A Piece Of My Heart Project Journal

Finally, A Moment

2005-04-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

I am finally able to stop for a moment and write a little bit about what has been going on with the project. I know, it has been awhile. A long while. I just haven't had the time. However, now, I am making the time.

I finally got my website up for the project.
http://www.apieceofmyheartproject.info

That was an accomplishment within itself. I struggled with the publisher I have (that came with the computer) and broke down a few times nearly in tears because it seemed to be fighting against me every chance it got but then I bucked up and kept going and finished it off. Okay, it isn't really finished. It will probably never be finished, because I keep adding to it. However, it is finished enough, finally, that I am now able to present it to the world.

Speaking of the world, it seems this project just keeps getting bigger and bigger yet it brings me closer and closer to people. We now have people from Brasil, France, New Zealand, Australia, The Phillipines, Costa Rica, Holland (The Netherlands), Canada, India and all over the U.S.and the project keeps growing. It is up to about 1,500 people, now.

Some of the teachers are actually planning on incorporating my project into their curriculum. It is finally hitting home how huge this thing is. I am part of the World Art Teachers group on Yahoo and the woman in charge there (Judith Decker) has applauded me for my contributions, even though I am not a teacher. It's just amazing.

What is also amazing is that I am almost halfway finished with preparing and canvases, at this point. I know, I will never truly be finished, as the list keeps growing, but I am almost at the halfway point on the current list which is a major accomplishment since it is just me working on EVERYTHING. I am doing the administration as well as the labor of preparing and shipping the pieces. It's alot on my shoulders but I am getting through it and I am keeping it well organized and have a system in place that seems to work with my limited workspace. Some of the artists are getting restless without their canvases but once I explain to them how many are on the list and how I am trying to get the canvas out to people (like classes and clubs) with a limited time schedule first they all seem to understand. I really haven't had much problem with the canvas thing other than it is a slower process than expected and I am finding that the cutting of the canvas leaves me with sore hands and a bump on one of my fingers. But, hey, what is a labor of love without a bit of sacrifice?

On a different note, the other day I took time out to witness the migration of the Painted Ladies. For those of you who don't know, Painted Ladies are butterflies. I was outside and a couple of them flew overhead. Then, a couple more. Soon, there were hundreds then thousands flying overhead. It was beautiful. It actually made me cry. It happened on my mother's birthday and it made me realize that I was right where I needed to be. Butterflies are a very big theme in my life. I went from being the slow (not slow minded but slow due to my physical disability) and not so pretty girl growing up to develop into something I feel is very beautiful and often times moving faster than some, now. The fact that the butterflies were painted ladies were also very symbolic, considering the path I have chosen to take with my art. It just all seemed to remind me that I was exactly where I needed to be doing exactly what I needed to do.

2005-01-22T11:47:00.001-08:00

Things have been absolutely crazy, lately. An artist named Andrew contacted me a couple days ago and asked if he could promote the project on myspace.com and he did and I have been swamped ever since. I decided to go there to see what the place is like and I really liked it so I became a member. It really is a mecca of artists and other creative beings and I am so glad I found it. However, it is going to keep me busy for awhile. EXTREMELY BUSY.

2005-01-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Today is about fear and excitement.

I finally had some time to do some research on nonprofit organizations and how you get nonprofit status. I had this preconceived notion that you had to be a huge corporation and lots of people and money and a lawyer to do it. In other words, I had very little confidence when I started that I could actully put a nonprofit organization together. But, in essence, really, I already have. My project goals already meet all of the requirements of a public non-profit organization in many different ways and really all I have to do is get the money together to file and convince the co-creator of this project to file with me. Once I get non-profit status, I can actually then work on getting supplies to schools and other art programs and do alot of good in the art community as well as the world community with the project if I get this nonprofit so I am going to work on it.

This will mean, good or bad, that I will be able to get paid through the organization so I will be afford to get off SSI and pay for my medical supplies if this works out. Which is REALLY good but also am a little fearful because if it doesn't work out then I could lose everything. Fear and excitement today.

