Peace, giving and the beauty of blogging communities

The weekend has been full on for Fiona and I - sharing our studios, our place and our art with fellow artists, friends, followers and the inquisitive public. The weekend has been another affirmation of the life change we chose; and the importance of art in it.

But what I wanted to share is the wonder of the giving, sharing, inspiration and peace that emanates from the small communities that we can be part of through art blogging.

During the week a parcel arrived from Luthien of Altered Alchemy. There were many special dimensions to the gift that the parcel held. It was made from a bringing together of the metal I had shared and pieces that Luthien had collected and created; it was such a recognisable piece of Altered Alchemy art; it was, as is all of Luthien's work, full of meaning and reflections; it was in part a response to a post I did many moons ago; and it was about peace - arriving in time for International Day of Peace.

Lurthien had sent me her peace piece In Honour Of - what an amazing thing to do  - to gift something that was so full of thought and meaning. Check out the above link to see what I mean about creativity and meaning. Luthien - thank you so much.

The photos taken with the iPhone are not the greatest but I think you will get the picture.

©2012 Barry Smith - In Honour Of shares space with Mieke's small pieces 

©2012 Barry Smith - In Honour Of

In Honour Of sits proudly in a niche in the entry area to our house. These niches are dedicated to the works of creative women - Robyn, Kim, Mieke, Shannon, Mel, and Luthien - I think Fiona has quietly created it that way.

©2012 Barry Smith - The Niches

There are so many aspects of the artist blogging communities that fill me with energy, strength and inspiration. This week Luthien's gift and Mary-Jane's flags for peace project are up there in lights.