Searching for Slash - A healing journey

A friend of mine, Penny, who is also a former FWC manatee biologist, told me a compelling story of one particular manatee injury experience.  This story was a wonderful depiction of just what humans will go through to save a life of an animal that is dear to their hearts and an amazing story of one manatee’s ability to heal. “Slash” was a manatee that had been severely wounded on his head and upper trunk region by a boat propeller. The wounds extended down to bone and his survivability was questionable… in the beginning. With the help of the Dolphin Research Center (DRC) located in Marathon, FL (licensed to respond to and rescue injured manatees in that area), “Slash” was documented numerous times with wounds that were healing. During these observations, he was otherwise displaying normal activities of a Florida Manatee.

Each month, each year, Penny and DRC would “search for Slash” to determine his health status. Every time he was spotted they were amazed at his healing capabilities. The last time that “Slash” was documented was a chance encounter. Penny was in Key Largo searching for another injured manatee and happened upon “Slash.” She said, “The look that he gave when he turned his body towards me and I got the first glimpse of his face was one of pure joy and respect along with instant recognition. That this manatee could completely heal from wounds of this severity was amazing. He became our poster manatee of what not only manatees must go through but also of their amazing ability to cope.” When Penny showed me the photograph of this encounter, there was no question, I had to paint “Slash” and get this story out there.

REMEMBER!  If you see an injured or dead manatee (or any injured wild animal), please call FWC at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)

Dolphin Research Center will receive 20% of the proceeds from “Searching for Slash” print sales to help with their manatee rescue programs.  Prints are available at my online store.  Not surprisingly, the original acrylic of this piece now resides permanently with my dear friend Penny! 

Photo credits: FWC and DRC

“Independence Day” From dream to reality - nature’s lesson of survival for our young to be that 1 in 1,000 sea turtle.

July 3, 2010 - I woke up from a nap with the vision of the perfect view of a hatching of sea turtles. Dreams really are our windows to our future, at times serving as a foreshadow of what may come, or what we simply need to be prepared for. It is up to us to choose our best perception and path.

So, before I get off on the dreams tangent...here we go with the lesson from one of the most beautifully intense experiences of my life....


I began to reluctantly get ready for a party to view fireworks north from an oceanfront condo, after my husband, Tim’s gentle nudging. He reminded me of our need to get out once in a while and make new friends. I switched my perception toward the positive, it was at an ocean-front condo after all, and we really did need a night out as a couple. Our son was soon to turn 18 this month, and it was affecting us both in strange ways.

7:00pm – As we arrive, we mesh right into the special gathering of friends at the condo. We were just north of Stuart Beach and the weather was beautiful, of course, slight overcast here and there. I just love living on the Treasure Coast of South Florida, truly the best of many worlds with its uniquely preserved natural environments to the cultural residents who are grateful to claim it as their home. As I took a romantic walk on the beach with Tim, I felt something was going to happen…but couldn’t quite pinpoint it.

9:30pm - We headed out with a group from the party to see if the fireworks up north were visible. Yet, suddenly, I looked to my right, and two lines of people were gathered just under the beachwalk…I knew immediately what was going on. I threw off my sandals and couldn’t get down the stairs to the beach fast enough.

An estimated 30-50 baby sea turtles were making their way to the ocean from an unmarked nest, and even more amazing, they were unmistakably rare leatherback sea turtles! Why the heck do we need fireworks , that only waste our resources, when nature provides a spectacle such as this? From dream to reality, the painting in my mind literally came to life. The rush and the anticipation of cheering on each little hatchling in their struggle to get the ocean was incredible. I became flustered as the folks, not educated in how to deal with this situation, were taking flash photos like crazy – startling the poor little babes as they rely on the light from the moon to guide them to the sea in their first moments of life. Tim and I gently began to explain to these folks why they had to stop, and pointed to some of the little guys who were dazed and confused, some heading the wrong way, some frozen. Eventually most snapped back into their instincts and continued their long journey to the water.

Watching those little flippers push to get out of the nest, and struggle over each massive footprint mound was exhilarating. Some were stunned by the brief camera flashes would just sit there until their sonar kicked back in and directed toward the surf, some flipped over on their backs while striving to clear what I am sure seemed like sand mountains to them. I couldn’t help but see the connection of childhood to adulthood as I thought of my first-born son turning 18 years old this month. I thought about how we all struggle through the difficulties of childhood, yet persist in the quest to get to the ocean (adulthood). Watching these guys struggle through the massive footprints left in the sand, only to hit the rough surf and topple over 2-3 times until they actually could cut through into the ocean , made me think hard about the difficult move into adulthood…the journey as a whole, and how building initial survival skills are vital. After the right of passage through childhood, the determination to break out into the ocean – to be “independent” –is strong, to receive the privilege, the “independence.” However, only then to face the barracuda’s, the sharks, and rough unforgiving ocean for the rest of their lives. (Did you know only about 1 in 999 makes it to adulthood? Talk about survival of the fittest).

As the hatchlings reached the surf, my heartbeat rose as their little heads would raise in anticipation of getting that first taste of salty water. We found ourselves cheering them on, praying they could cut through that initial thrust of that first cool ocean wave. The frustration of watching some topple backwards, flip over multiple times as the surf became the largest wall to independence felt exactly like having to stay back and watch my son topple over as he learned the difficulties of life. The hatchlings have to get through the journey on their own if they are going to be that 1 in a 1,000 who makes it to adulthood. As human parents, the only way we can prepare our young is to guide them, just as the moonlight guides and the ocean calls to these hatchlings, so our young must have the life skills to be able to thrust themselves into that massive ocean of life, with the strength and skills from that journey across the beach, in the quest to become that 1 in 1,000 turtle, that 1 in 1,000 that shines in the world.

Thanks for sharing this incredible moment and yet another precious life lesson from nature!