Copyright January 2005 Andrea Anderson

2005-01-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

Today was incredible. First, most of my supplies came, today. The only thing left is the canvas. I expect that any day, though. Then, someone from France contacted me about the project. So, now, I have my first person from France on board. THEN, a famous illustrator/designer contacted me. At first, I didn't really think the email was real but then I checked it out and it was for real. I have no clue how he found out about me but I am honored that when he did he wanted to be part of the project. The fact that this man even knows about this project and has asked to be a part of it is a testament to the magnitude of this project. The fact that it can go from little old me to big famous him is just incredible.

All Intellectual Content © Copyright 2005 Andrea Anderson - All Rights Reserved

2005-01-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

I just sent three applications to Guinness. So, within 4-6 I should be hearing back from them. Plus, just got confirmations that all of the shipments for supplies have been sent. Now, all I have to do is wait. Which I am not very good at doing. Luckily, I still have people emailing me to join the project so I am a little distracted with organizing the mailing lists and that sort of thing. However, I am so well organized, at this point, that I was actually done a bit early with things today.

I am having trouble with the postal code thing. A girl from Australia sent her address including a postal code but some other people from Australia didn't send a postal code with theirs. I need to remember to email them to verify if they have a postal code or not. According to the one girl, everyone in Australia has a postal code. However, I emailed someone in Costa Rica because they also sent info without a postal code and they said that they don't have one. So, I need to figure that out before I start sending out canvas which of course will be awhile. If anyone is reading this that is sending your address to add you to the canvas mailing list PLEASE include any postal codes.

I have to say, I am a little nervous about the applications I sent this morning. I have butterflies inside because it is so exciting and nerve wrecking.

Copyright January 2005 Andrea Anderson

2005-01-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

Today I put up my first auction to raise project funds for all of the supplies and other expenses. I am hoping to get enough to be able to send people gift certificates for art supplies in addition to covering all of my project expenses. I know, a lofty goal but it COULD happen. I felt good about putting the auction up even though it took me forever and it was rather complicated.
Afterwards, I looked outside and there was this really cool rainbow that seemed to end right across the street. I just started crying because I felt like it was a sign that the auction would go well. A friend of mine took a pic of the rainbow and it was so cool. The trees actually looked like they were connected and the rainbow was part of a sunset. It just was incredible. I couldn't stop crying because it just really touched me how beautiful it was. It was probably the brightest and closest rainbow I had ever seen.

Here is my auction... for anyone interested...magic bead bracelet fundraiser puzzle/painting project
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1469&item=5548103566&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Copyright January 2005 Andrea Anderson

2005-01-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

I have been getting some good responses, today. I even now have a teacher from Turkey that wants to participate. I went from being really down to climbing back up again very quickly because of the responses I have been getting.

Yes, eventually I may make this into a non-profit organization as some suggested but it is just one project and I can't imagine it could be considered an organization. LOL Yeah, I am organized but not THAT organized. I would prefer really that it stay low key. But, I guess, eventually, it may go there. I am not sure how but it might. I just didn't think that there could be an organization that gives to organizations. Never heard of that. I really don't think I would qualify for such a thing, at the moment.

Something I figured out, though, is how I could do the auctions to raise money. And, how it would be good. I just need to make sure that all of the buyers write in the project name so that I can keep records and show them if needed. Which I was going to do anyways. I am just going to have to be more detailed and insistant that they write the name of the project on things and that I keep copies of EVERYTHING. Then, if anyone calls me on it, I can say (very truthfully and with evidence to back me up) that I spent the money on the project. I just need to be very detailed.

Anyways, the other thing is that since I can't do auctions for something that is going to happen in the future, I had an incredible idea. I still have thousands of little magic beads left from when I started the project. I can make these really cool very simple little bracelets out of them and sell them to raise money for the project. That way, too, when people are wearing them they will attract attention and people will ask people about them and the word could also spread that way. They would all be the same kind of bracelet but each with a unique magic bead. That way, people are getting something for their money so that I don't break any auction rules and so that they have something to show for being part of the project and THAT will take care of the concerns I had about listing people as contributors. They will have a bracelet to show that they contributed to the project. And, people will eventually be able to identify the bracelets as being a part of the project so it could turn into an identifiable symbol (like the yellow ribbons for aids and the pink ribbons for breast cancer) and that is a good thing and will promote alot of positive energy every time someone sees the bracelets. So, that is a good idea, I think. Rather than just showing them a canvas and saying "look what you could be a part of" which is nice but I just don't think it would go over too well. So the "adopt a canvas" thing has evolved into Piece Of My Heart Benefit Bracelets, I guess.

