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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Live Dream or Regret ? --- Art Exhibition for People with Disabilities & Xmas Cards

Life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment,

and life's greatest rewards are reserved for those
who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to life.
As simplistic as this may seems,
it is the common denominator separating those
who live their dreams from those
who live in regret.
---Anthony Robbins
Becoming a professional artist and being a professional is not easy. It incessantly tests my trust in myself and commitment like the say as above. Also, even though I've loved painting and drawing since childhood, probably, if I did not get a disability in the leg, I would not be a professional artist.

At a monthly meeting at KuRingGai Art Society, guest speakers and established artists tell interesting backstage stories and demonstrate wonderful skills. The common factor is their great passion and commitment with art. None of them has ever talked of talents. In my view, a "talent" is an easy excuse to give up pursuing a dream at a very early stage of learning. A member gave me the info of an interesting exhibition.

I popped up
Art Exhibition for People with Disabilities at Boonah Creative Arts Centre within Phillip Mall in West Pymble. Open from this Sat to next Wed.
Mon13th,
Tues14th 10-3pm Wed.15th 10-1pm
The Art Centre offers the programs for people with varied difficulties. Twice a year, they have exhibitions to show students' hard work for fundraising at the same time.

A space was a bit tight, but in all, 48 paintings were proudly on walls! As well as others, many people with disabilities came to the opening--down syndrome, intellectual disabilities and so on. A crowd even poured to an outside. I saw people with disabilities' faces shining up in a heavenly joy. They looked so proud of their achievements for this event. Surprisingly, some works were already sold! All framed works were under $300, very accessible price setting.

Under the enthusiastic leader, Heidi, compassionate and very humble staff are working. One of them, Jo gave us a short speech that began with, "Above all, artist! Artists! And carers, volunteers...." She was grateful for all the related people. When I had a chat with the staff, "I'm learning," all of them said with a nice smile. 6 arts workers and 30 teachers. Up to 9 students per class. Lovely small class!!

Friends, once I assisted people with intellectual disabilities. They are, in my eyes, NOT intellectual disabilities at all. Often much smarter than me, social workers and staff. However, it is true that love and great patience are required for carers to communicate. So, please imagine how wonderful Heidi's team is. Personally, I really love and admire these unknown heros in our society.

We, professionals also know how difficult it is to sell works. But these artists are, indeed, doing very well! In a commercial aspect, the artists already overcome disabilities and compete with us in a healthy manner. Furthermore, they show the great potential and abilities towards the future. Of course, being practical and realistic is important. I do not mean to deny the harsh reality and serious difficulties for the students. But if appropriate assistance is provided for these students, they could be successful as professionals. People can gain self-esteem, income, automacy, independence and social membership.

If anyone is interested in offering help or support, the contact is below.
Boonah Creative Arts Centre, Centacare, Broken Bay
Shop 27 The Phillip Mall
Kendall St, West Pymble 2073
Phone (02) 9499 5675
Fax (02) 9499 5681
email: heidi.mecklem@dbb.org.au
Centacare Broken Bay

This exhibition encouraged me so much and I learned many. I believe in invisible things--love, hope and dream. We can turn them into visible.

OK, Friends, here are my Christmas cards. A bit hectic
after a computer hell and before Christmas. But after Christmas, I'd like to upload a post every Monday like before. Have a wonderful weekend!




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44 comments:

  1. Fantasticos tus trabajos Sadami me han encantado y me han parecido muy frescos y naturales. En realidad como debe de ser la acuarela. Felicidades, Jose

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  2. Impresionante, Sadami. Es un verdadero lujo poder ver tus pinturas y tus retratos, llenos de luz y pintados a golpes de color. Son todas preciosas, pero la del gato mirando al pájaro me parece buenísima por la escena que en ella interpretas. Happy Christmas.

