The Lie of "Clean Energy": Panda Power Feeding Off Economic Despair October 14 2016 15 Comments

Tonight as I sit in my home, I am deeply saddened by the town meeting that I attended with my daughter and son. Our Mayor only yesterday, dropped the news that Panda Power Funds is going to purchase land from the town on my road to put in a multi-million dollar natural gas powered dual combine power plant.

We know the real truth behind "Natural Gas"... Fracking across this country has caused an epidemic of Earthquakes and the poisoning of hundreds of water aquifers. The Panda representatives were proud of the fact that this natural gas comes from "Tar Sands"...Remember the devastation of this region this past Summer in Canada?.. The fires and the pollution. I am seeing the bigger picture..Greed.  Greed of the Oil, Gas, Bank and Power companies and of our town officials wringing their hands and counting the money before any impact studies have been done. It is time for every citizen to stand up and be counted. Do you want to live upwind from this environmental plague?

"Neptune Rising" Awarded in Kent CT & Other News August 12 2016

It's been a busy summer at Kent Art Association this year where Lacey and I have been spending time as volunteers. There have been many successful shows, new artists, & judges! We've had wonderful discussions with people at the openings, and  each show I feel the community of artists has grown & learned something new from each other.  Kent Art Association's next opening is tomorrow August 13th, and I am very excited to tell you that "Neptune Rising" will be receiving an Award of Excellence!!  All are welcome to join us in celebration as the KAA Opening Reception is 2-4PM.  There will also be live music too for the first time at KAA in years.  It should be interesting to see art and music filling the halls with artists & patrons coming together to enjoy our members' hard work & the community's cultural celebration.

In other recent BA Wygant Studio news international art writer M. Khalid Rahman at IRIS Art Magazine has decided to feature me in their publication.  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them for sharing the message. I'd also like to thank my daughter Lacey for helping me put together another calendar for 2017.  The sales from this calendar go directly back into my projects.  Consequently I would like to thank each and everyone of you who have helped support my work through purchasing the calendars over the years.  Maybe some day I will be able to do a coffee table book, but until this this is the best way to grab the best of my collection of work in one spot is the 2017 Calendar.  

Each year there are new paintings added, and of course we keep some of our symbolic favorites like "Unity" for March.  As Many of you know, this is when I was inspired to capture the power of hope and healing through Daffodils.  I would see them  on sale in the community to support cancer research.  So every year "Unity" is featured in March as a reminder to go get those beautiful flowers from your local cancer fundraisers; each of us doing our part to keep the hope alive through the beauty of flowers.  That's some serious flower power. In fact each month's selection has a little story. Feel free to reach out to me on Facebook if you would like to find out more stories about each month's selection.  I look forward to continuing the discussion with you www.fb.com/bawygant

Lastly I would like to acknowledge that this week is a special week for my family as we celebrate the lives of our family in Heaven.  Both My Grandfather Floyd and my Brother Bill have birthdays and I'm especially feeling thankful for their presence in everything I do this week.
I know my Sister & I were so blessed to have had them in our lives even for the short time that window was.
They continue to inspire me everyday, and though the pain of loss is deep, I've learned to focus on the love they instilled in me.  Their energy, even today, goes on in my work in many ways.

Going to Beirut... With Your Help! September 16 2015

We've all heard someone criticizing Art as "excessive" and "unnecessary" and categorizing it as "entertainment", but that view is broken and fully misses the value of Art.  We all need to open our eyes to what Art really is.  It plucks the strings of human emotion.  It taps into our quantum soul that ties us together.  It can give us a perspective on something beyond our own surroundings and expose the true human nature and our shared experience as "spiritual beings on a universal journey"(quote from a friend).  These are truly the goals of all Artwork whether it is a Pixar film, a song composed hundreds of years ago played today by Yo-Yo-Ma, in the movement of a dancer in "American in Paris", or in the brush strokes of a lilypad in a Monet painting.  All these works evoke your emotion as a human being, in fact it is this expression of empathy that makes us human!  This is the true value of Art.  Some people will call Art unnecessary, or a waste of resources in contrast to the massive issues we face around the world.... And these people are missing the point of Art at its core!  Through Art projects around the world, Artists are expressing with grace, all the tragedies and the triumphs of Humanity. The communication of the world around us takes place in Artists' studios in the far outer reaches of Earth and in your hometown.  Art is bringing that need for change to your computer screen or your local gallery and you only need to take a moment to share in this experience to know its value to our global community.  These Artworks are now more important then ever for those of us who want to find truth, sanity and hope for our species. 

