The Tutu Project

 

   I am always looking for inspiration for my paintings and in life.  So I am sure you are wondering why I posted a picture of a man in a pink tutu. The answer is his cause and the reason........

According to the CDC in 2007:

• 202,964 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer.
• 40,598 women in the United States died from breast cancer.

Ok, so maybe you are starting to put the pieces together.. But, in the pink tutu wearer's (Bob Carey) own words:

The Tutu Project began in 2003 as a lark. I mean, really, think of it. Me photographing myself in a pink tutu, how crazy is that?

But nine years ago my wife, Linda, and I moved to the East Coast and, as odd as it may sound, the self-portraits proved to be a perfect way of expressing myself. Why? Because even though the move was exciting, exhilarating, and inspiring, it was 180 degrees from what I knew. So I took the old, mixed it in with the new, and the kept the tutu handy.

Six months after the move, Linda, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She beat it, only to have it recur in 2006. During these past nine years, I’ve been in awe of her power, her beauty, and her spirit. Oddly enough, her cancer has taught us that life is good, dealing with it can be hard, and sometimes the very best thing—no, the only thing—we can do to face another day is to laugh at ourselves, and share a laugh with others.

Enter Ballerina, the book. Not only is it a collection of my tutu images, it also shares many humorous stories about the adventures of a guy and his pink tulle. So far, there has been a tremendous response to the series of photos—people are particularly moved by the images. And their interest and enthusiasm have made us want to share that experience with as many people as possible in the form of a book, so that we can raise money to help other women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

This autumn, I will self-publish Ballerina. The net proceeds from the sale of the book will go directly to breast cancer organizations, including Cancercare.org and the Beth Israel Department of Integrative Medicine Fund, that make significant differences in the lives of women with breast cancer and in the people who love them. Our goal is to raise $75,000. But we need your help to seed the project so it will take root and grow—and positively affect these families.

Here’s how sponsorship works. For $500, you will receive a special edition 20-by-24-inch signed tutu print, valued at $1,200—along with a first edition of the book, Ballerina. You will also receive recognition on my Facebook fan page and in all other project materials, including mention in Ballerina. Best of all, there is no limit to the number of sponsorships you can purchase.

Other ways you can contribute are by purchasing a T-shirt, pre-purchasing a signed copy of Ballerina, which will ship once it is published. Of course, you can also contribute any cash amount you choose. All of these options are below.

Thank you for considering sponsorship of the much-anticipated Tutu Project. We want you to know how grateful we are. By joining us in this effort, you are making a real difference for women who have to endure far too much.

After years of talking about the project, it’s really happening—and I’m tickled pink.

He launched his website about a week ago and so far has raised over 8,000 for Breast Cancer Organizations!!! Please check out his website: The Tutu Project and follow him on Facebook.

Bob has inspired me to start a project that gives back, how has he inspired you?

The Table

            When is a table important?  Thanksgiving! As an artist I feel like my Thanksgiving table is an empty palate waiting to be transformed into a masterpiece. Spectacular linens, decorations, fancy dishes etc….  It does not have to cost a lot; you can DIY most of it. Scraps of bargain bin fabric can be pieced together to make a beautiful table cloth and napkins.  Pine cones, harvest squash and fruits can add decadence to your table.  Mismatch your dishes to make a shabby chic bohemian style table – check out your local Goodwill for odds and ends of dishware.  Add a cornucopia to your table see my craft project below:

Thanksgiving Cornucopia

What you need:

2-foot-long wicker cornucopia (available at craft stores) or make any size you wish

Ribbon – up to you a large bow in fall colors, lots of smaller ribbon that you weave into the cornucopia – be creative

Raffia – (straw like paper shreds available at craft store – use original or colors)

Assortment of Dried Fruit (you can buy tubs/bags at grocery store or choose what you want individually at Sprouts, Whole Foods or Mother’s Market etc)

Dipping Chocolate – see recipe below

What to do:

Decorate your cornucopia with ribbon

Loosely stuff raffia even to make cornucopia about ½ full, with the straw falling out of the horn artistically

Dip fruit in chocolate – let dry overnight on cookie sheet

When ready – place cornucopia  on set Thanksgiving Table where you want it to stay – you may want to place a decorative place mat underneath,

Place fruit in horn – gracefully spilling out

Wait for all to OHH and AHH!!!!!

How to make Chocolate Dipped Fruit 

Hello.... So Long...

As a painter I am regularly faced with the daunting task of staring at blank canvas with the challenge to making it “un-blank.” This week I have entered the world of social networking, and that same feeling of starting at a blank canvas comes to mind, except this time I am not trained.  I do not have a degree in social networking, or years of working experience in such field. The concept of technology completely fazes me as my regular tools are a brush, paint, and something to paint on. No electricity, networking, cabling, wi-fi or keyboard/touchscreen required.

However, the brilliance of those things are nothing short of genius. It’s a curious thing that two days ago,  I added the following quote to my Facebook profile:

Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do..

…attributed to Steve Jobs

….I can’t imagine the feeling he got the first time he turned on the box called McIntosh and it worked………….. The idea that most found out about his death via a device he CREATED is a testament to his genius.

            So as I begin my foray into the world of technology, I say my so longs to the man who made much of it possible…

….That is all for now.