Over the past few weeks, I set my intention upon finding new ways for my art to make a difference. What evolved over the course of half-formed ideas and impulsive urges -- the kind that tell you to take the leap without knowing all of the details -- is The Dream Project.
The Dream Project is a way for dreams to be kept alive. It isn't earth shattering - no, it's small and quite ordinary, but I hope it will produce some extraordinary results.
These are Dream Boxes. Dream Boxes capture and protect your dreams and aspirations.
Inside these wooden boxes, I've placed either 2 or 3 white stones. The sealed boxes are then painted metallic copper. Hand stained papers are applied and rubbed with earth colors to add to the aged patina. Finally, an affirmation is added, with a painted spiral representing your path as you move toward your goal.
The symbolic meaning of copper often relates to sun energy and was the first metal used by humans. The spiral is also an ancient symbol representing the life journey.
Each box is designed to fit comfortably in your workspace. They are very tactile, and as you turn them over in your hands the stones inside softly remind you to believe and to dream. I use mine to center my creative energy and to remind myself that art is a journey and not a destination.
These Boxes come in two sizes - the smaller one is $9.95 and the larger one is $14.95.
But here's the real purpose: I will send 10% of the profit from each sale to Kiva, an micro-financing organization that works with individuals around the globe to create loans to the working poor, entrepreneurs and dreamers just like you and me. These are "Loans that change lives."
This is from Kiva's website:
"Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.
I have been a Kiva lender for quite a while now. I promised myself that I would take a portion of every art sale and lend it to others. It's one way I express gratitude for the opportunities I've been given.
I've put the Dream Boxes on Etsy, and you can find them here. You can also mouse over the images in the My Etsy Store widget in the sidebar and click on any image.
I'm sure other creative products will find their way into the Dream Project as the ideas evolve. My hope is that you will also be inspired.
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~Anne Frank
another great creative idea! Reminds me of Journey Juju and her 'travel shrines'. Hers are made of matchboxes.
same-same, but different!
vicki
Posted by: vicki Ross | December 05, 2008 at 07:57 PM
it's wonderful to be able to combine your art with good works! what a lovely idea! may they catch on. =]
Posted by: Tammy Vitale | December 03, 2008 at 05:26 AM