Creatively yours through art,
PH   (Here is my Art Website)

The original and Limited Edition Giclee’s of “Independence Day” are currently available on my virtual store!  (Only 50 Canvas Giclee's and only 100 Parchment paper Giclee's will be made) Please CLICK HERE to order yours to share in this experience today.  I will be donating 20% of proceeds to The Blue Ocean Institute, driven to inspire a deeper connection with nature and enlighten us through “sea ethics.”  Please visit this site and learn how you can take some small steps to helping preserve our most precious resource.

Painting "Go Gilda!" or, let's now make lemonade from the lemons of the oil spill.

Yet another deeply emotional, visual journey into painting the soul of a sea turtle.  "Go Gilda!" is finally done.  I can't even describe the obstacles that were encountered to feel this turtle's presence enough to portray her... yet with perseverence in this mission, attendance at the compelling release event on Juno Beach this month, the incredible photos from Hospital Coordinator, Deb Mauser, and the help of all Gilda's caretakers, friendly volunteers and staff at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, ...this artwork now exists.

My goal was to demonstrate the triumph of Gilda rushing back home and the triumph of LMC in helping her do so.  Of course, she was not the most glamorous of female loggerhead sea turtles, but if any lady had been through what she had, and lived the years she has in the rough ocean, it's competely understandable (so, I glamoured her up a bit in this piece, just like we do with cover models).  I placed the finishing touches on this piece yesterday, with most of the painting being created during the grand opening of my new art studio on the Manatee Pocket.  (It was wonderful to see so many recognize her and were aware of her release into the ocean - she helped me raise enough awareness and raise $130 for LMC this week from Neal, Shiloh and Turtwig prints and items so far.  If portraying actual souls of our sea creatures helps to wake us up and begin to move forward in a positive way, then that is my artistic mission.  They all have personalities of their own, and it seems so many forget that or do not take time to notice, which is why I create their faces larger than life, because they are part of something larger - the circle of life.)

Talk about being handed lemons, Gilda really got a raw deal...about 18 months ago, she lost big time in a boat encounter...literally.  Her right flipper amputated, her left flipper also injured, severe injuries to her nose and beak, and more.  Her outlook when discovered was not good at all.   You can read her amazing journey from death's door to now healthy and free back in the ocean here, and, you can even track her in the ocean via the satellite online. 

Gilda was handed lemons of the most rotten kind, and endured a long painful journey of healing. She re-learned to swim with her one fixed up front flipper through extensive physical therapy. 

Nature always finds a way...I completely identified with Gilda and how she was still able to re-learn to swim.  As an artist determined to paint, if I lost the use of my left hand, I would learn to paint with my right.  And now, we, as the Oil Spill destroyed vital habitat and livelihoods, we, must re-learn a new way of thinking and behaving.

Her recovery literally took a village...everyone is rooting for Gilda to hopefully find a mate to help carry on the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle legacy.  She is a 1 in a 1,000 turtle - as only 0.1% of hatchling survive to adulthood - hence we all rooting for her.   GO Gilda.

I was determined create this painting to represent the large effort it took to get Gilda back into the ocean to do her part to preserve her species, yet also to demonstrate how we can all make lemonade when handed lemons.  It takes spirit, it takes perseverance.  The piece shows how I see her happy, feeling the rush of cruising through the currents once again - the place she had known for years.

We face a long, painful journey this year and beyond.  We have been handed some really rotten lemons, the Gulf Oil Spill.  We are losing millions of creatures as we speak, they are gone.  I do not want their deaths to be in vain.  It is up to us to find a way to make lemonade, here.  This is why I started OceansForLife.org (The Facebook Page is up now with full site to open later in June).  Let's stop wallowing in these rotten lemons, stop being counterproductive by just pointing fingers and fueling the anger with negativity... let's just acknowledge and mourn what has happened and is going to continue to happen, and get on with the long journey of healing and recovery with strong mental attitudes.  (Our sea creatures and the coastal economies need us to now more than ever).  We must move forward positively.  We can do this by all of taking simple steps in our daily lives, and changing our mindsets just a little.

We can begin to make lemonade now, by simply ackowledging the phenomenally spiritual creatures like Gilda that we are soley responsible for destroying.  (Yes, we all use the cars and power that demand the production of oil, that fueled the greed of oil companies, etc...the vicious cycle that can only change in the future if we change now) Sea turtles really are the ambassadors of our oceans (as my friends at LMC state it). They have been on earth before we were even a thought, they each have souls that are deeper than the ocean itself - just try being near one and you will feel it after looking into their eyes like I did.  Loggerhead Marinelife Center is where you can have this encounter with a sea turtle - one you will never forget.

So, as an artist still on a very determined mission to help us begin to follow Gilda's struggle, and make lemonade from lemons, I share with you "Go Gilda!"  Enjoy!
Creatively Mother Earth's,  P. Hoke

You can buy "Go Gilda!" artwork and her sea turtle friends in the Oceans For Life section of Pam's online store.  Original art, prints, T's, Mugs, Canvas Shopping Bags and more.  30% of proceeds will be donated to Loggerhead Marinelife Center for them to continue in their strong mission, and to assist in emergency rescue and clean up from the Gulf Oil Spill.  (Pam is actively seeking other partnering organizations to assist all marinelife and ocean advocacy groups through her potent portraits, so please contact her if interested.  She has a list of more portraits and emotional paintings in line such as the Brown Pelican, Dolphins, Reef life, and more.).  Purchasers of the originals will be listed as primary sponsors of her passionate project site: www.OceansForLife.org , also.  Please spread the word, join the journey, and sign up to be notified when the online creative conservation discussions begin on Oceans for Life - or, start immediately by posting to the Facebook page.

You can learn more about artist, Pamela Hoke at her main site: http://www.pamelahoke.com/

"Tender Turtwig" represents small changes to help in the long recovery from spill, and future of our oceans

"Tender Turtwig" is finally complete!  My journey into acrylic painting was yet another exciting ride, especially because it was for all the right reasons.  If you hadn't caught my story about why I switched from oil painting to acrylics, please click here to read: "The Spill should Spell CHANGE."

