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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

BA Wygant's Visions of Natural Energy | Amagansett Fine Arts Festival July 01 2015

Unity.Gallery Presents a Virtual Exhibition

Please take time to tour this wonderful virtual collection of art on the Virtual Exhibits Page.

Also This Weekend!! Meet me live & in person at the Amagansett Fine Arts Festival

July 3 10AM-6PM
July 4 10AM-6PM
July 5 10AM-5PM
15 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton, NY 11937
http://www.amagansettfinearts.com

I will have my latest work on display:

"Celebrate the Balance"

Oil Painting on Sculptural Base

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

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:

Through Writing and Art: Ken and I Heal November 07 2014 2 Comments

Here you'll find reflections by Ken Fortenberry on his project:

http://www.romanceoftheskies.com

"I created this website in memory of my father, second officer William H. Fortenberry. It is dedicated to the memory of the 44 people who perished on Romance of the Skies" – Ken H. Fortenberry

From Ken Fortenberry; "On the afternoon of November 8, 1957, Pan American Airlines Clipper “Romance of the Skies” vanished in mid-ocean, at the so-called point of no return, halfway between San Francisco and Honolulu. The pilot’s last transmission, at 5:04 pm local time, indicated that all was well onboard the giant and luxurious Boeing 377 Stratocruiser."

Here is my painting for their salvation at sea "Amazing Grace"

http://www.bawygant.com/products/amazing-grace

All the light & love to you & your loved ones. I'm hoping no other families suffer a loss like this again. "Romance of the Skies" we send prayers for peace to you all. After all these years it still hurts to think about all that loss.

We think about them often, it drives you to dig deeper, & especially today we hold our families closer.

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

"Bette Anne Wygant's Paintings Offer Little Glimpses of Soul" By Lorraine & Douglas Haddock September 05 2014

In July of 1976 The Ridge Field Press interviewed me while I worked on my painting "Celestial Traveler" (42x72 below). I thought Lorraine did a great interview & especially enjoyed her descriptions of my work. Here is a link to the full article PDF we scanned in from Microfilms at the library (old school research technique pre-google - remember those days?). I hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane with me to my old studio in Candlewood Isle.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/urcpgsdbydal0tx/July%208th%201976.pdf?dl=0

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.

The Dance of Evolution

Got Mentors? 3 Ways Millennials Can Push A Creative Businesses Forward August 03 2014 1 Comment

Lacey is my technology mentor. Do you have special mentors?

If not think about hiring a millennial! Like a sherpa in this digital age:

They are vision driven, they are experts in productivity, & they are born mentors.

#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

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