A recent commission.

Cayless - commissioned by a grateful friend and former employee. 

To blog or not to blog, and the pleasures of Instagram

Hello,

Just touching base to let you know that I am around, just not terribly active on this blog. In fact I am considering if it is worth continuing the blog at all. Any thoughts? Tonight I can't even load a photo on here. Grrrr.

 Lately I have started putting more energy into my Instagram account. Find me at @asta_lander.
I find it appealing, as it is just the easiest from of social media out there. As a visual person it feeds me instantly.

 I opened my account years ago but I treated it as nothing more than a photo app and storage.

 Then I met other artists who were using it as a portfolio-on-the-go, I was able to put this into practise when I met a publisher (in the coffee queue) at the Perth Writer's Festival 2015. Out came the phone and my Instagram feed, She told me she has been advised to start an account.

My presence on Instagram isn't great... I am still very much a baby in that world, and I have much to learn. But it is a start, and it is pleasurable. Come and visit me. And if you are already there let me know who you are, or join up, and I will pop over and admire your photos.

Pax,

Asta xx

52 weeks of joy in 2015.

It is the last day of 2014, and I am getting all excited about a fresh new year, though a little sad too - as it may be the last year of my father's life. Today is also the anniversary of my husband's father's death....so it is an odd time. In many ways, because of this, this is what I am thinking - as I miss painting everyday (as I did in 2013), and I know how much art carries me through the ups and downs of life...and I love challenges, I have decided to set myself a 52 week creativity challenge.  I am including the list here so that you can join in with me.

The idea is to pick a prompt from the list each week. You don't need to stick to an order. Choose any medium...drawing, writing, mixed media, sculpting, sewing, audio etc. It can vary from week to week. Let your imagination play. 'Wings' could be about allowing yourself the freedom to do something you love, or angels, or birds, releasing pain, starting a project etc. 

I will most likely share my challenge on Facebook at my art page, and on Instagram where I am Orangelimemagenta. We could hashtag 52weeksofplay so we can share the experience. But of course we can just do this quietly, and in private. I haven't quite decided how I will do it myself yet.

Okay. Here is the list:

1.selfie
2.the kitchen table
3.fairy tales
4.safe place
5.word
6.people watching
7.opposites
8.orange
9.lost thing
10.found
11.leaves
12.wings
13.wild thing
14.combine two animals to make one
15.geometric
16.from a book you love
17.a quote to live by
18.animal companion
19.family
20.shoes/feet
21.junk drawer
22.on your soap box (something you feel strongly about)
23. An outfit
24.5 random items
25.smell
26.wrapping paper/pattern
27. a refreshment
28.miniature
29.beneath the sea
30.something you hope for
31. Use three of your favourite colours
32.gratitude
33.metamorphosis
34.sweet thing
35.Dorothy
36.something ugly
37. Water
38. Handbag/suitcase contents
39.along the line of a favourite artist
40. Flower
41.relationship
42.blue
43.window
44.transport
45.childlike wonder
46.star
47.bubbles
48.books
49.chair
50.respect
51.dark
52.joy

Asta xxx

'Always here for you'

My father has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. For a little while I lost my mojo...but once again I am finding that art is solace for the soul.

My love to you. May you find what brings you peace.

God bless,

Asta x

My photo essay of the shark cull protest.

Peace and harmony everywhere 

 Around 6,000 people turned up at Cottesloe Beach, in support of a nationwide protest against the West Australian government's shark culling program. AND I was there!

My activism has always been within my comfort zone (not sure if speeches are within my comfort zone actually), and protests have not been a part of that. Today I discovered that I can do it my way. I had no placard. I didn't get into the crowd where the speeches were taking place.

 I sat on the grassy hill in the shade, overlooking it all - with the elderly, the young families, the animals and I felt completely at peace... joyful and energised. All around me was kindness. Strangers meeting strangers. Animals being gently loved. We were all brought together by a common concern. I made some lovely connections. Animals are a delight. Humanity is good!!!

I really hope I don't look like this, but I just had to share a photo of me (rainbow hat) with my new friend Beryl. We sat together through the two hours of the official protest. She was really easy company. 

                                                                             

There were kind souls giving out free watermelon

Shark dog

A very mad cow

From my vantage point in the shade (with the babies, elderly and animals).

Enterprising 

This is what delight looks like.

Even Anonymous is cross

Milly ( a rescue) and her human.

Where did these ducklings come from?

A man and his family

We don't want the sharks culled!

Enlightenment on a spring

 Something crazy is happening to me. My eyes are 'seeing'. 