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  3. Lots of food for thinking in this post Sadami, thank you very much, you've put me into a state of reevaluation of some things again thank you :)

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  4. さだみさん
    ありがとう ございます。 A lovely post - I can hear the goodness in your heart! As usual, え が とても うつくしい。クリシマス の カヂ すき です。
    パソコン が オッケ です -いい ですね!うれし!
    Happy weekend to you too。
    ごめんなさい、わたしの にほんご は ちょっと わるい です,
    エベリン

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  5. Hi Sadami,
    It is a very touching post. The positive energy that what we need in my opinion in order to turn love, hope and dream into visible ones. We need to remind ourselves more often that these three essential things exist and sometimes sometimes a little love can give person a great big huge hope and dreams that can come true.
    Thank you,
    Irina

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  6. Hola Sadami, este post demuestra que a parte de gran artista eres una gran persona, las personas con discapacidad intelectual, con los apoyos necesarios pueden conseguir grandes logros, todos somos discapacitados en algún tema, a mi si me pones en un congreso de físicos nucleares, seré totalmente incapaz, con los apoyos necesarios cualquier persona puede conseguir logros inesperados, porque me toca de cerca sé que los discapacitados intelectuales pueden ser buenos artistas, músicos y siempre son grandes personas.
    me hubiera gustado ver la exposición pero me la imagino, gracias.
    Tus bocetos son, como siempre, fantásticos.
    Saludos.

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  7. Muito bom!
    Tenho vindo ao seu blog atrído pela qualidade e pela expontaneidade da sua arte.
    Parabéns!

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  8. Dear Jose,
    Thank you so much! I want to keep my work fresh and natural:).
    Cheers, Sadami
    Estimado José,
    ¡Muchas gracias! Quiero mantener mi trabajo fresco y natural:).
    Saludos, Sadami

    >>>Jose said...
    Fantastic your work Sadami I've loved and I have found very fresh and natural. In fact as it should be watercolor. Congratulations, Jose

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  9. Dear Jose,
    You, too, Merry Christmas and thank you for the encouragement. Hahaha, a cat (or any animal will do) awaiting Santa. Have a wonderful time!
    Cheers, Sadami
    Estimado José,
    Tú también, ¡Feliz Navidad y gracias por el aliento. Jajaja, un gato (o cualquier otro animal se lo hacen) a la espera de Papá Noel. Tener un tiempo maravilloso!
    Saludos, Sadami

    >>>>Jose said...
    Impressive, Sadami. It's a real luxury to be able to see your pictures and your pictures, full of light and color-painted strokes. They are all beautiful, but the cat watching the bird seems very good for the scene that she plays. Happy Christmas.

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  10. Dear Teresa,
    Thank you for visiting my blog from your masking hell. Are you ok now? Take it easy. We're waiting for your smile! If you can get something from my post, I'm very happy.
    Cheers, Sadami

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  11. Dear Evelyn,
    Your Japanese gets better and better! Amazing! Thank you for the encouragement. エベリン、あなたのにほんご, じょうずです。ぜんぶ, わかります。
    ほんとうに ありがとう。
    Kind regards, Sadami

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  12. Dear Irina,
    Thank you for the wonderfl message that I love so much. I totally agree with you. With love, let us make changes:).
    Kind regards, Sadami

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  13. Dear Francis,
    Oh, you are always so nice!! Thanks millions. I'm not great at all, but people with intelectual disabilities and workers are great. Your say, "we are all disabled in some subject" and a parable of nuclear physics really encourages me. Yes, my face lit up!! Just the other day, my physiotherapist celebrated a progress in the leg and praised at my perseverance. I'll keep up.
    Francis, unfortunately, I cannot find their uploaded images. If I can find any, I'll put it in the post.
    Kind regards, Sadami
    Estimado Francisco,
    ¡Oh, usted es siempre tan bonita! Gracias millones. Yo no soy grande en todos, pero las personas con discapacidad intelectual y de los trabajadores son excelentes. Su opinión, "todos somos discapacitados en algún tema" y una parábola de la física nuclear que realmente me anima. Sí, mi cara se iluminó! Justo el otro día, mi fisioterapeuta celebró un progreso en la pierna y elogió a mi perseverancia. Voy a mantener el ritmo.
    Francisco, por desgracia, no puedo encontrar sus imágenes subidas. Si puedo encontrar ninguna, voy a ponerlo en el post.
    Un cordial saludo, Sadami

    >>>>Francis said...
    Sadami Hi, this post shows that a great artist you are part of a great person, people with intellectual disabilities the necessary support can achieve great things, we are all disabled in some subject, to me if you put me at a conference of nuclear physicists I will be totally unable, with the necessary support anyone can achieve unexpected success, close to my heart because I know that people with intellectual disabilities can be good artists, musicians and are always great people.
    I would have liked to see the show but I imagine it, thanks.
    Your sketches are, as always, fantastic.
    Greetings.

