Songs of Hope
I am frantically painting away, trying to finish some work before heading out on tour, first with Spellsongs, and then to Canada, with a few dates to come. Watching the turning, burning world and the blinkered politicians and the despair and danger in the world, I look for the helpers.
In this post I will be offering some works for sale, from practice pieces for the Spellsongs tour, to random small things. 100% of money raised will go to support the work of a remarkable man. Read more about him, his life and work here. His work was drawn to my attention by Karine Polwart.
Why this initiative, when there are so many in need? Because music is so important, creativity is so important. And I am going now to quote from Bonnie Garmus’ new book, Peck & Peck: “ugliness has to be fought, not just on the battlefield, but in our hearts.”
Increasingly refugees are portrayed in the media as ‘swarms’. These are people like us. Doctors, teachers, nurses, mechanics, artists, poets, musicians, mothers, fathers, children.
I will add to this gallery over time. For now here are a few images, with prices. Please email me: mailto:jackie@jackiemorris.co.uk to reserve, and I will send the link for payments. And, if you would simply like to support the work of Ahmed Abu Amsha then send money via this platform: Spreading Joy And Music in Gaza.
Below, a new piece, just added. I found this fox in a box of postcards. Painted in Paynes Grey, £245 (SOLD)
Above: Postcard sized, these are A Joy of Otters, inspired by a line in Bonnie Garmus’ new book about the Latin symbol for Joy. £175 each, please state left or right in your email if you wish to purchase. (Both SOLD)) Deep Deep Light Watercolour on Fabriano postcard.
All of the above were made during Spellsongs rehearsal. The new music is available for pre-order, and at Folk by the Oak Karine dedicated the song Bells Fall Still to Ahmed Abu Amsha and his quiet heroism in empowering people through music.
Above: Migration. Postcard sized watercolour. £225 (SOLD)
Above: Ink testing for The Lost Words Blessing. Raven. £200 (SOLD)
Above: 3 cards. Migrating geese, 1(Sold), 2 and 3 ( left to right) £200 each, or £600 for all three.
Above: Pale Geese, postcard sized, watercolour and gold splashes £200
Above: Larger godwit flight. £750 (SOLD)Deep Deep Light Watercolour with shell gold splashes. 36cms x 26cms.
There are more, but I need to work now. Remember, email me to secure before donating and I will send you the link. Please share this post to any you think may be interested. Can you imagine, having to flee so many times from the violence of war. Ahmed carries his instrument with him. Sit for a while in your home. Look around, and tell me, what one precious thing would you take, given only moments to save your life?
Honestly Jackie, my first thought was “how are you getting to Canada”
You mention “heading out on tour” to Canada then in the next sentence “the turning, burning world”
You do realise your flights, (if you are taking them) are contributing to the “turning, burning world” right?
Even if you are doing the “Carbon offset” for your flights, it still doesn’t actually offset the damage.
Unless you have found some magical Carbon Neutral method of travelling to Canada,
I’m really sorry to say this, but I’m disappointed you are doing this.
Well, so am I. And yes, I am flying. And I have, in my life flown so infrequently that I should have a discount as an infrequent flyer. Carbon offsetting is greenwashing.
I said yes to my publisher, who have invested a great deal of money in our books, and the tour will support them. The irony of talking about the climate catastrophe and the snowball effect whilst taking a flight doesn’t escape me. Neither does answering this message on a computer when data centres and rare earth metal mining are doing so much damage to the planet.
Sorry to disappoint. I hope that I enjoy the travel, meeting new people and seeing new birds, learning, learning, learning.
After this I hope to stay home, write, paint and try to move as lightly as possible through the world and find and bring as much joy as I can. For now I am bone weary.
Jackie, I hope you have a marvelous and reinvigorating trip! So much of what we do has flip sides; travel, yes, is bad for the environment and as you so rightly note, so are computers and using them…but there is nothing like travel to bring and to spread wonder, joy, amazement, love, knowledge, wisdom. I do hope you’ll enjoy your trip!
Thank you. I hope to. Looking forward to meeting people and hope to be able to help people find the courage to paint if they doubt themselves, or in whatever walk of life they choose. It is going to be hard work, and until recently I have not travelled well. Home is where I wish to be.
Jackie, I’m thrilled that you will be visiting Canada.
Your books have been crossing the pond for years (some by post, some in my hand luggage), many with dedications written to my young nephew. I then got greedy and requested one for a beloved aunt to read to her grandchildren … so your volumes are now cherished on both the East and West coast.
My fingers are crossed that your journey will take you to Nova Scotia particularly, for not entirely selfish reasons. I won’t be there, but I am counting the days until the Hay Castle exhibit in November.
Bon voyage!
Wow. The Hay exhibition is coming together. Not going to Nova Scotia I am afraid. But the tour is getting so close now.
I appreciate all your efforts to make our world a better place for all of us.
Any flight you choose will be flying to Canada with or without you (unless one has a private jet), so I consider that an environmentally unpreventable issue. I too am an infrequent flyer.
Thank you for this post and the beautiful work you provide. This is a wonderful way to support those suffering and it gives me hope and I’m sure others too in a very mad and sad world. I’m fortunate enough to have a set of your cards and visit St David’s twice yearly and when I’m home put a card up every day and it gives me a taste of our ‘happy place’. the stunning wildlife, peace and a lift to my day so thank you so very much for the joy you bring.
Are you coming to Burlington, Ontario? Ian at local indie bookstore, A Different Drummer, has been an advocate for your books, and brought Ian McFarlane here earlier this year. I read that you hope to see bears. They will be heading to their winter hibernation, but you just might see one. Come back in Spring and you are sure to see em. Thanks for all you create and for the way you live.
Def coming to Ontario. Not sure where.
Spellbound (sorry) by the brilliant paintings you’ve done for Robert MacFarlane’s excellent books. These editions are absolute works of art and craft in the tradition (if not the style) of William Blake. Beautiful pictures with resonant poetry telling urgent truths.
God bless.
I’m sorry about my earlier comment , above, on your flying to Canada Jackie.
My thoughts on flying in general haven’t changed, (I have flown only twice in my 64 years, and both times were part of my then working life, just like you) but the way I phrased them was not very well put at all.
I didn’t mean to “sound” so judgemental and “snippy”
Of course if you are to visit Canada, it is almost inevitable you would have to fly.
And yes of course you would have carefully considered the pros and cons of doing so, before agreeing to go on the tour.
A tour to promote your work, which arguably has done a LOT to promote sustainable, lighter living and championed human impact on the natural world.
I’m sorry that I came across as so judgemental.
Many apologies.
There is no need to apologize. Look forward to seeing you some time in the not too distant future.
Jackie, will you be visiting anywhere in BC?
Wishing you safe and easy travels.
Much love, Nicola
Yes, Vancouver, Victoria, Pender Island. There should be details up soon, here and on instagram.