The wise and deep eyes of Turtwig and all the beautiful sea turtles I encountered at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, FL told me thousand of stories, and called to me to present to everyone possible the connection these incredible creatures have to our daily lives.  We forget, we take for granted, and we continue to destroy the very resources that give us LIFE!  We do not have life without our oceans, period.  My friends at LMC consider sea turtles the "Ambassadors of the Ocean," and I cannot think of a better way to express what sea turtles represent.  They are timeless.  They, like frogs, date back to prehistoric times, they have seen so much more than we can image, they as adults have earned every wrinkle, and they are vital to our oceanic ecosystems - which in turn give us what we need to live here on earth.  Sea turtle adults are literally 1 in 1,000 - meaning the other 999 baby turtles are a food source that feeds the oceans, which in turn feed us.  This also means that each 1 in 1,000 that makes it into adulthood is even more vital to carry on the huge role these gorgeous animals have in the circle of life.  When I have the privilege of being near a sea turtle (or any creature for that matter), and experience their unique personality, their "essence," each one tells me their own story with their eyes.  I believe we all tend to miss this in our busy routines - so I am striving to portray through my art what each one is saying to us.  Hoping people will listen, begin to care, and simply take small steps to begin sensible changes in daily their routines.  (Like stop using plastic bags, use less energy, drive a little less, use eco-friendly materials, etc.).  This mission has begun in a large way already, thanks to Sylvia Earle,founder of Mission-Blue.org, author of The World is Blue : How Our Fate and the Ocean's Are One.

So, when I made the decision to begin painting with acrylics, my heart poured into the cause, and as the Gulf Oil Spill details, and lack of transparency by many, continued to unfold, so did my anger, my resentment, my determination to do something.  It seems many of us have pent up frustration now - and if I can so do something to help some good come out of such a catastrophe...then I must dive in.

The actual shift from oil to acrylic is not as easy as it would seem, yet once again, became a wild ride into making mistakes and a journey into the imagination that keeps me hooked on painting.  As I went through the normal frustrations that an oil painter goes through when learning to work with fast-drying acrylics ("you have to get it right the first time..." is what I had to keep saying to myself as I kept having to re-work and blend places, that would have easily been fixed with the luxury of slow-dry oils), and the challenge of achieving the depth and contrast of colors that I am known for in my oil (which I persisted in by pushing my color mixing skills as far as I could take them), Turtwig emerged slowly, with each layer became more and more fascinating. Back into the zone, that "doing what you love zone," or, what Sir Ken Robinson calls "The Element."  As those tender, chilled-out eyes of Turtwig began to emerge, I knew I made it.  I made to the finish line of a small step to do my part for our oceans - for these beautiful creatures.  If I can just communicate all of them - from the turtles, the dolphins, the seabirds and more who will soon be showing up onshore covered in oil or sick.  If I can only spark interest through the intrigue and mystery of the arts, the awareness of the casualties that are at the bottom of the Gulf that we don't even see - the thousands of fish and coral that have already been destroyed, and now soon perhaps our last live coral reef in the Keys. 

My heart is breaking - and I am not sure who our there in our country really cares. I am sure it is hard for those up in Michigan, Vermont, Ohio or Kansas to even comprehend what is happening down here - and how it really is going to afffect us all.  So, all I can do is continue on my mission, continue expressing my love for the Ambassadors of our Oceans, the Sea Turtles, and more - through OceansForLife.org.  This way I can help all the organizations who are working tirelessly to help our oceans heal, and I can somehow begin the campaign that we can all take small steps in our daily lives to help.

So, "Tender Turtwig" is part of my artistic journey to create art with passionate purpose... like "Knowing Neal" (to the left, myself with my art collector, Kim, donating the original to LMC), and all the other turtle patients at Loggerhead Marinelife Center and soon other organizations who wish to have me portray their causes. (They are encourage to contact me at http://www.oceansforlife.org/)   The next phase is to begin the conversation at http://www.oceansforlife.org/  when it is live JUNE 2010 (you can sign up now privately to receive word when it's ready), then portray as many creatures from our oceans that I possible can to drive the message home - and provide a creative way to just begin the message that it's time we all care.

Thanks for caring, and following my art journey! Creatively yours, Pam

 PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT my mission (OceansforLife.org FACEBOOK PAGE and Site in progress), and consider bringing "Tender Turtwig" home - the original, prints, canvas shopping bags (to start good habits of not using plastic bags that turtles mistake for jellyfish) and more are now at my online gallery/store.  30% goes to helping our oceans (20% to Loggerhead Marinelife Center and 10% to the partnering emergency responding non-profit organizations to the Gulf Oil Spill).   THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT in helping me help our oceans with Art!

"Tender Turtwig" ORIGINAL Acrylic on Canvas 32"x32" - $2,250.00.  Ready to frame, is ready for the right home:  the owner of this 1st ever acrylic piece by Pamela Hoke will also be listed as a primary sponsor for http://www.oceansforlife.org/, and 30% to help LMC and organizations that need assistance during Gulf Oil Spill recovery.

Gulf Brief - busy getting ready to communicate visually and help.

My days on the southern west coast of Florida were interesting to say the least. Beyond each and every BP station being a ghost town, there was a tense aura among some the members of organizations in preparation for the seemingly now inevitable flood of injured animals that will arrive at their facilities. For the most part, many of them made me feel very welcome - and understood the bigger picture of what I was there to do: experience the patients and beauty of the creatures they already care for to strengthen their message and create a long term awareness and fund-raising campaign to help them all ride out this horrific tidal wave. Supplies were flooding in. All of them need multiple items, (from mild detergents to help with oiled animals to grocery gift cards to help them get what they need fast), yet what I found is they just need is just cash so they know they can sustain their facilities and have the nourishment and medical needs met for the long-haul. So, my mission to help was strengthened and you will see more on this during the week.




For now, being a huge fan of Carl Safins, I highly recommend his wonderfully written exerpt on his trip over there: "Blessed assurance is suspended indefinitely." He really says it all. Being primarily a visual artist/painter, I must simply begin expression visually in paints (yes, now acrylics and watercolors), and provide us all a means of expression for the multitude of emotions that are developing in us all during this difficult time...and leave the superior writing to Carl.