All Intellectual Content © Copyright 2005 Andrea Anderson - All Rights Reserved

2005-01-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

I woke up early and overwhelmed and agitated. I just realized that I don't believe in myself as much as I want to. And, I realized that I may have to alter the certificate thing and the adopt a canvas thing, to make it work. I just hit a huge stumbling block with these two things... the certificates and the getting money for supplies. And I am not sure what to do.

And, I will tell you why.

And it is really bugging me.

I am on SSI due to my birth defect. If I earn a certain amount (or if it looks like I earned a certain amount) I would get that taken away from me. Which, in itself, would be fine. However, it also means that I would get my insurance taken away from me (which I desperately need, with the medical supplies/assistance I need on a daily basis). That is the part I worry about.
I need to find a way to do this and not get that taken away from me. Which is a catch 22. Because, I am earning the money for the project and not for me but the money does have to pass through my bank account so it is going to look like it is my money.

Now that I have thought about it, I would be documenting every check I receive through my account and as long as it says Piece Of My Heart Project it should be all good. HOWEVER if someone slips up and writes me a check and it doesn't say that I am in big trouble. Especially, if it is a big check or a few checks from different people. I wonder if the bank could open a separate account for the project? I guess, I will have to find out.

This is the part I hate is that I already found out last month that some of my supplies that I need are no longer carried by my insurance and it is probably going to put a huge dent in my pocket. If I get my insurance completely taken away, that means I won't even be able to afford the basics that keep me in good health (heck, I won't even be able to afford my wheelchair). And, I won't be able to get all of the assistance I really do need, if they start thinking that I can earn a little money. And, truth is, and I hate to say this because it is embarrassing, there are some days I cannot even leave my home because I get too sick. And so really I can't work like the average person could. Sure, I paint and make fairy bottles. It isn't like I am doing nothing and being lazy but these things are few and far between. There is no way I could make a living off of them enough to provide for my disability needs. Not unless some miracle happened. And, with the fact that some of my medical supplies are no longer covered, it is a sobering thing to imagine that I could jeapordize all of my medical/personal needs by doing this project.

No, I am not quitting. I will find a way to do this. I am just scared because I had worked it out for all the incoming money to go straight to charities but I hadn't thought about the catch regarding contributors towards supplies and other project related expenses. It's just sort of depressing that I could have my medical/personal needs taken away by all this if I don't work it out right.

The other thing I have been thinking about was the whole certificate thing. I was thinking of having a graphics class or a few graphics classes work on it for me. I could have a contest for best design which would be really good. And it would take care of the time it would take for me to design it. And then I could ask classes to volunteer printing up the final pieces as a class project. I could give them supplies and have them print up as many as they can. And that would be a perfect way to get that done. However, I am still wondering how I will be getting all of the names on the certificates. Some people have offered to help but I don't want to put burdens on them because it is going to be alot of signatures. No, wait, okay, I think I have it figured out. If I get the certificates printed on time I could just send them out with the canvas and each person could sign and print their names on the certificates and return them when they return the canvas. Okay, that problem solved.

Copyright January 2005 Andrea Anderson

Some New Year's Project Thoughts/Resolutions

2005-01-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

The project is evolving and so I thought I would take a moment to process everything that has happened through my tired brain.

First, I started this thing alone. Then, it evolved to adding a few artists. Now, it has reached over a thousand people involved. Which is enough, if everyone does their part, to reach the goal of World's Largest Puzzle by the summer of 2005. All in the past month. One month. Next month? Who knows, maybe I will have enough people to break the other two records?

A little over a week ago, I was worried about reaching local artists to help me on the project. Now, I have artists from all over the United States and all over the world helping me on this project. And, all without spending a cent to reach them. The word has spread like wildfire and now it seems artists all over entire world may soon be consumed with the passion to help my dream come true.