I have started to take a photo a day and to stick it into a gratitude journal (though the instant camera photos are dear and I think sometimes I will just draw what I have seen). I am taking with me, into 2014, these words: Gratitude, Extreme Generosity and Safe. I think there might be more to come. It is so exciting to see the power in these words. 

 Normally if I go to the big shopping centres I feel overwhelmed and saddened by commercialism, but yesterday was different. I took my good friend's daughter out. She needed a hair cut, and to exchange a Christmas gift that didn't fit. She needed distraction. She is 13, and it was the anniversary of her brother's death, though initially when we planned the outing I had forgotten this. How wonderful that it worked out this way. I was feeling really big hearted. Which may sound surprising when I was acutely aware of the pain in my little friend's heart. 

 I saw pregnant women and was so excited for them. (Why was I not afraid for them, on a day like this?) A man smiled at me, really kindly. He actually made a point of engaging my eyes as he walked past me.  I noticed this little girl's flashing thongs (flip flops). She had to do a little tap dance to get them to flash. Her mum was incredibly gracious allowing this mad woman to take photos of her tap dancing daughter in the Ladies, of all places! 

When Gem and I went to exchange the dress (and queued for ages) I took out my phone and snapped the image of the moustache kit/ Kombi van for my son Elliot, who is in Paris, and tagged him on Facebook. He loves to have fun, and moustaches are his thing. He and I both laugh at the same things. 

 Then I spotted this bobbing Jesus for your dashboard. Oh poor Gemma. I laughed and laughed. (She's lucky I didn't snort laugh! Almost.) He was sitting right next to the condoms (what are they doing in clothes store???) and perfume or aftershave called Reckless. Am I the only one who thinks that is funny? (Elliot where are you when I need you? Paris!) Life is dangerous... we hang in here by a thin thread, but there is so much living to be done while we are here. I think we should be searching for these moments that make you laugh so loud that you embarrass the teenager you are with! (Sorry Gemma!)  - Asta xxx

I am still laughing about the 'Enlightenment on a spring'.... hahahaaha

My final painting in the 365 Paintings Challenge.

My last painting - painting 365!!! 

Just dropping in to share my last painting in the 365 Paintings Challenge. I did it. I remember posting my first painting... sharing my dream with you. It seems like yesterday - it seems like forever ago too.

Dream your dreams. Set forth with wild crazy ideas. Persevere. Do what you feel passionate about. May 2014 be a most wonderful adventure.

Asta xxx

Christmas Reflection: Everything has a crack in it.

Dear Helen, on Christmas morning.

So we stuck with no gift giving outside of our immediate family. BUT We are not bound by rules... and so when our son in Europe found himself travelling alone, we shared the cost of a contiki tour. And when we heard that our niece, who lives overseas, is back in Australia with her sister - we bought a ticket for our daughter to fly over to see her cousins - so the girls can be together again, the first time in YEARS. And no we are not cashed up, but we don't buy the latest cars, or buy into the idea that we need the latest gadgets, and yes our house needs repairs. And our eldest son came home unexpectedly (and leaves today on Boxing Day) - so we put together a pamper pack of all the worst food possible (not for me! Urgh) to take back with him (he is working on the wheat bins during his uni holidays). 

Our greatest gift to our extended family was the wonderful, cruelty free lunch prepared by our teenage daughter. When we arrived at the garden at her grandparents apartment block, we found my father extremely stressed because the rest of the family wasn't there on time. He was worried about his blood pressure, and looked small and elderly (something I often forget) - and I wanted to say - this is not what Christmas is about. My father - who had been to church just a short time before, was upset about the trivial,on this remembrance day of the birth of his saviour... and so when the rest of the family arrived it felt strained. AND yet - the love my daughter had put into the food - vegan, mostly gluten free, and the grace with which she offered it to her family, calmed the atmosphere. This is what Christmas is about. 

Riva and I had sat together as our priest Helen had shared a story about how everything has a crack. And as she sent us off with a blessing she said, "And may the God of love bring messengers of light to shine love through the cracks in your life today." And so he did. 

And Helen gave me a gift... a holding cross carved by artisans from a single piece of wood pruned from the very olive wood trees that have scattered the landscape around Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. And a handmade card with a very meaningful and personal message. Dear Helen - a messenger of light shining love through the cracks in my life.  

Asta xxxx

How many paintings do you have to paint to create one good one?