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  14. Dear Antonio,
    Thank you very much! Your work is so unique and the blog is very fun to follow. (Oh, you do not know, once, I was a biiig fan of Vermeer when I was at school:).) Please keep up!
    Cheers, Sadami
    Caro Antonio,
    Muito obrigado! Seu trabalho é tão original e que o blog é muito divertido de seguir. (Ah, você não sabe, uma vez, eu era um grande fã de Vermeer, quando eu estava na escola:).) Por favor, mantenha-se!
    Felicidades, Sadami

    >>>Antonio said...
    Very good!
    I have been to your blog Atrida by the quality and spontaneity of her art.
    Congratulations!

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  15. Sadami,
    two beautiful Christmas cards and a blog post which really makes me think - thanks for sharing both!

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  16. There is nothing I could say better than what has already been said here. As always, your paintings reflect your joyful spirit.

    In regards to artistic ability: Passion is the key. Tenacity, commitment is the means. Without those attributes, talent doesn't exist . People who have physical and mental disabilities learned this the hard way. Genius is just plain dedication and hard work. I'd love to see the show if you ever decide to take it on the road.
    What I love about these shows is that the work is from the heart and totally uninhibited.

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  17. Sadami, el amigo Francis Marrouch, me ha quitado la palabra de mis labios, en eso de que además de una gran pintora, eres una admirable mujer.
    Y con respecto a los descapacitados intelectuales, no soy muy conocedor del tema pero creo que tenéis toda la razón. Estoy con vosotros.
    He conocido descapacitados físicos y tengo que decir que algunos de ellos cuando se ponen a desarrollar arte, lo hacen mejor que nadie.
    Os admiro a los dos!

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  18. Dear Sadami, thank you for your kind words on my blog. They gave me a warm and smiley heart.
    I do a bit of knitting and sewing, but I really wish I could paint like you. I love your way of painting. Thank you for sharing:)

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  19. Hello Sadami!!
    Beautiful watercolors, as always, with great sensitivity, and a beautiful act of solidarity.
    regards

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  20. Dear Ulla,
    Thank you for visiting my blog. Your blog is, too, interesting, especially digital painting.
    Cheers, Sadami

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  21. Dear Linda,
    Yes, indeed, I totally agree with you. Their work is "from the heart and totally uninhibited." How free and spontaneous like an innocent child!
    "Art comes from heart," is my favorite say. Technical things comes second. According to a Japanese proverb, "A beautifully sculptured Budda without being put a soul is merely a junk."
    Kind regards, Sadami

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  22. Dear Joshemari,
    Thank you. If you have an opportunity, please visit an exhibition for people with intelecual disabilities around you. I'm certain their work will surprise you.
    I'm not great at all, but the staff and their students are great! People with disabilities need opportunities and assistance to get into society. I hope we can make it happen.
    Kind regards, Sadami
    Estimado Joshemari,
    Gracias. Si usted tiene una oportunidad, por favor, visitar una exposición de las personas con discapacidad intelecual a tu alrededor. Estoy seguro de que su trabajo le sorprenderá.
    Yo no soy grande en todo, pero el personal y sus alumnos son grandes! Las personas con discapacidad necesitan oportunidades y ayuda a entrar en la sociedad. Espero que podamos hacerlo realidad.
    Un cordial saludo, Sadami

    >>>>Joshemari said...
    Sadami, Francis Marrouch friend, I have removed the word from my lips, it's also a great painter, you are a remarkable woman.
    And as for the intellectual disabled, I am not very knowledgeable on the subject but I think you have absolutely right. I'm with you.
    I have known physical disabled and I have to say that some of them when they get to develop art, do it better than anyone.
    I admire you both!