So how IS my latest shift to acrylic paint going? FANTASTIC!! Turtwig is emerging well on the canvas, and should be done today or tomorrow- love the new media! Take care all, and hope you will keep an eye on all events here, and on the small steps from my blog: "the Spill should spell change"...haven't heard any steps yet!!!


Creatively yours, pH

(Please send me a note online about those "small steps" for change, BTW!)

Loggerhead Marinelife Center is preparing and Needs Help.

Hello all,

Loggerhead Marinelife Center is on the East Coast of Florida - and is already preparing in case the effects of the oil spill come around the tip of Florida as projected.  I will find out more from the West Coast today while there, however, LMC is very near to my home, and is the home of my first turtle portraits.  PLEASE HELP them in any way you possibly can, if not in Florida, monetary donations would be great. This helps them overall in their mission.  Also, if you would like to spread the word to involve others, please pass this information on, ask others to join OceansForLife on Facebook as I collect all information accessible about the needs down here in Florida.

BTW - :"Turtwig" is still recovering at LMC, and the painting of Turtwig the new acrylic medium is going fabulously!  I love my switch!  Below is a photo of Turtwig.

THIS IN FROM LOGGERHEAD MARINELIFE CENTER:

Dear Friends,

 

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is requesting the assistance of friends & supporters in this time of need. LMC continues to recover from depleted supply levels and on-going care costs associated with our cold-stun sea turtle patients, we are facing another potential crisis with the recent oil spill. The best way for the public to help is in the form of monetary donations to be used to purchase needed medications and supplies. We are also seeking donations of Gift Cards and needed supplies (listed below).

 

Should the situation materialize, we need the necessary supplies in order to care for a potentially large number of sea turtles. Donations to support the rehabilitation efforts can also be made online at: marinelife.org, or by calling 561.627.8280 x102.  PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THEIR MOST RECENT MEDIA UPDATES REGARDING THE SPILL.

 

General Supplies.  If you are in S. Florida, consider delivering some of these easily accessible donations - you will LOVE their facility and the beautiful patients there now, also a beautfiul drive!  South on US past Jupiter - Juno Beach.  Once you're in Juno Beach you will the Center (yellow building) on the left.

• Gift Cards –Grocery and Hardware Stores
• Kitchen Trash Bags
• Simple Green Cleaner
• KY Jelly
• Laundry Detergent (unscented)
• Windex Glass Cleaner
• Triple Antibiotic Oitment
• Baby Pools

 ANYTHING YOU CAN DO IS AN IMMENSE HELP!  Mostly, please try to spread the word about this page.  I will try to load shirts with Neal on them soon so we can all wear his adorable face proudly and remind everyone who lives in our OCEANS, and keeps them healthy!!

The Spill should Spell "CHANGE!" - An artist takes a small step, stops using oil paints as a message.

Well, many of you probably think I've lost it. NOW what is she doing...opening a new Facebook Page and beginning a website: OceansForChange.org? Well, I reserve my right to be female, and an environmental artist: I can change my mind AND adapt to the world around me as it needs me to.  Go with the flow - and, in this case, go with the flow of the devastation of oil in our precious Gulf - which essentially in my mind spells the need for change by us all.

My change?  I woke up staring at "Turtwig," a Green Sea Turtle patient at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, FL, my next celebrity to be on canvas.  As the morning light hit the sketch on my patio, I glanced at the oil paints and it hit me right in the gut...that does not make sense anymore.   I realize that obviously crude oil is not the same as the linseed oils in the paints...it's the principle, and pyschological effect from the thought of visualizing all the creatures that will soon be covered in oil.  This thought, coupled with the solvents that come with using oil paints have simply led me to make this as a moral decision that was long overdue.  If I am going to strive to help, I too, must change - however I can.  So, today - out with the oil paints and the harmful chemicals that come with them, and in with acrylics...with just water.  It's a start.  I haven't painted in acrylics for a while...but the investment now in supplies and time is priceless to me, and it's just simply a moral responsibility in my mind now. (I can't believe I didn't switch sooner...I use watercolors a lot, well better now than  never.)

Carl Safina posted an incredible perspective today on the catastrophic oil spill, "Spill Baby Spill"...it really baked my noodle, that's for sure.  Thank you, Carl, for being a voice of reason.  You are not shoving radical concepts down people's throats, and you are not sitting idly by as the toxic oil threatens to shove itself down the throats of precious wildlife that are the most intricate part of the ecosystem that keeps our oceans thriving.

What this spill should do for our country is spell C-H-A-N-G-E...
but, not one that mandates what people do (can't step on freedom, just make bad things uncool, like we have with smoking), and definitely not change that will cause major economic damage, nor change that provides a constant hand-out to those who do not wish to earn what they have - yet  what a about a change of mindset, just a change in our attitudes that one step is at least a start? How can we begin to at least TRY to be more responsible and preserve earth for our families and our grandchildrens' future? Open our minds to go with the flow...adapt like nature has to adapt?  (Note: Earth does not belong to US, we get the priviledge being here to enjoy it, not destroy it.)  This is what OceansForLife.org is going to be all about...simply a place to begin the conversation for change - and the necessary message that Sylvia Earle has been striving to drive home for years, that our Oceans are the foundation of life here on earth. You can learn more about Sylvia and this vital message that we need to drive home either through her talk on TED posted at Mission-Blue.org,  or by grabbing her book "The World is Blue: How Our Fate and the Ocean's Are One." The World Is Blue: How Our Fate and the Ocean's Are One.

What can each of us do that is a REALISTIC step?  Even if it's just ONE behavior, at least it 's SOMETHING, it's a start!

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step." -lao Tzu

 Example:  Stop using plastic bags at the store!  Did you know these bags, beyond less than 10% are actually recycled, end up being mistaken by sea turtles for jellyfish?  Learn more about the damage  of just this one item, and some options at Earthsource.org.  Just buy sturdy canvas shopping totes that will last, and keep them handy - it's just a change of habit, that's all!