There is so much energy and potential for planting the seeds of hope and brotherhood and yes, peace.  I'd love to paint at this moment where the winds of change are sweeping refugees in need of support into a culture that is both diverse, vibrant, and budding.  This refugee city is a microcosm of humanity and there is much to learn, document, and paint.  I'm ready to take it all in as an Artist and work in this space.  I'm excited for the possibilities to raise awareness of the refugee crisis.  My goal is to donate my work for sale through Beirut Art International, NGO/UN to benefit the refugee camps where there is well over Two Million people, trying to survive with their families. Upon my return to Connecticut I hope to collaborate with local events to raise awareness of the plight of refugees & promise of hope for the Lebanese through my paintings and photographs.  This is the Video Lacey put together for the project:  

A Message to Share Through My Recent Painting "Celebration of Life" September 04 2015

I am a painter with a message to share, through my work and my vision.
I look forward to meeting new people at all the Art shows that I exhibit.  In fact this weekend you can find me at BA Wygant at Meet the Artists & Artisans 

My goal is to plant the seeds of Faith and Hope and Brotherhood. We are so blessed to be here now. Each of us has an opportunity to plant the seeds in this glorious garden for the evolution of life on this beautiful planet.  "We can still plant a smile" Dr Ahmed from Syria can't practice in Lebanon, but he still does what he can to help those in need. Each and everyone of us can do our part - even here and now we can share their stories.  Here is his: Lebanon: The Natural Humanitarian

Be here now in this moment, within your surroundings & community.  Immerse yourself in the natural world- It is around you everywhere, be still and listen. Hear your mind and soul drink in the bird's song, the crickets laugh, feel the gentle breeze on your face. Shine in God's loving embrace. We are one in this eternal journey through life, connected by His Light our species will evolve- together! 

I do my best to capture this in "Celebration of Life" my latest oil painting on sculptural base, you can currently see it on display at The Gallery At Kent: 

Among the Sounds of Violence In Baghdad, Wasfi and His Cello Cry Out in Defiance June 08 2015

I was listening to NPR this morning about one brave Artist talking about his journey and taking a stand against terrorism in his hometown of Bagdad and the story of his defiance of the senseless murder of his fellow citizens, while drinking their coffee in a local coffee shop. He was saved by a twist of fate, as he was late for his coffee that day. I believe that God intervened, and planted a seed of Divine Grace into his heart and mind. He took his beloved cello to the cafe where this act of violence to place, and played with a song from his soul for peace, in his mourning he planted a seed of Hope for Humanity.

No mater what you believe, I am calling for ALL Artists to reach out in peace and brotherhood for the love of Humanity. We are killing each other and our planet, & for what? Power, more money? It is time to stand up, be counted in the power of Light.  Please look at the deeper reality. Stand back, see this with better eyes. Our fragile little pearl, fighting for her life while we fight with each other like spoiled children.  Humanity has always been able evolve and learn from our mistakes, however this time I hope we do not destroy our selves or our home before our evolution is complete.

WE are one family, the children of Earth, see the Light in each other so that our species will evolve together.

NPR: http://www.npr.org/2015/06/08/412284066/amid-violence-in-baghdad-a-musician-creates-a-one-man-vigil

Origins of Inspiration | New visions of BA Wygant straight from the studio May 16 2015

As I interact with people in relation to my art I often am asked, ”Where does inspiration come from and what encourages you?” Often I’m asked this question with a hint of desperation. People are always seeking out a way (sometimes through my work) to escape from reality, to break out and unleash a sacred power within to find ultimate peace. When I see this, the mother instinct in me wants to give them a hug, however as I cannot do that in the moment or here with you, let me offer up some advice instead along with my most recent visions. There is no break from reality – for me this is reality- there is energy out there and we only need to realize it and harness it within our everyday lives to find truth & inspiration.

Everyday the Earth spins on and as our days get more complex the strain on our souls increases. The state of our reality is bleak if you tune into 24-hour media outlets and zone out. It’s hard not to get caught up in the day-to-day drift into a grey moonscape as the lack of human empathy that is depicted in modern life becomes more prevalent. Many people have virtually closed their eyes to the possibilities beyond. Little do they know a vibrant energy filed universe is shining all around us and there is more then just what this current perceived reality has to offer.

In the dark ages many felt there was a “divine inspiration” that only a few artists and artisans could tap into. Many found that this inspiration could be channeled and maintained with in religious settings, this is why we have so many beautiful works in old world religious locations. However as we slipped into the new age of enlightenment we all found the possibilities are within each and every one of us to believe in ourselves, and share a vision, what ever it is. Your vision is your truth so you only need to believe in yourself to express it. This expression can be on the canvas, but it could also be in your writing, photography, printmaking, or in that dress that showcases your embroidery.

Today I share with you my latest visions and my most recent endeavor through tapping into and exploring this universal energy. In my most recent piece “The Good Shepherd” I have an interpretation of the warm hug Earth receives everyday from our universal creator. Our Shepherd is ushering us along, even me as I paint this from my studio in the quiet hills of Connecticut. I am moved to share with you my inspiration that we will find a beautiful salvation every day & all the days ahead as we spin endlessly through time and space. Be true to your self, and believe in your own muse, abilities, & truth. Keep your faith close to you and live in Peace.

These things will help in your quest to uncover your own well of inspiration.

All the best,

BA

“The Good Shepherd”

"Home"

"The Thief in the Night"

Earth Day is Every Day | BA Wygant's Thoughts on Earth Day & a Recent Interview by Marshall Masters April 23 2015 1 Comment

Bette Anne Wygant Earth Day 2015:  

"This is a time for every person on this planet to stop and reflect for a moment about the state of the health, and the future of our beautiful Mother Gaia. I have seen many troubling changes, on so many fronts and issues since I was a young child. The problems are growing very quickly now, and with more urgency."

