"Dear People of Hatey"

Dear People of Hatey. Im sorry some of you got hrt. I hope you'll be ok.

from Kaylin.

I think there are times in our lives when we realize what is most important. This sweet letter given to me from one of my youngest new friends, has become a tender reminder... I ask myself what have I deemed most important?

This simple note has made me contemplate the idea that few of us have the time or take the time to write a simple note, send up a simple prayer for those around us in need. Today my heart aches for the hurting people of Haiti. Please take a moment today to seek out a way to contribute aid towards rebuilding and full restoration of this dear land and its people.

As an artist I am willing to do my small part. In attempt to raise funds for disaster relief in response to the Haiti disaster:

Any giclee print sales from my website through the end of the month of January, 100% of the total sale (minus printing and shipping) will be donated to Mercy Corps.

Just visit the store tab at my website to contribute:

www.courtneyjgarrett.com

Don't see anything you like under the store tab? Email us at the studio-- and we can get you info on what else is available...the point is to contribute, and this an easy way we can all pull together.

Don't want to purchase a print?...Donate directly to Mercy Corps or another disaster relief organization.

Mercy Corps is an organization providing direct relief in Haiti to those in need today and in the upcoming months... even years down the road.

As taken from there website...Here is what mercy corps is doing currently:

info and imaging credits go to: http://www.mercycorps.org/haiti/whatweredoing

The Mercy Corps response is currently focused on immediate humanitarian needs: water and sanitation, trauma support and job creation.

Five days after the quake, this woman and her baby need water first, then food and shelter. Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps

Earthquake survivors like this little girl are living in parks and vacant lots around Port-au-Prince. Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps

Clean Water and Sanitation
Mercy Corps is helping survivors access clean, safe water and sanitation services, working with our partners ITT Corporation and the Boston-based NGO Partners in Health, a leader in Haiti medical relief since its founding in 1987 by Dr. Paul Farmer. We are using multiple creative approaches, including de-salinization, water tanks, filtration units and alternative water sources, to get life-saving water to Haiti’s struggling survivors.

Job Creation and Economic Recovery
To jumpstart the decimated economy and begin rebuilding efforts in earthquake-affected areas, Mercy Corps will initiate a cash-for-work program that pays earthquake survivors a daily wage to clear debris, restore buildings and repair basic infrastructure. Through the cash-for-work approach, survivors carry out their own recovery efforts. Employing survivors gives them the dignity of earning an income they can then spend on the supplies they need for their families. Their purchases in turn help restart local commerce.

Trauma Support for Children
When the earthquake struck, all schools in Port-au-Prince collapsed. Haitian children who survived the earthquake experienced trauma that could negatively affect them for life.

To help restore children’s sense of well-being, Mercy Corps will provide post-trauma help using Comfort for Kids. This counseling methodology was first developed in New York by Mercy Corps and Bright Horizons, a global workplace childcare provider, to help children recover from the trauma of 9/11. Subsequently, Mercy Corps has used Comfort for Kids to help children recover from the China (2008) and Peru (2007) earthquakes and Hurricane Katrina (2005).

The Work of Ran Ortner...

image credit: NY times; arts beats blog/ photographer: Adam Bird for the NY times.

"Open Water No. 24"

Just recently have been enamored with the work of artist Ran Ortner. Could be one of the most intriguing artist of our time (in my oppinion) ...

http://www.ranortner.com/#home/

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/michigan-art-prize-goes-to-brooklyn-painter/?apage=2#comments

Caffein and Kibbee Gallery...

Could not have had a more inspiring day today...

Spent a large part of my time at Kibbee Gallery located in Midtown Atlanta, Ga. It was so inspiring to see the new works from Preston Snyder and Ben Goldman. I'm always in for a few good laughs any time I get to hang out with Ben... and it was most refreshing. Not to mention- I picked up a fresh cup of white chocolate mocha decaf on my way to the gallery... and realized they actually didn't make it decaf... which if you know anything about me, was a tragic move since I don't drink caffeinated beverages-- poor Ben and Preston -- I must have talked non-stop for at least 2 hours. Thank God hyperactivity as an adult-- can be written off as being an inspired artist...

Ben and I used to work in the same studio warehouse so it was really good to be around each other again. He's a hoot., but more so- wonderfully talented. It's Amazing how non-stop laughter can be such good to fuel to motivate my painting. Also, getting to hear Preston's inspiration behind his new showing: Pugilism, was ultra thought provoking and certainly left me with heavy contemplation about our choices as a people and how they effect our circumstances...His gestural approach with a new way of portraiture was wonderful...captivating.

Personally, with a retrospective to my own life-- I was drawn to his imagery simply for the idea that I'm still "in the ring" and some things are worth fighting for... my cuts and bruises will heal-- and that given up is not an option in life, or art.

So thankful for the progressive and thought provoking works of my friends. You all should check out Kibbee gallery if you have a chance...

www.kibbeegallery.com

Pugilism...is the title of the galleries' newest show by Preston Snyder. The show closes on the 30th of Jan. and I will be attending. you should to.

Drawings above are special thanks to Bengstudio.com

and the Boxing image is one of many of Preston's new works...

all image credits given to Kibbee Gallery.

FEATURED ARTIST IN BIRMINGHAM'S CITY MAGAZINE: "BLACK AND WHITE"

"A RECORDING OF TIME INDEFINITE"...SEE THE WRITE UP:

http://www.bwcitypaper.com/Articles-i-2009-10-15-231981.113121_At_the_Galleries.html

FEATURED PAINTING IN: ATLANTA HOMES AND LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

CHECK OUT THE NEW FEATURED PAINTING;

"MADE OF CLAY AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY NO. 7"

http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/Atlanta-Homes-and-Lifestyles/January-2010/Classic-Remix/index.php?previewmode=on

(PHOTO COURTESY: ATLANTA HOMES AND LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Courtney J. Garrett: welcome new year- make yourself at home.

www.yoetna.com

welcome new year- make yourself at home.

well it's the start of another new year- this one should be as good as any other. so many changes happening for so many people... us including. as a year in review it has been super successful- new showings in New York all the way to LA...an artist could not ask for much more.

This year you can plan on a strong inventory set up for me...my plan is to have a back log of 100 paintings on hand...sounds' like it might take me 100 years to create-- but we will see;)

Also, Looks like I should be taking a month this summer to work in Rome. Italy, has always been a passionately ideal location for me, and the thought is exhilarating...

As for the studio- well it seems I'm expanding yet again...the work is getting larger and my need for space is increasing rather quickly... i will be working out of a warehouse with no regard to size limitations- it seems my studio needs to double in size about every six months or so- so hopefully about 1000 sq ft will work for the endurance. its nice to finally be settled into a large space for a long term setup.

Also... the book has been released from My wonderful husband (courtesy of his publisher Tate Enterprises)

- author; Beau Garrett--

Check out the details on the web:

www.yoetna.com

blessings-