So, to share briefly before I head over to the West Coast of Florida tomorrow to see what I can do as an artist to help organizations prepare, I spelled CHANGE from the spill immediately through the shift to acrylic paints. Even though my shift is a grain of sand in comparison to the horrible damage from this spill, it is still an obligation and a step I can take to honor the losses that are pending and move toward change.  Imagine if each person  takes one small step.  Many people feel helpless right now in how they can help, and the best way to help the environmental organizations right now is to stand by them with moral support, change lifestyle habits within reason, and of course send them money (we know that BP is not just going to wire them funds tomorrow, and they need resources now to prepare).

See here the canvas with "Turtwig" yearning to be painted, with the "Oil" paints next to it.  What a mess, I thought!  I woke up in the middle of the night last night realizing I needed to make a shift...what an oxymoron it would be if I continued to paint with oil paints (very toxic, and just that fact that they are oils during this spill, and soon to affect sea turtles)!  No more.  I have been planning my earth-friendly art shift for quite some time - even though I absolutely love the effects of oils, I know similar effects can be created with acrylics, and watercolors are also an earth-friendly option.  The main  point is, I MUST do what I can to push the message.  So, as I stare at my fighter Turtwig (who is currently healing from a likely boat injury to his spine) waiting to emerge on the canvas...I make my official announcement to shift to acrylics and watercolors for now in light of the oil spill.  Off to shop for my new paints...Turtwig, I'll be right back!  (my next shift will be to ride my bike to the art store...yet it would take me all day here in Hobe Sound!).

Thanks for reading this, and please, SHARE this story with a friend, and then, share just one CHANGE YOU COULD MAKE to your daily life to begin to bring something positive out of this catastrophe (so something good may come from the horrible suffering of our creatures and Southern economies), on Oceans for Life FACEBOOK page, or, shoot me a note and I'll collect responses and post.    We're all in this together, because we all created this mess together.   Let's just all take responsibility for this mess however we can. 

Wish me luck on my shift to acrylic painting!  Will try to video some of the progress.  Turtwig will be immortal on canvas soon, just like Neal!

Creatively yours, Pam

(Please visit my site , consider purchasing my turtle portraits or my other artwork, prints, canvas shopping bags and more to help me on my mission (20% of proceeds in my Passionate Purpose Section go to non-profit organizations that relate to the art.  I will be adding more this week after my trip to the West Coast of Florida once I assess the needs of the organizations there).  You can also help me by just telling a friend about my story and inviting them to join me on Facebook!  Thank you!

The "Neal" painting story...a journey into surrealism

Sigh...he's done.  After my interaction at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, with their turtle patients, and late nights this week striving to capture the essence of these beautiful creatures, I found myself on an amazing journey into the surreal in the wee hours of this night, and early this morning.

All of the turtles captivated me, and the souls found their way into my heart.  However, it was Neal...in his calm, curious demeanor, who popped right up with a smile and seemed to look right into my very soul.  It's like he was saying..."hi, what are doing, you seem to show interest in me."  It was a connection I will never forget, and knew I had to immortalize in a way I never felt.  I was scrambling to brainstorm how to portray all of them, and had to ask my other half, my muse...my Tim.  I showed him the photo of that amazing moment, which he also caught on video, then grabbed the large canvas he had just stretched for me...he confirmed it, Neal had to be captured on that canvas.

So, after several late nights this week, diving into the depths of all the personalities...the past 2 were the most wild of rides.  I joked about it on Facebook this week - a buzz, and no drugs necessary.  The first night with Neal was listening to the album Pyromania by Def Leppard...I know strange.  The song photograph is what really prompted the moment to just get down to business with communicating my connection with Neal.  It is what truly being in your element is all about.  The adrenaline rush, the intensity...without the need to eat or sleep, and without any concept of time.  When a person is in their element...time stands still.

It was 1 a.m. today, when Neal's eyes emerged from the canvas, and the lights began to gleam on his upper lip and snout.  "So close..," I thought as I stared at the piece from my patio, "might as well birth this piece now."  The next 2 hours flew by as I dove to depths with my paints, and experimented in ways I never had before.  So much was pent up over the years from not painting, and so much feeling existed for Neal.  The connection was inexplicable.  I looked at the part of the photo where his shutes were missing, (he's healing from an infection and his skeleton on his back is bare right now)...yet I saw his will in his eyes.  Amidst the adversity, he was so calm and intriuged with life...his will to get well is evident.  As the music of Sting and Enya pulled me to an earthly state...I bypass the injury, and see his shutes there just fine...because that is where I want him to be, and where he wants to be. 

I signed the piece at 3 a.m. - exhausted from being in the zone...and after moving the brushes for the intensity of the water to Crystal Method's "Get Busy Child" (a great "get it done" song...yes, I have extremely eclectic musical tastes - but that's what music is for, just like art...to create a mood - and I firmly believe they feed each other well).  My heart was pumping as if I was a musician and just finished an excellent performance, but it was time to just exhale....just let go now, until morning.

8:15 a.m. - had to rise and see the piece in the daylight, knowing there would be tweaks to do, and desparately needed Tim's view.  We discussed, and the need for full water emergence feeling had to be there.  So I jumped into the pool of blending cool water tones over Neal's warm shell and fin tones - creating the most bizarre of combinations...yet, what I saw was the full circle of rippling of water come to life, Neal's adorable face popping out better than I could have imagined.  I have stepped into the world of surrealism in  a way I never thought possible - I honestly didn't care how the colors looked together...it was the essense I wanted.  The ripples represent our earth. and how turtles like Neal are the ocean's epitome of the circle of life, and we should listen to these wise creatures.  Their wisdom far surpasses ours, in my opinion...each one of their wrinkles is well earned, and the turtles that live to maturity have seen more than we could possibly imagine.  The species itself has seen the earth millions of years longer than we could even dream.  They are suvivors, period.  If only they could speak.  I plan to strive to create art that gives turtles,and other species a voice somehow. I believe this journey is the beginning of something wonderful - I feel it.  What's so beautiful about allowing myself to be into full creative capacity, is the freedom that comes with it...and the fearlessness.  I did not fear making a mistake to the canvas...I just went with it - it just felt right.

