Three Works Invited to Exhibit in Juried Appalachian Nature Art Competition

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Serenity w Base Email

Serenity on Optional Bronze Base

Love Blooms$2,8008.5" x 4.75" x 4.75"

Love Blooms

Twilight Stars_Atl_email

Twilight Stars

Serenity on the optional bronze base; Love Blooms and Twilight Stars were all invited to be a part of the juried exhibition and competition: Appalachian Nature Art produced by the Allegany Arts Council. The exhibit opens with an artist reception on Saturday June 18, 2016 at 6 PM and showcases art that expresses the rich diversity of nature including wildlife, flora, landscapes and sporting art. The juror for the exhibit is Paul Rhymer, a nationally known wildlife artist whose work is installed at the National Zoo, the National Museum of Natural History and the Denver Zoo. The exhibit runs through July 9th at the elegant Saville Gallery, 9 N. Centre Street, Cumberland MD. We are honored to be invited to include three works in this inspiring, quality exhibition.

Marriage of Spirit Selected for Artists for Conservation International 2015 Exhibition

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Marriage of Spirit

Results have just been announced for the 2015 International Artists for Conservation Juried Live and Virtual Exhibition. This year, Marriage of Spirit ,on the optional bronze base, has been selected as one of 200 artworks for inclusion in the virtual exhibition. Fifteen different countries will be represented in this exhibit including Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Guatemala, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, South Africa, The Netherlands, UK and the USA.

The jurors for the 2015 exhibit include: John Banovich – Artist and AFC Member (USA); Steve Morvell – Artist and AFC Member (Australia); Murray Phillips – Artist and AFC Board Member (Canada); Holly Swangstu – Art Institute Director, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (USA);  and Debra Usher – Publisher & Editor in Chief, Arabella Magazine (Canada).

Artists For Conservation (AFC) is the world’s leading group of artists supporting the environment. Founded in 1997, the non-profit organization comprises a membership of 500 of the world’s most gifted nature artists from 27 countries, across five continents. Dedicated to nurture, promote and leverage its world-class community of artists in support of our natural world, AFC drives its mission through three key programs: Art & Environmental Education; Field Work & Research; and Artist Development. We are honored to be, once again, selected for participation in this internationally renown exhibition. Visit the Artists for Conservation website for additional information and for details for attending the live exhibit to be held in Vancouver at http://www.natureartists.com.

Detail of Marriage of Spirit by Carol Alleman

Celebrating Earth Day

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GINKGO SEED OF HOPE Dove in FlightNatures Bounty_Close_Up_EmailInVinoVeritasI_2crop_emApril 26th is Earth Day – a day profoundly worthy of our attention. While we celebrate on the 26th of April, my hope is that it is more than a day of recognition and celebration. I hope it is a day of renewed commitment to our individual habits of truly caring for this miraculous earth and her infinite gifts to us. No matter where we live, there is always nature in some form or another calling for our attention – our appreciation and our respect. If you have not yet viewed the amazingly wonderful BBC video titled Planet Earth I hope you will this year. Much of the footage is the result of first time ever capturing remote places and creatures on film  –  it is beyond miraculous. Nature not only brings us utter beauty in all her seasons, she also inspires us to follow her wisdom in infinite ways. She is a wise and wondrous teacher. My work as an artist has been richly and consistently inspired by the map of nature – the wisdom of nature – the rich and potent connection of nature to the spiritual realms.

Perhaps this year on Earth Day you might commit to adding one more element of caring to your daily habits. It may be something as simple as noticing and respecting insects instead of simply squishing them with your foot – closely watching the spring budding in progress with deep appreciation and awe – walking outdoors daily with an open heart of gratitude – and planting something – anything – and caring for it as it grows.  Planet Earth is not the only living planet but as its stewards, it is ours alone to nurture and appreciate. It is our home on this earthly journey and caring for it respects not only the earth but ourselves at once. In reality, there is no separation between it and us – we are one. Caring for our blessed earth is indeed caring ourselves and each other – today and for the many generations to come.

