A Fledgling Artist Prepares to Take Flight

In light of my upcoming Giving Card crowdfunding project launch, I thought I would share a couple thoughts on capitalism, or more generally, the current economic model and structures for survival in this world, with which I've been struggling to wrap my mind around for as long as I can remember.

As a child and young adult, I experienced a lot of distrust (to put it mildly) around the way traditional advertising and sales was done in media. It felt so full of lies I could hardly believe it was legal to say things like a product was the "best" at anything, or imply that someone will be happier if they just have the right shampoo.

And while since then I've discovered many companies that succeed by word of mouth and honest marketing, something about the economic system itself, which lends itself to things like the ridiculous lack of transparency in social media and AI business models, just doesn't sit right with me. The way that pyramids always have to have so many people at the bottom. Is that the only shape? Is that the only way? Is it my imagination, or do things not seem to be getting better in terms of class disparity and the greater good of humanity under the current system, which seems to blatantly fail to prioritize the most valuable things we have: the earth and the children. 

At the same time, I also wonder how much of my disdain is just because I haven't learned how to create capital well myself? If I was closer to the top, would I be singing a different tune? I pray I would still be on a mission, not only to make positive change for those less fortunate, but actually help forge a path towards a new economic paradigm that lends itself to more humanity and honesty.

 The current economic model we operate in fails to prioritize the most valuable things we have: the earth and the children

Today I am still wending my way through it all as an artist who aspires not just to survive but thrive in the existing system, and in a way that feels aligned, is in integrity with my values, and does the least amount of harm to the world. And perhaps most importantly, in a way that is transparent. While also trying to change the model itself in whatever way I can.

It is with this awareness and from working with creative coaches on following the intuitive nudges towards what feels right (instead of the "shoulds") that I am going to be launching my the art I've been creating the past two years as a deck of Giving Cards, which combines my drawings with thoughtful insights on mindfulness and self worth. They are a twist on traditional affirmation decks, where the idea is to enjoy them for a while, but then give them away to others (whether in person, or leaving somewhere for someone to find) as a way to receive the affirmation that comes from connecting to and giving to others. I also hope they can help encourage more human interaction in this increasingly online world.

Within the safe structure of a Kickstarter campaign, I am exploring ideas for how I might be able to operate a business that feels in line with my values. For example, the cards will be made from recycled sustainable material at California-based printer, and there will be reward options that include receiving a deck and donating a whole deck to communities in need. I will also be funding a plant-a-seedling for every high quality gilcee drawing (one of the kickstarter reward tiers). I'm in the early planning stages of a post-kickstarter workshop with children from inner cities where they create their own affirmation art. 

Once the Kickstarter goes live I will share the link in a new post. ​​

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