So, the "Neal Painting" is born...exactly how it needed to be.  I was going to name the piece "Neal says Hi," however, there's another name waiting....because the piece says so much more.  As I fade to rest a bit, and then prepare for next week's journey in florals, I pray that others can see what I saw in Neal, and the bigger picture.

Thanks for reading the "Neal painting story"  ...I'm too tired to load to my store, but will soon.  I'm so  peaceful now that I was finally able to communicate Neal to the world.   Hope you stay on this journey with me and sign-up to receive my Passionate Pursuit eNewsletter!

Creatively yours, PH

Ego's and Political division now stopping students from trying to help their local economy.

OK, now things are just getting absolutely ridiculous!
I can't sit idle, and hope anyone who reads will choose to not just sit either! Students in my local community of Martin County, FL, took an amazing initiative to help boost local economic activity - and now residents, even parents are criticizing and sabatoging the entire effort.

What is it? They brilliantly developed an event, April 25th, at our local Fairgrounds to bring together local residents and business for a Recovery Rally. They created a video inviting our President to the rally to help boost the interest and perhaps give our area a chance to be heard. What's sad is my predominatly Republican community is criticizing this event, and the participation by local businesses is not as expected. Even the local chamber does not seem to want to actively promote this to the local businesses. Being a local business owner myself, I am finding this to be a huge disappointment in my community.  I like the way the students acknowledged the need to reach outside our area, so here I am, reaching out, too however I can.

On a positive note, at least our local paper is fairly covering this effort, and presenting both sides. Below is an outline of coverage by the Stuart News to help gauge the climate...the comments that are already showing online to my own letter and the other articles shows the huge political division here, and is a strong reflection of our country. This makes me very concerned about the future, especially when our next generation is striving to do something to help.


1. March 17th - article about the RecoveryRally: Martin County High School students invite President Obama to Stuart, rally to end recession
2. March 22nd - the criticism begins: High school students' video inviting Obama to Martin County draws parents' ire.

3. The community debate begins! Various article links and letters to the editor. The online comments are for the most part supportive, yet mixed with some extremely closed-minded, short-sighted opinions. I pray that the administration does see that this is an opportunity to begin to ease the division in all communities so we can just get on with recovery! President Obama...do you hear us???

Eve Samples: Inviting Obama was not political action

Letter (by yours truly): Martin County High School students who created video for Obama 'deserve our full support'
Letter: Upset about Obama coming to school? No way!
Even a local Doctor (hey, aren't they against healthcare?...Thank you, Dr. Lustgarten for setting polotics aside and commending these students! Letter: Martin County High School students undertook 'worthwhile goal' for community

There's a lot more to this story...just want to give you all the scope of what is happening here. I can't help go back to my stance on getting CREATIVE! Place politics and egos aside, no one has to be right or wrong, we can agree to disagree...but please, to the point where we are sabatoging ourselves? I have hope for my town, and hope that someone up in D.C. does show support somehow of what these students are doing!

Anyone reading this, please help these students shine in their efforts to help their community by sharing their YouTube video invitation to President Obama, visiting their website, or joining their Facebook Page to tell them to never give up! THANKS!

Is it possible that increased ADD/ADHD is our signal to simply get CREATIVE about Education Reform?

Good day everyone!

Sure, both sides of my brain conflict - they argue with each other. The left, analytical side picks everything apart while my emotional yet innovative right side constantly wants to push the envelope. The restlessness - tame the wild horse, or not? How else is our country going to rise in our new Creative Economy? (read more on the research and writing by authors Richard Florida, Dan Pink, Seth Godin, and Sir Ken Robinson if you've been in the dark about what is really happening globally.)

So, last night, immersed in my research for the case for creative (for the arts and creative thinking to become a reality in our schools and in the businesses world), I stumbled across an article on USNews - the link is below. Please look for my lengthy comment to this article (can't miss it, Pamela Hoke comment with title about the NEGATIVE terms used to desribe these children). I am on a mission to create a website, CreativeAge101.org, but need your feedback! Should I create this community and join the crusade? Would you join the a site to learn how to tap into exercising the right side of your brain? Am I jumping too far out on a limb by suggesting 2 teaching methods as a solution to begin real education reform? Do you agree that more research should be implemented correlating ADD/ADHD with right-brain or mixed-brain usage as a GIFT, not a negative???

My largest point is Albert Einstein: the autopsy on his brain showed clearly he used both sides of the brain equally - and now, here is an article that presents this as something negative?

Another point about Einstein to bake our noodles: One of his noted quotes: "The only thing that gets in the way of my learning is my education." hmmmm....isn't he already suggesting it was time then to simply re-write the textbooks and get creative about how we teach? And we wonder why our kids are having problems focusing in school!
< /br>Please read my suggestions and send feedback! Thank you!!!

Please look for my comment under this article!
Mixed-Handed Kids May Struggle With ADHD, Learning Problems - On Parenting (usnews.com)Mixed-Handed Kids May Struggle With ADHD, Learning Problems - On Parenting (usnews.com)

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Green Paper: Private Sector Support for the Arts

This is the first truly innovative, proactive AND interactive project regarding the arts! I posted, hope you all will too, or, just support Americans for the Arts! Green Paper: Private Sector Support for the Arts

"Life is like a garden...it's blooms reflect the level of passion."

A gardener devotes passionate energy to creating the perfect garden - from planning the ideal sunlight, temperature, pruning, the proper watering, to the overall commitment to tender loving care. That level of care grows into the most colorful and bountiful garden, shining to those who get to experience it and appreciate it. Life is very much the same…the more passion and energy we devote toward every aspect in our lives (whether it goes into our relationships with others, daily tasks, careers, parenting, or just plain feeling and showing gratitude and respect for the world around us), it’s completely reflected in our very being and presence in society. Just like the garden, after much tending and caring, the garden grows effortlessly – so does a life that is lived with daily passionate purpose. The results for those who live life with this passionate purpose, or in their “element,” is life that seems effortless, and is bountiful, colorful, joyful, and most importantly – FULFILLING to both the self and others who get to see or experience the results. Life only gives back whatever we put into it, just like a garden.