Noticing Our Illusions – Letting Go as we Dance with the Vibrant Leaves

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In these current times with so much turmoil and change we can easily find  ourselves believing many thoughts and words as fact, without stopping ourselves to investigate if they are really true.  In fact, most of us feel excessive stress brought on by fear itself. The many dramatics we create, and the colorful thoughts we allow to occupy our minds, the stresses we ourselves place upon ourselves, and the seemingly complicated nature of living at this time can feel overwhelming. Yet, if we truly delve into the truth of our circumstances, we often may find that many of these seemingly stressful things are simply illusions with no foundation to create fear other than our own over-active imaginations and stories. While many of life’s events are, at times, very real – most of the accompanied stress I would argue is self-created by the stories we tell ourselves about them.

Illusion of Complexity speaks to this truth with its highly complex, interwoven canopy of branches.  Mirroring a cluster of winter barren trees, the branches of the trees create an utter maze of complexity.  It was created as an expression of the reality that it is always “I” that brings the complexity to my life. We are always as clear and as simple as the first moment we breathed. Illusion of Complexity is a visual invitation to remain still enough, amidst any chaos, to hear that Voice which simplifies, purifies and holds us in our true home. It is that Voice which sifts through the many mazes of complexity and awakens in us a simple, clear knowing that we are always much larger than any of the many distractions we create, or circumstances which surround us – we are always Home.

As we step into the final quarter of 2012, may you witness the falling of the vibrant autumn leaves as a personal invitation to let go of all the illusions and stories you have been holding onto. Let them all beautifully float away as gently as the branches let go of the newly colored leaves which no longer are of service to her. Just as we can see the remarkable, sculptural beauty of the trees branches so easily in this season, allow yourself to let go and unveil your deeper truths – your covered branches – as well.  Let go as you prepare to enter the colder, barren winter season – knowing the truth of who you are and clinging to nothing other than utter trust and peacefulness – peacefully at Home with the firmest of foundations to support you.

Artists for Conservation Festival Oct 13 – 21 Grouse Mountain | North Vancouver

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Artists for Conservation Festival  Oct 13 – 21

Grouse Mountain | North Vancouver

The Artists for Conservation (AFC) Festival opens on October 13 thorough October 21st on Grouse Mountain Resort, North Vancouver, B.C.  AFC will bring the world’s top conservation-themed exhibit of original nature and wildlife art, film, live painting demos, adult and youth workshops to this unique event. The festival will include renowned artists such as Robert Bateman, Guy Combes, David Kitler, Andrew Denman, Mark Hobson, Pollyanna Pickering and many others. My work (Nature’s Bounty and Celestial Joy) has been juried into both the live and the virtual exhibit. This international exhibit features extraordinary and highly talented artists all of whom are are highly committed to continuously working in partnership with many conservation efforts around the globe.

Celebrating National Pollinators Week

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June 18-24 I will be celebrating National Pollinator Week through the release of my newest  bronze vessel, Nature’s Bounty – a very small bronze vessel of white clover with a single pollinating honeybee.  The white clover plant is a vital and nourishing source of nectar and pollen for the honeybee.  My 2011 release of Celestial Joy celebrates the black-chinned hummingbird (another      important pollinator) amidst a brilliantly radiant cluster of wild, orange alpine lilies. As many of you know, I was raised on a small farm in rural Lancaster County, PA. I  grew up with many hives of honeybees consistently pollinating the diverse and abundant crops, including a vibrant orchard on our farm. My paternal grandfather was the beekeeper in those days while my brother continues the tradition today.

While my work has always been richly inspired by the wisdom and beauty of nature, in recent years Ihas become an ever growing advocate for various conservation efforts –particularly regarding pollinators.  My concern over the alarmingly diminishing population of the honeybee was the stirring motivation for this newest release Nature’s Bounty. I hope the piece, while bringing a slice of artistic beauty into our world, equally raises awareness of the currently desperate state of the honey bee – and a response that will insure its survival. Nature’s Bounty will be offered in a more unusual unlimited edition with hopes it will empower the spread of awareness regarding pollination conservation to infinite levels; while offering a very affordable work of museum quality art to collectors around the globe. It features a single tiny honeybee – easy to miss if you do not know it is there while mirroring how very easy it is for us to “miss” giving attention to the honeybee and it’s survival when seeing one in nature.