A week ago, I had a negative balance on my bank account. And, yet, somehow I was able to keep a positive attitude and believe that I would eventually have enough money to buy the canvas for all of the artists and at this very moment I have almost 5 times the canvas ordered that I needed for the artists currently signed up for the project. I am doing this all on an income that is below the poverty level in America.

Sure, I had to modify a few things but they were IMPROVEMENTS not setbacks. I made the project bigger, faster, more intense. It started out with one. I keep having to remind myself of that. IT STARTED WITH ONE PERSON AND NOW IT IS REACHING THOUSANDS.

Sure, it hasn't been easy. I put in alot of work and I am going to have to put in alot more work but anything worth doing is worth doing right. I now realize that it is working exactly how it is supposed to. It isn't supposed to work with money or fame, it is supposed to work by people connecting to people connected to other people and it is supposed to work because of this is not the six degrees of separation this is the billion degrees of connection!

Copyright January 2005 Andrea Anderson

2005-01-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

I was happy to find that my emailbox was filled with really encouraging responses to the post I made about the letter yesterday. I am glad that some people DO believe in me and what I am doing. One woman made an interesting point which really I hadn't thought about. She reminded me that I had already accomplished something that no one else has by uniting visual artists from around the world towards contributing to an art project. I am not sure if anyone has done this really but that IS a big thing and something to be proud of and I need to remind myself of that once in awhile.

Another friend of mine teased me yesterday about it being a "hippie" project. It's not a hippie project. It's just an art project and I was always taught that the difference between a pretty picture and art is that art not only moves the artist emotionally but moves the viewer of that art and that is what I am shooting for. This isn't just a pretty painting and this isn't just some hippie thing (because I am FAR from a hippie) it is an ART thing!

Copyright January 2005 Andrea Anderson

2004-12-31T18:14:00.000-08:00

I received a letter today. It was my first negative letter towards the project. I probably should have been upset but I wasn't. Instead, I took it as a challenge to defend the project and my beliefs within it. And, I think, I defended it quite well. I am sure I didn't convince the woman to participate in the project but that was not really my intention, odd as it sounds.

You see, what one person sees as right may not be right to/for everybody and far be it from me to force my project/beliefs on anyone. However, I will hold strong to protecting my project and what it stands for and that is basicly what I did today. Because, in protecting my project, I was protecting my beliefs. No, I don't force my project (or my beliefs) on anyone but I will defend it against those who attack. I posted the letter on my group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/APieceOfMyHeartProject/

I also posted my response. And also a few little tidbits that will hopefully keep people smiling in the end. Because, after all, if I can smile after this so should everyone else!

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 31 (Finally Getting Caught Up)

2004-12-31T10:25:00.000-08:00

Ever since I posted about the project on a couple of forums, the thing just snowballed and I haven't been able to catch up with everything. There were emails to be sent, groups to form, supplies to order, sites to maintain and it just has been crazy. However, today I finally caught up.

Yesterday, I got my first person from Australia. Very cool. I get so excited with every new person. But, when that new person comes from the other side of the planet I get REALLY happy because that means the project is doing EXACTLY what it is supposed to. It really IS connecting people. I am reaching people that I could never reach alone and that to me is the magic of this whole thing.

I think, today, I am going to rest a bit and hang out with my best friend and my three little pups. I really do need to spend some time with them, they haven't seen much of me in the past week. I have to remember that I have people right here counting on me, too. I just need to take a breather and then think about my next step.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 29 (Getting HUGE)

2004-12-29T22:11:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to do much writing in my journal, lately, because the project has been taking up most of my time. In the past week, I have received requests for over a thousand participants. IN ONE WEEK. It is amazing and overwhelming and most of my days are being spent returning emails and working on the details of the project.

What I realized, now, is that if everyone did their part, I have enough people now to accomplish the world record for the world's largest/longest puzzle by June of 2005. I FINALLY HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO DO IT! Which is awesome.

I still have a long ways to go for the other two records but I am that much closer.

I now realize that I can't back out of this no matter what. It IS going to happen. And, it is getting kind of scary and exciting.

In fact, today, someone wrote to tell me they found out about my project through Getty's Art Education Website. And, I had to ask. THE GETTY? Okay, that is when you know this is getting big.