The most beautiful gardens are a reflection of what the gardener puts into them, just like our life is collectively.



The same goes with the opposite part of this analogy toward our lives. The less passionate you are, the less you cultivate what comes natural to you, the less colorful and bountiful your life will grow from your efforts. A garden that is not grown in it's natural environment (a person not doing what comes naturally to them and what they are best at), that is not watered or lit properly according to the plant’s natural needs (a person who does not adjust their lives around what they are meant to be), or is not pruned or shaped as desired…or worse, is not given the time to rid of weeds - does not grow to it's full potential. Our lives are very similar – if we plant ourselves into careers, relationships or tasks that are not aligned with what we are, our lives will reflect this just like the palm tree that simply cannot thrive in a northern climate.



What if we all treat our lives as if we are growing a garden? What would yours be like? What plants would be in it? Would there be flowers, fruit or herbs? Plan and nourish life, like a garden is nourished, and experience the results. A more fulfilled life that is healthier and happier, with greener leaves, the most colorful blooms, and the juiciest fruits that will attract positive attention, energy and leave a legacy of a life lived to the fullest. Interestingly, what also happens, is the need for that garden to be acknowledged by others lessens, as the fulfillment starts to come from within. Just like a garden…it will still exist, and grow strong and beautiful whether anyone else but the gardener cares. If the gardener loves and appreciates the garden, it’s all the matters.


WHY did I associate the “Tulip Garden” with the phrase “Life is like a garden…?”

When I painted the “Tulip Garden” back in 1997, something amazing happened – I found myself frozen in time, within a zone of which no words exist. My passion for the petals of the Parrot Tulip, combined with my innate love for painting simply exploded effortlessly. I allowed myself to fully experience something that came naturally to me, and what I was really good at –then let the passion flow. The flowers became a mirror to my very soul, I was free to make the flowers however I wanted…I placed light where I wanted, mixed the colors of my choosing, and simply let the brush flow into curves of my imagination. It was truly the first time I can recall existing fully in my “element,” (I recommend reading Sir Ken Robinson’s “The Element” if you would like to explore what that means further). Then, for whatever reason, I went on to continue with life’s daily routines, and didn’t allow myself to fully acknowledge what the experience really meant. My intuition was telling me, but I wasn’t listening – my life being raised around entrepreneurs meant I was raised to build businesses; not be the floating “starving artist” (much of society did not fully acknowledge painting as a “real” profession). It’s like I became that palm tree planted in a northern tundra, and have been struggling all these years in an unnatural climate.

I recently dug out the 200 remaining limited edition lithographs I did make of this special painting a few weeks ago…. I recalled that emotional experience. It was shortly after I read “The Element,” and realized that years of that nagging feeling that I was not living life in my true passion, that it was becoming more and more apparent, reflecting in my health, attitude, and overall daily fulfillment in life. I discovered that I was forgetting something that I was most passionate about, and the garden of my life was starting to show it. My enthusiasm and zest for creating, that used to come so naturally, was fading…like an un-watered flower, I was wilting. Now, 14 years later, after being graced with a gamut of new skills and talents (note I never regret learning from the pioneers of brand at the Limited or business school at OSU), I finally get it – and am simply more empowered to move into my natural soil.


The time had come to incorporate painting as part of my daily life. This year, I began to cultivate my passion by immersing myself back to my most natural element of painting, and balance with my design and business skills. Like cultivating a garden, I approach each day planning the proper lighting and watering schedule to stay in sync with my ideal garden to reflect my life purpose and values. I assess and adapt every opportunity to ensure it aligns with the desired result (just like a plant adjusts itself to where the best light is, or move it’s roots toward the water). I choose brand design and online projects that will grow best in the garden, where the blooms will reflect the most passion. So far, so good. This philosophy and standard of daily living has freed my mind and my days to put passion into even the most seemingly mundane tasks – from helping my daughter with her homework, consulting on brands for only the most passionate business models, being nice to the lady at the checkout counter, cleaning my kitchen, to, of course, devoted studio time to paint and write about what comes naturally. This shift to passionately working in my element has made each day more colorful, more fulfilled, and has created a contagious positive flow of energy to everyone I am around…a beautiful garden in progress.





The point of the “Tulip Garden” is the lesson, beyond the excitement of pure creative freedom it stands for, the importance of how passion makes life simply flow. I now strive to share this moment however I can – inspire others to put passion into life, and when it is not there, use that moment as the opportunity to discover where to find it, or make a conscious decision to change the negative into positive. The more positive passion and energy, the larger, the more bountiful, the more colorful blooms will inevitably result. So, I created the “Life is like a garden…” series based directly from the “Tulip Garden.” It exists to share in the journey of a more colorful, passionate life – while inspiring the will to move forward with whatever comes naturally, and accept it. I hope everyone at least considers approaching today like their life is a garden, and tend to it with as much passion as possible!



Please visit my new art site and send feedback about the "Tulip Garden" series, or just feel free to browse around for inspiration.www.PamelaHoke.com. Enjoy growing your garden of life!
PH

My plea to the White House: 2 Creative Solutions for REAL Middle Class Boost.

Yep, to say the least, I am pretty charged up now. Even though I was absolutely mesmerized by our President's incredible gift to move people like he did last night, I can only dream that he would utilize his gift to consider explaining to Americans that "Yes, we CAN work for ourselves right now...since many of us are currently unemployed, or dissatisfied with our jobs, let's really BE the INNOVATION NATION," rather than just waiting around for jobs. I can't think of a better person to present such a message than Barack Obama. Just even help people embrace the notion that this time of adversity may be their time to re-invent themselves, discover their true passions, their goals in life. Just "be" themselves, which involves tapping into that creative spirit within, that neglected right-brain, creative thinking that my poll is already showing was stifled in our schools and upbringings.