Nearly one-third of the food we eat today in North America is pollinated by the honey-bee. Without the honeybee, most of the vegetables and fruits we take for granted will simply disappear or depend upon human pollination.  Since 2006, the honeybee population has been declining at an alarming rate with still unknown causes of the devastating and stressful Colony Collapse Disorder. More than yet another beautiful bronze vessel, Nature’s Bounty is an appeal to the public, to plant bee and insect friendly gardens and reduce the use of toxic pesticides to help insure the balance and sustainability of our ecosystem.  As a commitment to the conservation efforts in regard to the honeybee, Alleman Studios will designate a portion of the profits from its sales  of Nature’s Bounty to benefit various non-profit organizations fighting to bring awareness, research, and sustainable solutions to our world regarding the honeybee and other valuable pollinators.  Other pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds also appear in my body of work.  To learn more about  Nature’s Bounty, Celestial Joy and the honeybee visit the website section presenting each of these pieces – associated writing will follow below the images of the artwork.

You may also learn more about pollination conservation by visiting the San Francisco based Pollinator Partnership website at http://pollinator.org/index.html.  The Pollinator Partnership’s mission is to promote the health of pollinators, critical to food and ecosystems, through conservation, education, and research. Signature initiatives include the NAPPC (North American Pollinator Protection Campaign), National Pollinator Week, and the Ecoregional Planting Guides.

Artists for Conservation Exhibit at the Sonoran Desert Museum

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This weekend I visited the Sonoran Desert Museum to view the current exhibit by the Artists for Conservation – the world’s leading artist group dedicated to supporting conservation. Annually they present a juried exhibition and benefit titled “The Art of Conservation: an international exhibit of nature in art”.  The event recognizes artists for their commitment, involvement and passion to artistic excellence coupled with conservation while directly supporting conservation organizations around the globe through the sale of their work.

While the entire show at the Desert Museum this year was quite stirring and beautiful, my favorites included an incredibly moving while warmly calming large oil painting by Kathleen Dunn titled Last Night with two owls; a smaller beautiful acrylic titled Black-throated Sparrows and Silver Leaf Sunray  by Sharon Schafer; Migrating Cranes by Hans Kappel; Trumpeter Echelon by Gregory McHuron; and Robert Bateman’s capturing and alluring oil, Pacific Northwest Snow Laden Scene with a Pack of Seven Wolves.

While this visit was focused on the AFC exhibit, I, of course, had to take advantage of being there again and spend time throughout the museum’s renowned habitat and wildlife exhibits. The museum is an excellent avenue to gain acquaintance and a plethora of knowledge about the often hidden gifts of the quiet desert. If you plan a visit to Arizona, it is definitely a “must see” on your touring schedule. One could easily spend the better part of day to fully explore all they offer. For more information please visit www.desertmuseum.org.

If you’ve not yet visited the Artists for Conservation website (www.artistsforconservation.org), I invite you to take a few minutes and visit their website of diverse and talented international artists dedicated to wildlife and habitat conservation and outstanding artistic expression. I was juried into Artists for Conservation in 2011 and am delighted to be a part of their outstanding mission.

Saint Valentines Day Celebration

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We are nearing the end of January.  The stores have been displaying all the Valentine’s Day celebration cards and gifts for several weeks. Valentine’s Day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.  Originally it was most often celebrated with hand-written notes of affection and love to another.

It seems to me, that it might also include a heightened awareness of the love of self – a necessary element and precursor to authentically loving the other.  When we recognize the love we are as individuals, we can easily and beautifully extend love to others.  One of the ways in which we can best love ourselves is to nourish ourselves – not necessarily with “things” but rather with a deep awareness of what our soul most longs to recognize and know. Sometimes this nudges us to do a little pruning and sometimes we may need to add something or grow in some manner. Giving attention to our own inner growth and health is always a valuable investment. When we consciously tend to our inner selves, we are simultaneously tending the world and our lovers and significant others wholeheartedly and fully.