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  23. Hi, Carlos,
    Thanks a lot:)!! I'll keep up, yey!
    Cheers, Sadami

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  24. Dear Annepa,
    Thank you for a kind say. Your knitting works are so lovely and cute. They show your style and who you are!! Regarding drawing, nothing different from your knitting work. Please "Be what you are," and you will find your style. We all start with copying someone, but at some stage, we begin to explore who we are.
    "My one regret in life is that I am not someone else,"--Woody Allen;).
    Cheers, wink, wink, Sadami

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  25. Oh my goodness, you posted early. I almost missed it.
    Your work and spirit are always so cheerful and uplifting. What a pleasure to read your words and see your art.
    I always love your art but that second card just touched my heart, it is so beautiful!!!

    Hugs

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  26. Dear Teri,
    Thank you so much! I really enjoyed making the second one. Easy and fun:).
    Cheers, Sadami

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  27. Sadami, you have such a wonderful spirit and I love your joy in sharing it with others. ... and I love your Christmas cards.

    When I was an "artist in residence" at our local schools I always enjoyed the classroom for those with learning disabilities. Those kids often jumped in with a freedom and enthusiasm that we could all learn from.

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  28. Sadami, thank you for sharing with us this wonderful experience ... We should think more about how our own limitations are sometimes our best resources ... thanks for your wise words! and I find your Christmas cards so beautiful! xoxo

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  29. Dear Elva,
    Thank you! Yes, I believe,"sharing it with others" is the key to be happy. Sounds you have wonderful experiences in the past. You can upload your own experiences at the blog and...share them with uss!
    Cheers, Sadami

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  30. Dear Cristina,
    Thank you! Yes, your say is spot on the paradox for human abilities and disabilities. I want to explore my potential with others:).
    Cheers, xoxo
    Sadami

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  31. Sadami, all what you cannot do because of the handicap, you realize it with art. I know it. Continue to enchant us with your paintings and with thoughts. Keep up and go !
    Sincere best regards.Olivia.

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  32. Dear Olivia,
    Thank you. In my experience, art gives me wings to fly across a sky. I do not feel any handicap in art activities. Full of joy. I'm certain the students in the course, too.
    Kind regards, Sadami

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  33. Wonderful paintings, Sadami, as usual! I would like to thank you for your sensible posts, they always give me something to think about.

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  34. Dear Maria,
    Thank you! Your watercolors are, too, sensible and beautiful:). Keep up wonderful work.
    Cheers, Sadami

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  35. Sadami! Lovely, thought provoking post and wonderful paintings to go along with it. Thank you for sharing here and wish you continued successes.

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  36. Dear Dora,
    Thank you for encouragement. Wish you, too, thought provoking posts and continued successes.
    Kind regards, Sadami

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  37. dear sadami i can't help wondering reading your post what you would have liked to have done otherwise ... i hope the exhibition was a success ... wishing you a peaceful and a very happy christmas ..beautiful sketches and christmas cards .
    jane

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  38. Dear Jane,
    Thank you for kind cheers. What I wanted to tell in the post are 2.
    1) Being a professional an artist requires great commitments, but my dream came true after getting the disability. No regret and reward is joy for life.
    2) Equality to access opportunity/dream, particularly, for people with intellectual disabilities and their great potential and talents.
    Hope the above helps you understand my poor writing. Yesterday, I had a chat with Jo. Their show had a success:).
    Kind regards, Sadami

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  39. Wonderful post! Full of kindness and humanity. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, dear Sadami!

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  40. Dear Irina,
    Thank you. You, too,
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Best wishes, Sadami

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  41. Sadami,
    that this wonderful project of 'The Art Center'!
    such attitudes, is what makes the world go round ...

    your drawings are always a spectacle, congratulations!
    you have a lightly fantastic!

    and I wish, with all my heart, that you have a lovely Christmas with your family!
    and the new year comes full of good energy for EVERYONE!
    a big hug, dear Sadami!

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  42. Dear Denise,
    Thank you so much.
    You, too, have a wonderful Christmas and happy new year!!
    A big hug, Sadami

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  43. Dear Sadami
    Thank you for your many visits to my blog. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and many creative hours in 2011. Your a great artist.

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  44. Dear Johannes,
    Thank you for visiting my blog. I wish you, too, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. You are the talented artist.
    Kind regards, Sadami

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