"I must ask, what are we leaving for the future generations? With the pollution from the Nuclear disaster in Japan, the contamination of the Pacific Ocean, massive kills of many species of Marine life, now the closure of the fisheries in California, I must ask, Will there be future generations?"
When scientists have to worry about losing their funding for telling the Truth, it is time to wake up Humanity and consider making some very serious changes to protect life in this century and beyond.""Are we to let the survival of this planet depend on the leaders of Industry that tell us there are no Earth quakes near fracking wells and that the water aquifers are not corrupted by them? We need to realize that we are running out of time.  Our Grandparents left to us the wonders of our National Parks, with the love and respect of our Mother Gaia's beauty and reverence. What are we leaving for our children? Will Humanity become part of the extinction of Species? Only time will tell."

These and other topics are also discussed in Bette Anne's recent 30 minute interview with Marshall Master who has been a past contributor on CNN.  During the course of the interview Bette Anne Shares her experiences and observations of life in the physical world, and our journey home which inspires her work.  Weather painting in the 70s or today her mission remains the same; Painting & sharing the light!! I hope you appreciate & enjoy this emotional and inspiring video:

Danbury News Times Interviews BA Wygant | Buy The Sunday Paper! January 30 2015 5 Comments

Last week I had the chance to sit down and talk with Linda Koonz, the features editor of The News Times, and share my journey into artistic expression.  For over 48 years (photo on the left is from my old studio in Candlewood Isle) I have been exploring the link between the physical and spiritual world and that energy that connects us to each other and to God.  

We spoke about my interpretation of our travel through time and space, the concept of the earth being one seed in a vast cosmic infinity & our life here on this planet as just the first step in an infinite journey home.
 It was an interesting discussion spanning a few hours.  We also touched on the need to care for our planet, and the need for human kind to do our part in helping to stop the decline of its health.  I hope my work
inspires this in people and I'm looking forward to this Sunday's paper where this vision may reach others! The published article is below- I look forward to your comments:

Art in Public Spaces: A Final Show for 2014 December 22 2014

Science Can Save Us & Hurt Us- We Should All Be Mindful of its Power August 26 2014 1 Comment

Albert Einstein and Oppenheimer have both made warnings on the fine-line between discovery and destruction.  

Let us use our tools to educate and discover our impact for instance: Here the cloud is watching our planet...
The world's first high-res map of deforestation visualizes the impact of our actions -- 700,000 satellite images-- coming together to explain the pain. https://earthengine.google.org/#intro/Amazon

Let's all keep a look out for these great tools.  Post here on your discoveries, or science that inspires you- as a scientist or a fan of positive discoveries.

#SpirtMeme An internet Installation at Unity.Gallery August 23 2014

Here is an intesting piece on art as a mirror of ourselves and our values - an idea Unity.Gallery hopes to promote:  http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2014/07/11/330746330/the-world-looked-better-through-anne-hollanders-eyes

Join us here:  http://www.unity.gallery

The 2014 SoNo Arts Celebration 8/16-17 & #SeaTrashTransform : Beach Cleanup 9/27 August 12 2014 1 Comment

Lots of things going on this week including the kick off of a beach clean up with Unity.Gallery & the SONO Arts Celebration this weekend.

And the People's Choice Award Winner is.... July 28 2014 1 Comment

2014 Golden Thread Gallery People's Choice Award Winner is BA Wygant for  "And the Light Was Good".

An Art Fair-y-Tale | How Helping My Mom's Studio With Art Shows Made Me A Better Artist July 09 2014

Recently we were asked to join a live radio show to discuss BA Wygant Studio's experience in the art show/ art fair market.  As we have worked together on the booth now for a long time- here is my account of the art fair process and how important it is:   

I started going to outdoor art shows when I was 6. My Mom (Bette Anne Wygant) is a painter, and at one point she was also showing some fiber work too. I loved the atmosphere at art shows from the start- the hustle and bustle of setting up your own mini gallery is electric. I remember her conversing with other artists, and telling people about her work- I was as proud of her as I am today. Some of my favorite memories of my grandmother were of her joining us at the fair. She was so happy to be there supporting my Mom, she often walked with me through the show explaining different art and engaging me at a very young age. It is because of these trips that I have such a profound love of art in my life. 

The community standing side to side with their art in the natural light also helps to unite artists, it's really an unparalleled experience. I carry these interactions with me today and they keep me going when we come across a bad show (or having to chase away digital cameras). I remember the new art I see around me, the things I learned, people I met and the new friends we have made~ I always walk away with a positive experience.

Times have changed a bit. For instance now we use more digital tools to engage people, we have better tents and panels, and we sell a lot more prints in tough times because of the price point. However things remain the same in many respects. Art has always been about sharing your vision and bridging vulnerability through connection and interaction with people. That's why I say the shows are worth the time and money you put into them. -What's better than connecting with people in the community and their environment directly?!  

So what is you favorite part about outdoor art shows?  

See you at the next show!!

-Lacey Wallace