ANYWAY...my husband of nearly 15 years knows me well, I get worked up: so, here's the letter I submitted to the White House. I pray the team there passes this on to our President so he can use his creative gift of motivation to inspire.

SO, HERE IS MY LETTER TO THE WHITE HOUSE. Submitted 01/27/2010

2 IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS FOR “REAL” MIDDLE CLASS BOOST
Please accept my urgent plea to re-think the assistance proposed to help the middle class. As a self-employed entrepreneur full time for 9 years, I can tell you the tax breaks hire is simply NOT FEASIBLE, nor is an immediate solution. I implore you to think creatively, and not forget that we are a NATION OF INNOVATORS. None of my design clients (all small business owners who are the very heartbeat of our economy) can afford at this time to hire anyone, nor dare make long-term commitments. Most hire out the self-employed. This is a window of opportunity to get people to work NOW. My husband and I have worked together side by side designing brands and websites for small businesses all over the country. We see and experience what is going on first-hand. If the administration really wants America to win, and renew trust by the small business sector – here are 2 steps that may help:

1. ENCOURAGE INNOVATION and ENTREPRENEURSHIP by giving all self-employed making less than $200,000 per year a break for at least 2009 (and perhaps 2010) on the huge self-employment tax – simply waive it. It’s bold, but will thrust immediate hope and help to existing self-employed, and inspire the unemployed to begin the journey of taking charge of their futures, rather than waiting around for jobs to come.

2. INVIGORATE CREATIVITY and HELP AMERICANS re-invent themselves by DIRECTLY rewarding those who make the leap to either start their own business, or begin to re-invent their careers for the new-age. Provide grants for those with a viable business plan, provide vouchers for taking on a new trade, online certifications, or learn technology and new-age marketing . Bring qualified, hi-tech instructors into existing Workplace Solutions. Also, as a former high school teacher, I recommend we send teachers to summer school to learn how to teach creative thinking, and get up to speed with technology.

I guarantee these steps are at least a start in getting back to being the NATION OF INNOVATION. I pray you will heed my suggestions and renew the trust of this sector of America. We are in South Florida if you want to drop by and see us, we’re easy to find because we work from home. Learn about me at www.linkedin.com/pamhoke, or www.invisionbp.com, or, http://TheCreativeAge.Blogspot.com. Thank you from a middle-class entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, mother and wife.


IF YOU LIKE THESE IDEAS, PLEASE PASS THIS ON, or send me your comments! I am curious to know your perspective. -pH "Let's balance business with creativity!"

WOW...Creativity stifled in school poll - 41% say yes, 35% sort of.

Just what I thought! Already, my poll, "Do you feel your creativity was stifled in school?" is showing clear results as to what our educational system is missing - creative thinking! ESPECIALLY now, during this time where creativity in business is essential. 45% answer "yes", 35% answer "sort of", and 25% say not at all.

In my opinion, 25% is simply not enough considering what separates us as humans is our right-brain capacity: emotions, solving problems, creating.

Anyway - just wanted to share this with everyone. Also, THANK YOU to all who responded so far! I have been receiving some incredible stories on multiple LinkedIn groups, and sadly, most are sharing how they could have been so much more..and, so much more SATISFIED had their innate creativity been encouraged more in school. This brings me to my excitement about Daniel Pink's latest book: "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, his provocative and persuasive new book. The secret to high performance and satisfaction—at work, at school, and at home—is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world." Please check this out if you are feeling empty or what I like to call "creatively-starved."

Remember, your life is your canvas...so just paint it! PH

Wow - talk about a canvas for creative expression! I was so busy creating brands and writing for others, I never took time to do this. Look out-I'm mobile!

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Here is how we can truly begin a Creative Age.

Changing the mindset and approach of our educational systems. Sir Ken Robinson has devoted years of research and has spoken and written extensively on this subject. Being a former art teacher, I wholeheartedly stand behind this philosophy, and pray that this new mindset is adopted immediately. There were just too many creatively stifled students that I personally came across who should have been encouraged for being different - yet were punished, put in a box, or worse, put on pharmaceuticals.

This video is nearly 20 minutes, yet it is well worth it - even if you just watch some of it, you may find it changes your view of what is really happening to our society, and that this is where change is needed most!

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Creative Age 101 - 3 videos that can help

As my primary websites are being re-built, and CreativeAge101.org comes to fruition, I feel the dire need to share what is happening, or what I stumble across as I stumble across it.

I have always believed that ideas are like balloons, and can float away within minutes if not at least held, captured at least while it's there.

So, my first post, after engaging in multiple networks just this morning, was to simply collect the 3 videos that best sum up what "Creative Age" really means.

#1: Back in '07: Seth Godin nailed it - as he always does in a superior "wrap-up" talk on TEDtalks.com. If you ever wanted to understand the magic behind standing out in our new digital marketing landscape - here is your crash course:

(if you would like to see full view in YouTube, simply double-click on the video box)


#2: Socialnomics, by Erik Qualman, is a powerful book that challenges all marketers, and best shares what is happening in today's digital revolution of social media. More importantly, like Seth Godin, makes the point that we can all do it, as long as we are CREATIVE and GENUINE. Heed the quote by Alex Bogusky (Co-Chairman, Crispin, Porter + Bogusky) "You can't buy attention anymore. Having a huge budget doesn't mean anything in Social Media. The OLD media paradigm was PAY to PLAY. Now you get back to be willing to PLAY to PLAY." What does this really mean? ANYONE CAN PLAY, and WIN!

(you can double-click to see full view of video in YouTube)



#3: Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of REDDIT): How to make a splash on Social Media. A delightful, yet informative 4-minutes about the power of social media. The story of "Mr. Splashy Pants" is innovative thinking being embraced, and having fun! His biggest points: it's a level playing field out there now, just be genuine, and be willing to not be in total control...let the people drive for you.

(double-click to see full view of video in YouTube)