One of the pieces in my collection of bronze art vessels, Nourished, is a vessel for lovers. The foliage on this piece is more subtle and the tree trunks/bark are much more dramatic than on other pieces in my collection of artwork. The bark is that which is presented to the world – the color, if you will, of the tree – and that which protects it. Our best protection of ourselves is to protect ourselves through caring for ourselves tenderly and lovingly. The outer bark of the tree protects it so that the inner sap can flow freely. Likewise, if we protect ourselves through caring for ourselves, our inner bark – our love – can flow much more freely.  The negative space on Nourished, in many places is in the subtle shape of the heart. It is not obvious when first looking at the piece, but with closer examination one can quickly find many heart-shaped openings in the piece. The essence of the piece is the invitation to mirror the tree’s wisdom – care for ourselves so our love can flow freely. In giving attention to what our soul needs most – nourishing ourselves – we are able to be and give love beautifully and authentically.

Perhaps you might write your own Valentine’s Day sentiment to yourself and to your loved one this year. There is nothing more meaningful than a hand-written note of love and affection.  Or, if your budget allows, you might consider the gift of a piece of fine art sculpture, in a limited edition of bronze. My limited edition of the bronze vessel, Nourished, expresses love and marriage in the deepest sense.  Regardless of your manner of celebration, may love flow freely through you extending beautifully to your loved ones this Saint Valentine’s Day – and always.

 

Holiday Reflections

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The spirit of the holiday season is upon us once more. One of the most challenging facets of the preparation is to take the time to pause and inquire “what is it I am truly celebrating?”  For me, it becomes a time of rich gratitude, hope and anticipation as I enter into that place of contemplation surrounding this question. As winter slowly approaches – we too are nudged to quiet ourselves and prepare for a bit of hibernation, and deep reflection.

I invite you to listen not to the external world of shopping and racing from one event to another, but rather to listen to the outer natural world calling to you – ‘ it’s a season to rest and reflect a bit more’.

It may also be a time of expressing our love for one another – to gather our thoughts regarding the perfect gift to express our heartfelt love and appreciation for the other.  Instead of going to the mall and searching seemingly endless racks of merchandise (much of which is useful) consider something which also gives a message of your deepest intent – a message of inspiration and adoration that will continue to be a companion to your loved one for many, many years after the holiday celebration is over.  Perhaps you could write a letter, or if you feel you are not artistically inclined, cut and paste a collage of images that reflect the nature of that person to you. Many blank journals/scrapbooks are available to present it in a lasting format. Another wonderful gift is a certificate for dinner at your home (create a personal certificate yourself). Prepare one of their favorite dishes coupled with long, warm conversation – real, intentional  t i m e  together.  Light the candles – place a note of appreciation on their plate expressing your gratitude for having them in your life.

And, you might consider giving a piece of artwork.  In the words of Aristotle   “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”  Many pieces of art are very affordable and will last a lifetime – reminding your beloved of your relationship and caring while inspiring their life every day. Alleman Studios offers pieces ranging in price from $95 to $32,000 – a broad range for every budget; and each piece also includes poetry/inspiration as an additional gift. Or – search your local gallery for something that speaks to you profoundly of that person. Many galleries will offer gift certificates as well (Alleman Studios does as well) if you would rather allow them to choose the piece themselves.

Regardless of your gift giving habits, I invite you to quiet yourself and reflect a bit more. If you choose to give gifts, allow them to reflect your innermost intent consciously and lovingly. And, while the world may seem to be racing about furiously – witness the race rather than joining it.  Make it a season of celebration of your life journey and all that is yet to come on it – gratitude for friends and family who enrich the journey – and mostly, for your unique spiritual journey birthing in all its unique, perfect colors and expressions.

My Warmest Holiday Blessings to each of you.