I know I mentioned a few months ago about The Kaizen Project, with 499 other artist, each month we work on collaborative efforts, some for a cause, some for an ideal and sometimes just to feel good; but, let me explain further. Month one we all work on a project for a Skate Shop in the US who work with under privileged kids; we re worked their website, designed posters and promotional material and provided artwork for auctions…..all for FREE. Month two we were to create posters, all of them the same size, using the same template, but with our own internal graphics…….to inspire, to evoke, to imagine…….in an effort to promote reading and writing and give various posters to libraries around the world. Even though we have moved on from this project the end goal is still ongoing. I chose books and stories which held special meaning for me……..we added the Title, Author and a quote or first lines of the book. Here are just a few that I created.
Perhaps someday you may see one of mine or something similar in a library near you?
Month three we turned this inward and each week for a month we created a special artwork, had it printed and then gave to someone, mostly posted. For no reason other than you love them, they inspire or support you, or hold some special meaning in your heart, your life, your art. I printed two copies of my 1000 Words book, one for my Aunt and one for my Mother………..my Aunt was thrilled and in tears of joy, she said the gift and the small note attached made her day. I created another image for a fellow photographer to hopefully inspire her when she looks at the image, as she has often inspired and always supported me. She knows WHO she is, no need to name names! 🙂 . I have a small canvas printed for one of the ladies who frequently models for me, Rachelle, it was an image she loved (so did I) so as a thank you and an early Christmas Present I gave it to her……her tears of joy made me cry as well and made me feel so humbled to see her pure joy at the gift.
Then lastly I created a Guardian Angel for my BFF, she was sorely in need of one and she was overjoyed when I gave it to her. This project was at once gratifying and humbling, I know why it was given to us. Simple deeds, even among our family and friends can bring so much joy. Not because it is expected, or wanted, or required by customs or tradition or even commercially……….just because we want to. I also used my special cards I had printed to write small notes to go with each present. It really did make me feel all mushy and warm and fuzzy on this inside.
~ Julz
Julie Powell - Photographer & Graphic Artist 
Sounds like a very busy and fulfilling first three months Julie. I love all your book posters especially Beauty, that is such a great book. I’m on the wait list for Kaizen, I couldn’t commit on the first intake as I was away for 6 weeks just after it started, but am working hard so I have a chance for the next. It was interesting to read the sorts of things that you have been doing.
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It is very different from Awake, we are often working towards a common goal, but there is more commoraderrie than some groups and everyone is quite active. But others seldom show
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I’m hoping there will be a space for me when Sebastian opens it up for newbies, though it will be strange as you already have made connections within the group. That is what I found on being in the second intake of AWAKE. I’lll just have to wait and see if I get in 🙂
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