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A Spiritual Journey | Artists Seeking to Make the World Evolve Through Art June 20 2016 3 Comments

I have been on a spiritual journey through artistic expression for over forty-eight years now. Growing up in Ridgefield, Connecticut, always sketching or painting my impressions of the physical world around me. My view of this material world expanded my connections after the tragic death of my father in a plane crash and my brother’s murder. In living through this loss and violence, my mission in this life is to plant the seed of peace and unity through art revealing the physical and spiritual worlds are one. To me Governments that separate us are only an illusion, we are one family. In seeking out this spiritual journey, and unity, I have connected with artists internationally who are also seeking to make the world evolve through art. I just returned from Lebanon, where I have met artists using their work to make a positive change in the world around them. I implore each of you to connect with them, their projects, and others through social media (see links below).

Yesterday I met with Katrina Koerting, a local reporter, and told her about my experiences in Lebanon (link below). Via Skype I also introduced her to my son Cody & to Razi (above left) who is one of the Syrian Artist's I've come to know. We spoke about the need to find peace and brotherhood through art. Razi told her about his art and the situation he is going through, living day to day. He is an artist and writer who has escaped from Syria, who now lives in a small studio in Beirut, where he is currently painting his heart out. The pain of missing his family and friends, all that he has been a witness to, is reflected upon along with the power of survival in his beautiful paintings of flowers that have both bloomed and gone by. He said that there is a hope of rebirth and new life someday..but the blooms he has painted on his canvas have died now.

There are so many connections between us, the world is too small a place not to look for them. I look forward to bring this experience to my canvas, to sending work to Beirut Art World for donation to their NGO work. How profound it is the artist’s mind and the journey of mourning the precious loss of life and freedom. A painted record in the memory of our cultures. And as our precious little world hangs in the balance between the forces of Light and darkness. I would implore every Artist, Writer, Musician to reach out to the world around you, and inspire the minds, hearts and souls of Humanity to live in peace and harmony together.

Links to the online article: http://www.newstimes.com/printpromotion/article/New-Milford-artist-visits-Lebanon-to-spread-love-8312048.php?cmpid=fb-tablet the article made the front page that I've scanned in and is displayed below, but please also share the DNT link to support the writer & the paper- print news papers need our support too.

Links I would like you to read & share- All important artists working in Lebanon everyday through their artwork & projects to help the community & the refugees who live day to day there. Also UN reports & projects.

From Razi Wardh's "In Bloom" Exhibition Bio, "abstract pieces summon a subtle sense of melancholy. Beautiful yet sad, In Bloom hints that despite our plans, hopes and dreams death exists; the flower is after all temporary, a passing thing that soon will disappear. However, hope blooms next to death, as the viewer understands the nature of the flower it will return with the same beauty and tenderness. That delicate and gentle creation brings a sense of hope, just add water and wait; delicate colors, soft petals, it offers beauty and hope of rebirth and renewal. Here are 3 of Razi's works:

His works come together, forming an artistic garden on canvas. One, two, three flowers, or an entire floral collection, In Bloom expands, grows and inspires. Life, hope, flowers, they all scream silently, raging against our reality of sadness and gloom." https://www.facebook.com/events/1710430962542677/

I have learned from this report about the vulnerability of Child refugees. I have been inspired to speak out on this issue in every way I can. The plight of refugee children living in the margins should be something we all try to speak out about as these children need voices working on their behalf. This reports from unicef gives you some information on the general condition and profile of street based children: http://www.unicef.org/lebanon/Adjusted_NEW_BOOK_indd_final_27_1_15.pdf

Roula Chreim's Facebook Page. She runs an NGO working with the UN to do international art shows where the proceeds go towards outreach projects in the community, everything from providing heaters to those in need, to providing art workshops to women in the community: https://www.facebook.com/roulachreim?fref=ts

Diala Brisly, a Syrian refugee artist who uses her whimsical illustrations to uplift and enrich the lives of many Syrian children in a weekly magazine that she prints out. Her inspiring pictures of her childhood, that is now lost for many of these children who are living in the darkness and chaos of war. I saw that she painted a mural on one of the school houses in a refugee camp. The painting was of an open book, with dreams coming from the pages to an astronaut in Space. Her works are a window to a world of possibilities and adventure for so many children who live behind the fence, kept from a physical freedom. The world of imagination can be opened in a painting on a wall. https://www.facebook.com/dialabrisly/?fref=ts

The Dove of Peace December 12 2015

I can see with all the divisions in the world today that hatred and rumors of wars have become the only word shared.
I would implore all to remember the most incredible news that came to our planet roughly two thousand years ago. His message was for every soul on Earth. He came in peace, with love in his heart for every person, despite social standing or religious beliefs. His message is profound and all encompassing.
His great revelation is an eternal message to Humanity. GOD is a loving force encompassing all of creation. We are His children and through Him, we are ONE.
Our species will evolve through this Living Truth.

