages of markers, pencils and pens to when we visited.

I have been humbled and inspired by this recent opportunity. It is exactly the kind of story that A Candid Voice is here to tell. Because of this, I am thrilled to say that I will continue to work with Peruvian Hearts into the future, through my art, fundraisers, stories and perhaps a volunteer trip back to Peru sometime in the future, helping to make their cause known through my voice.

For more information on Lorissa's upcoming trip please visit her blog, Peru Connection.

Also, if you would like to hear more about my trip to Peru, please visit my Peru travel blog. (Just promise not to judge me for not exactly finishing it yet. :)

Inspired by the motto of Peruvian Hearts, let's be "changing the world one heart at a time."

finding my voice

I have been looking and listening my whole life. You know, for that "thing" meant just for you. For powerful purpose. That moment when you can say, "This is who I am supposed to be and this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life." I searched in the eyes of my family, the spoils of praise and success and in textbooks too many. I opened my mind enough to see the perspectives of the young and the old. I listened during worship and to the laughs, cries and voices of friends. I looked in the backwoods, in churches, through the city lights, in material things, on mountain tops and around the world. I didn't find one simple "thing", but along the way I found clues, I started to see my true self and I encountered words from others, such as these, that captured my heart:

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to save the world and savor the world.

That makes it hard to plan the day."

E.B. White

It haunts my passion, this quote. It is how I feel. Every day.

I am an artist and I have known this since I was a child. What I had to discover and accept over time is that "art" is what I want to do with my life. The problem? I don't just want to make art, earn lots of money and try to have a fun life. I want to "save the world". And so, the last few years have taken me down a road where I looked for a place where my passions can co-exist. Last year, in the midst of brainstorming and concept building, I was reminded of this quote and motivated to write. I opened my journal and words started to spill out of my pen and onto the page. And in the middle of those words, I wrote four words which now jump out of my journal underlined and starred, "I HAVE A VOICE." It was upon staring at and contemplating those words that everything started to hit the same note.

I have a voice. So do you. Every single human being has a unique set of experiences, passions and perspectives.

I believe that "art" is a stage from which our lives can speak. So, what is art? This is important to answer because I believe every person is an artist, but only some are noticed on that stage. Art is not just about making something beautiful to put in a gallery or a home (though that is wonderful). In fact, it's not just about creating, but about listening, learning, growing, sharing and changing. Art is an outlet for our life to speak. I believe this full process of "a.r.t." is best defined by three things:

Art - something tangible that has been created more...

Reflection - the examination of experience more...

Transformation - an action that creates change more...

It is when we create, reflect and transform that art speaks the loudest. That is why I am going to use art to share my voice with the world. A Candid Voice will exist to share things I have created. It will encourage open eyes, hearts and minds. It will work on a local and global level with individuals, communities and non-profits to promote positive change. In addition, A Candid Voice will provide a platform for others to speak.

I am thrilled to continue this journey with what feels like my true voice. I don't know yet what all I have to say, but I am excited about the stories I will tell. And when I rise each morning, I will live to save the world and savor the world at the same time.

ART is a candid voice. What does your life want to say?