I have to admit, it made me cry. I mean, not a bad cry, a heartfelt "this really means something" cry. I was just stunned, when I realized that my project was THAT important to people. It is really overwhelming.

Another thing that is overwhelming is that I don't just have people in the U.S. thinking that this is important, I have people from all over the world wanting to work on this. People in Holland, Canada, The Phillipines and even India. This project is doing EXACTLY what I want it to do, IT IS CONNECTING THE WORLD.

I am just so excited. Words cannot even express, right now, how I feel. This is just so much so fast. I know, I can handle it. But, when people joke about me needing a press secretary soon it makes me tremble a bit. I am not sure I can do that part. Yes, I can. It's just that I am one girl and this is getting so huge.

A friend of mine said that if something was meant to be you can't stop it once it starts. He said that this was obviously meant to be. I am just a little scared, right now.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 25 (Creating A Group)

2004-12-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I created a Google Group. I think it will be the easiest and best way to keep everyone informed of updates and details.

I did some more in depth research on World Records and am adjusting the goals for the project. I am contacting The Guinness Book Of World Records (it takes 4-6 weeks for a response) with the goals of setting three world records rather than just two. The first is for largest painting/art which would be over 1,115 ft X 6.5 ft (340 meters X 2meters) in size and the largest puzzle which would be over 18,000 one inch puzzle pieces but I am also adding the most people involved in one art project/painting which would be over 25,296 people in order to reach world record porportions. The project with 25,296 people took 3 years to complete. But, I would like to accomplish all of these goals byJune of 2006. And I will tell you why which will also explain a little bit more about why I am doing this.

On June 9, 1966 I was born. From the day I was born, the doctors told my parents, and eventually told me, that they did not expect me to live past the age of twenty. When I turned twenty, doctors told me that I was lucky that I made it past twenty but that I wasn't going to make it past 25 because 24 was the average life expectancy of people born with Spinal Biffida. In June of 2006, I will turn forty years old. That is twice the years I was ever expected to live. In other words, it is 200% of my original life expectancy. There are not many people out there that can say that they have lived twice as long as expected. Well, Ibelieve, when a person lives 200% of their life expectancy they were probably put on this earth to do great things. But, being the person that I am, I don't want to do just one great thing I want to do several. I want to turn 40 with a sense the sense of accomplishment of living a great life and I want to be surrounded by great people and great things. Yes, I am selfish, but, I want something to REALLY celebrate when I turn 40.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 24th (Waking Up)

2004-12-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

I woke up incredibly early this morning. I tried getting back to sleep but something in my head kept sticking and screaming so loud that I eventually had to get up.

The thing was that I could cover the canvas costs by doing what boils down to an "adopt a piece" thing. What kept screaming out to me is that I needed to do dutch auctions where the winner for say $5.00 is basicly buying a section of canvas for an artist and in return the winner will get two pieces of the record breaking puzzle, one to keep and one to give. And, I will give them the option of having the canvas sent directly to an artist friend that they want to get involved or for it to go to whomever I choose. And they will also be given credit as donors (donors doesn't sound right but that is the best word I can come up with right now). Anyways, I could put on the documentation "this section of canvas was brought to you by "artist name and donor's name and supplier's name". And, that would be cool. And, people can "adopt" as many $5 sections that they want (that is why it is a dutch auction and not a regular auction). And, maybe, I can figure out how to give them something special if they donate over a certain amount. Haven't figured that out yet but I think it would be good. I wanted to put the adopt auctions up this morning but realize first I should get the canvas and do a little painting to show how it will work/look. Plus, I want to show them the canvas so they don't think I am some nut. Heck, I am sure some of them will think I am a nut anyways. But, that's ok. I think that it is a really good way to get people involved and a good way to take the strain off of buying all the supplies. It could be like a supply fund. I just don't know what keywords I would use for the auction. I have to think about that.

The girl from Holland is going to work on a section of canvas. She told me today that she told her family and now her brother wants to do it, too. She is an art student and she said once she gets back from vacation she will be sharing the project with some of her classmates, as well. So, now, I have people in Holland working on the project. That just amazes me. I mean, less than a week ago, I was in this project alone and now I have people worldwide working with me on it.