Part of my 365 Challenge

600... that is how many photos one photographer took in order to come up with 7 absolutely brilliant ones!*

I have now painted 338 paintings. How many are good? Are any brilliant? Maybe only 2 or 3. I was hurt to see a comment on my FB art page today - 'Some real kindergarten stuff...'. I wrote a long reply justifying myself. Then I went back and deleted it. Instead I replied - "Yep, so true. Of course.'

Of course there will be more bad paintings than good paintings. Of course. But buried in amongst them will be some gems, worth celebrating. And I could talk about the journey and the showing up, the discipline. Or even about sickness, lack of resources, and squeezing painting around commitments. But instead, today, I will celebrate what I have painted well.

This painting is on its way to live in Ontario in the famous Tiny House there!

Peace be with you my friends,

Asta x


*Sean Gentry's article at petapixel.

The polar bear series and looking on the bright side.

From my 365 paintings challenge, and recent book 'Buoyancy'.

Hi everyone,

I try to look on the bright side of things. Seems I am doing okay in that area. I am stuck in bed with a nasty flu like cold. I just proudly told the kids that I have a temperature, to which they replied - So you are proud of that? Maybe. It is my first for the year, and after countless daily hot flushes, and night sweats, it is actually nice to be able to have a regular temperature. It reminds me of when I had my first regular headache. It's a family legend. I was so proud of it, after suffering from debilitating migraines from the age of nine.
So while I am in bed I am reading, playing with really simple paintings for my challenge, and researching... oh and I made a little book that is available at Blurb.com. My book is called 'Buoyancy' and features my polar bear series (some followers at my fb paintings page gave me a kind push.) And I am loving prolonged cuddles with my cat and one of my greyhounds. Maybe I won't feel like this tomorrow, maybe I will. I hope I do.

Peace be with you my friends,

Asta x

Pigs

From Perth, Australia to Arizona. 

I am just about to start a commissioned painting of a greyhound. I am so looking forward to doing this one. This gentle man first asked me to paint the beloved greyhound of a friend who has cancer. He wanted Trippy to be beside her in hospital, even if only in a painting. And strangely I am painting more animal companions for the sick and/ or dying. It is a wonderful thing to do, and I pray as I paint, both for the person's gentle transition (or possible healing) and for the pet who may be left behind. And I lift up that loving bond they both have.

Recently I asked, at my facebook page, for photos of my art in their new homes. Here is a print sent to the US from my city in down under Australia. It makes me so happy to know that others see the soul and value of each animal I paint.

I continue to live simply, and joyfully. My sole source of income comes from my art. At this stage it is very little... I would like that to grow so that I have more options, but at this stage I find that with very little I can still give a great deal. Giving does not need to be financial. I have donated many paintings and prints which have been sold to raise funds for charities that are close to my heart. Most of all I love painting as a means to show someone that I care, as prayer, and to educate the heart so that others might live gently and kindly with our fellow creatures on earth. Oh and I love to paint purely for joy!!!

Back soon...

Asta xxx

Here is the facebook link if you want to follow my challenge- https://www.facebook.com/AstaLanders365PaintingsChallenge

Happy Homeless Hudson

Hudson's melting eyes

and his concerned foster mum...





I am sitting on the floor, Hudson is on the sofa behind me (of course) and his paw is on my shoulder, his eyes are soft. He looks completely content. So different to the situation only weeks ago.

The evening he arrived at my home. 

I am writing this as therapy. I have never fostered an animal I have rescued before. It feels lonely. It reminds me of childbirth. Ultimately it is up to you, though you might have people supporting you in the background. Others are not living your day to day life, they may not have the same commitment and concern. I never intended to do the fostering, but I had to take on that responsibility when I couldn't find anyone in a position to do so. Not everyone is prepared to bend over backwards for a black, male ex-racing greyhound with some scrapes and bumps.

Our relationship was sealed with the phone call from the ranger, at that country pound. Once I knew about him I couldn't leave him there. And in all honesty I am so grateful to have him. My gentle giant with the melting eyes. He has confirmed to me that the welfare of animals is indeed a calling for me, and that greyhounds are my first priority as far as that is concerned.

Just days after arrival. Happy Hudson. 

If I could wave a wand our house would have doors, the boys (my male greyhound and Hudson) would not challenge each other, and could be safely left alone. All three greyhounds could be easily walked together. My cat would curl up beside his beautiful velvet black coat. And our council would be thanking me for having three dogs at my place. He would join our family. But it can't happen.

 Every night that I sleep between the boys in our lounge room, instead of my bed with my husband, I feel a sadness. And without a possible adopter (the original potential adopter has cats!) the weeks ahead seem troublesome. I wonder  what to do when I have to be away for a day... even just an hour or so. What about the weekend away in September?

