Why the Artist for Giving Project?
A podcast I listened to recently focused on ways of sharing joy through your business, any business, posed the question: “What would your business (or your artwork in my case) look like if you were to use it as a way to share joy?
When I receive gifts or kindness in any form — whether through written word, a random gift, or just a thoughtful call— I feel magnificent joy. The act of giving activates one of life’s most basic laws:
every single act of love, kindness, and generosity will multiply and return to you
many times over.
The idea for this project revealed itself to me several months before the pandemic. Now more than ever, the project is speaking to me, pleading with me to take it forward. Perhaps this project, these gifts, will connect hearts, spark joy, and draw attention to acts of kindness and giving.
“A gift no matter how small, is something that is enjoyed twice.”
The act of giving without expectation is expansive, and delivers joy not only to the recipient, but also to the giver. In giving unconditionally, returns are limitless. Giving from the heart fills that heart —and life— with joy.
As I launch this project, I have no expectations, just a hope: the hope that through these physical acts of kindness —the gift of original art— the joy will endure, blossom, and ripple, that the giving will be expansive, inspiring additional acts of kindness and giving.
What is this project?
I am creating postcard-sized pieces of original art, each unique, each created by hand. I leave these art cards at random spots far and wide, with the hope that the card will catch an eye, or the message on the card will touch a heart. The finder may adopt the art as his or her own, and find a special spot at home for it. Or the finder might decide to share the art with a friend in need, the expansive ripple of spreading joy.
If you find one of my pieces of art, share photos of yourself and your card by uploading to Instagram using hashtag #artistforgiving, or email it to me at info@jackiebegue.com. Visit me at JackieBegue.com for more information.
Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in Giving Creates Love.
—Lao Tsu
That, my friends, is the art of giving.
If you have any questions at all, please contact me! I would love to hear from you.
[…] had been planning the #artistforgiving postcard project but had struggled with project parameters and themes. Basically the “what, when & how” […]