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 ma

kes 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.

Let me share with you how I hope to inspire change in this world where it is desperately needed. Just over the border from war torn Syria, are areas where many refugees have fled in the Middle East. I will focus the first phase of my next project here. My hope is to work for two months in this area of the Middle East painting and exploring the Holy Lands via Beirut, Lebanon, which is at the heart of the old and new worlds.

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:

There are also several others of me and my work here under my "Video Channel" on this website. Art can be spiritually powerful, I would like to make a positive change in the world through what I know and through these tools I have, I just hope I can make a difference.

You can also make a difference by familiarizing yourself with the UN refugee stories from around the world linked here, and by sharing these with your friends and family both in person and online. That could be you or I with our family trying to hang on to hope for a future, and peace is fragile. We must all raise awareness to their plight & the strain it is putting on the world. Please add your comment and suggestions for my project below.

You can also learn more about my project, share it, and lend your support by clicking on the image below...

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!

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:

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."

Dance of Evolution by BA Wygant
"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." Peace in Every Home Town by BA Wygant "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:

This is a recent (30min) interview I did with Marshall Masters (a past CNN contributor) where I share my experiences &...
Posted by BA Wygant on Thursday, April 23, 2015

Watch out!! Wet Paint: Two New Paintings Debut by BA Wygant October 31 2014

"Rejoice"

48 inches by 48 inches

Seven Guardians of Light have formed a circle to give us safe passage on the journey Home.

Click image above to view "Rejoice" in depth on the painting's page, use the zoom tool for details.

Call the studio to view in person (860)957-7357

"Ancient Mariner"

30 inches by 24 inches

A voyage begins with waves breaking on the bow, often we steer into uncharted waters.

Powerful, deep, and dangerous are the currents of freedom. Godspeed its mariners.

Click image above to view "Ancient Mariner" in depth on the painting's page with the zoom tool for details.

Call the studio to view in person (860)957-7357

Pratt Center Fundraiser, Sag Harbor Fest, & Unveiling New Work September 12 2014 1 Comment

This weekend if you are in New Milford, CT please support the Pratt Center on Paper Mill rd and attend their annual auction & fundraiser Under the Harvest Moon . Here you will be able to bid on BA Wygant's donated 14x11 double matted print of "Spring Symphony" that has been signed numbered and dated. The original painting is 48x36:

In this painting on the right,”Spring Symphony” I share my impression of a moment in time. While I was riding in my car, I glanced out the window as the Sun peeked out of the dark raincloud to reveal an intoxicating sea of wildflowers, while listening to the Brandenburg concertos. I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the moment.

Bette Anne's Description: In ”Spring Symphony” I share my impression of a moment in time. While I was riding in my car, I glanced out the window as the Sun peeked out of the dark raincloud to reveal an intoxicating sea of wildflowers, while listening to the Brandenburg concertos. I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the moment.

Also this weekend 9/13-14 at the Sag Harbor Festival we are proud to be unveiling of "Awakening".

BA Wygant's most recent work:

11th Sep 2014:

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
-- George Bernard Shaw,
Irish playwright

After reflecting on this quote & having just finished "Awakening" I can't help but wince when I think about sending my youngest off to school in the Middle East this semester in the midst of such turmoil.

"Progress" in this context is not enough for me. Really "Survival" would be a more accurate term for our society. Whether we want to admit the reality of our changing world or not, our survival will depend on our "Awakening" and flexibility in our world. The governments must cooperate, and work together to help solve the problems we are now facing. Our own leaders must overcome the petty differences reflected in the constant childish bickering. We must begin anew.

Our precious Humanity, our beloved Earth, our children, when will it be too late to speak with one voice? Peace and respect for Life will determine the balance of our Extinction, or our Salvation. This is why it is important for our communities to come together and support each other, I hope to see you this weekend so we can make this change happen!!

-BA Wygant

#SpiritMeme Lost & Found August 03 2014

How can we ever find the way searching on our own, in the darkness? We must all bring in our own light to solve these problems together. Join us here and at www.Unity.Gallery

3 Impacts & 3 Results of Nuclear War: When It Happens “Over There” It Happens Here Too July 18 2014

Pray for Peace in Every Hometown

For the first time ever, scientists have taken 2 models & combined them to show a global view of what a regional nuclear war could do if it involved 100 nuclear weapons (17000 Nukes exist now).

3 Impacts

After 20-50% of our ozone is blown away:

Drop in surface temperature
Super heating of the stratosphere
Blasting up of 500 Tg of black carbon into the air for 8.7 years (Tetra gram = 1 Golden Gate Bridge)

The result:

Coldest temperatures in 1000 years.
A global nuclear food crisis
Increased exposure to nuclear radiation & fallout related cancers*