Loves being loved.

I am grateful for the power of social media. Without it I would not have been able to raise awareness of his plight, nor had the finances for his initial vet work, coats, bed, worming and flea treatment and food. A friend drove him up from the pound to me, and paid his fee (stopping frequently because he was unwell). And one humble woman has quietly supported me, and financed a lot of what he has needed, all while going through terrible personal trauma.

My daughter and Hudson.

Now I look him in his trusting eyes and know that my heart will break when he leaves me (as he must), all the while longing for him to find the right person to stare into his eyes and love him as I do... or as my daughter and son do.

You might not be able to take Hudson into your life, but if you are in a position to rescue a dog (especially a greyhound) please consider it. They out give us at every turn.

Hudson you are a special, mellow fellow. May you find that person who will recognise that. Be blessed my  big cuddly bug. So glad we rescued you!

Your God Mum,

Asta x

We are in Perth, Western Australia. If you know anyone who might love Hudson, please let them know about us.

Asta Lander's 365 Paintings Challenge

Painted as a fundraiser for Free the Bears Fund

How it all began...

Actually I have no idea how it began. For so many years I would not paint because I thought I couldn't, though I longed to, so very much. I was terrified of not being able to.

 I was nursing a wound from my childhood that told me that my painting was mediocre. For me mediocre meant 'failure', and why would you continue with something that you were a failure at? (Actually all of that was probably my very sensitive reaction to one incident.) Over the years I did every other kind of art form, and though some I am good at (and I do want to get back to them) it was painting that was whispering in my ear... luring me back. And then I discovered Luci Walker's Happy Accident Art. And fell into my own happy accident. I did something she suggests. I sat down with the colours I love, a piece of  paper ( or was it canvas?) and I painted with no agenda. Swirls and colours and joy spilled out and I was on my way to healing. It was a spiritual ah ha moment.

And then we moved house... and as we moved I painted my way to peace, through the grief of loss and change, and the excitement and yet uncertainty of returning to where I once lived,. And then this ridiculous idea popped into my head - paint one completed painting a day for a year! And so I did! And so I am.

And some days I get them done early. Some days I am up until after midnight. Some days they come easy... some days it is a slog. Some are probably good - some are certainly not. Sometimes I have to be satisfied with mediocre. But regardless, one painting is painted a day.

I never plan my paintings. They can be a reflection of what I am reading, a cause I am exploring, a song, a longing, a grief, a meditation, a prayer, a joy, colours, as a gift, as a means of standing in solidarity with a person or animal (usually in pain), to fund raise, to educate...  what I love to paint the most is feeling.. soul... usually I try to paint that into the eyes. Painting is an expression of my Christian Franciscan spirituality. Painting has taken over my world. I live in a happy little painterly world!!!

My art is selling, mostly prints. Early next year I will have an exhibition. Money is coming... trickling in. And though I am scathing of money, I should not be, for in our world a little is needed. There is no way of getting around it. It reminds me of that book I read long ago - now what is the title? Something like - 'Do what you love and the money will come.' With the money I can meet commitments that are important to me. I am so very grateful.

Is there something inside you that is dying to get out? Something that is pressing hard against your heart?  I have a journal for my art where I jot down ideas, poetry, quotes, contacts, sales and so on. On the cover there is a quote that says it all for me- 'And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk it took to bloom' by Anais Nin. Yes that was me. Is that you? Well go and do the seemingly impossible. I know you can, because I am living it.

Go in peace to love and serve the world in your own unique way,

Asta xxxx

35/ 365 paintings challenge

'Never let me go'

Asta

Christ is my comfort 34/365 paintings

I wasn't sleeping because something was making me sad, so I got up in the dark and found myself painting Christ who feels my pain. 'And Jesus wept'.

May you know that he weeps for you.

Asta x

33/365 paintings challenge

And another one...

32/365 Paintings Challenge

Painted after catching up with an old friend. As you can probably tell - I was feeling pretty joyful.
Paint supplies are low. I never seem to have enough and yet it stretches. A friend dropped in a couple of tubes she no longer needs. So glad of that. An addiction I have to keep feeding.

Asta x

31/365 paintings challenge

Flowers. I don't have any in my garden right now so I am painting my own.

Asta x

30 paintings

How did I do that? 30!!!

An elderly Franciscan brother has been enmbraced by Sister bodily death and is joyously being greeted by our maker God. Death has sent Flemming where his hope lay. This was going through my mind as I painted today.

Pax,

Asta x

29/365 Paintings Challenge