Also, another thing that amazed me is that two teachers are actually interested in the project. I mean, imagine my project being an instrument of learning. Yet, it really is, if I think about it. I am glad that teachers want to get involved but I am just surprized.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 23 (Calculations)

2004-12-23T22:54:00.000-08:00

It worked! Primomart art supply has offered to give me a huge discount on their products. Even the stores that didn't offer to contribute supplies, some of them gave me alot of very good helpful tips as to how to go about preparing the project. And I can clearly see that this IS really going to happen now.

I calculated how long the art MUST be to be considered a world record and my goal is for it to be and it has to be over 43,485 X 2 inches before it can be the largest/longest painting and over 18,000 one inch puzzle pieces or 9,000 X 2 inches to be the largest/longest puzzle. So, I have decided not to "unveil" it until it reaches the 9,000 inch mark. I realize, that might not be for awhile. But, I think it would be really cool to have sort of an unveiling and then start auctioning it. I could invite Guinness and also all of the artists that participated (and probably a host of other people) to an event when the first record is hit. I think that is how it ought to go. Wow, I can't believe that it actually seems like a practical goal now. A dream has now turned into a practical goal!

I spoke to an artist in Holland, today. Am trying to convince her to work with me. Not sure it will happen but if it did it would be cool. My first overseas artist. It would be very cool.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 22 (The Journey)

2004-12-22T21:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I just finished emailing all of the canvas places to see if I can get them to help me with the project. The first one, days ago, was the hardest. But, it got easier, after that. Though, my confidence isn't that great, right now, that they will respond.

I spoke to my friend, Scott, about it. I told him how I was concerned that I could be ordering right now and getting a shipment on the way so I can start painting by my January 1, 2005 deadline and get the canvas out to other artists as well (since I now have a list of them) but now I might be wasting time with writing to the canvas companies. But, then, he made me realize that I was doing the right thing because I do need to research what will be the best canvas and the best pricing for the project because that could be a very important element to the project and that I was right in letting these companies know what I am doing because they just might want to contribute to the project in some way if it means that they end up being part of something huge. This really is true. I am doing the right thing. I mean, these things are just as important as the actual painting and the actual painting will come. The actual painting is going to be an ongoing neverending process so really there IS time to do it right and it would be worth it to do so.

My friends, David and Scott, keep reminding me that it is about the journey because this is going to be an ongoing project and I may not ever be able to see the end result. Sure, I might be able to see a world record or two but I plan on continuing this project past that. Which, to me, is very cool. I mean, imagine, if I end up contributing to something that continues past my lifetime and affects more people than are even alive right now! That is just intense. Sure, there is the world record to consider and that IS a main goal of mine. But, I am not doing this for a world record I am doing this to affect as many people as I can and I plan to surpass that world record and go beyond as far as I can take it. The journey, not even being a month long yet, is already so exciting. I have done things that I have never done before, already. And, I have SO MUCH ahead of me. I am just glad that I have people around me that are keeping me going on the path because I could never do this alone.

Now, my next step is to find a way to get even more artists involved. I am hoping to get art clubs, art classes as well as individual artists involved in this. So, I probably need to do a search for art club and art class sites. That should probably be my next step. Also, I will probably get some flyers out, after that. It may not do much good to put them out around my town, because it is so small, but I might be able to get a friend of mine to get some posted in Berkeley. Trying to think about other ways to get the word out that won't cost me anything or much.

Well, I did it, I started contacting art clubs from around the world. I hate to say it but I have butterflies inside me, right now. There is no turning back, at this point. I am feeling so strange. It's like I just jumped off a building and I am just hoping that there is like an air mattress or something to catch me. It's a strange feeling. I just can't get over that I am really and truly doing this. I can't believe that I am about to venture into something bigger than any one person. And, absolutely, bigger than me. I mean, this is about to avalanche. I already got people from posting in two places. Today, I sent emails to about twenty. I am just blown away by what I just did. I hope I did it right. I don't want to screw this up. I want this to work. I hope it works. I really do want this to work.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 21 (Guidelines For Now)

2004-12-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

I actually had to make up "Official Guidelines" for the project, today. That was a little more difficult than I thought. But, it was both fun and fulfilling.

So, here are the guidelines I thought up for the artist's:

I will be painting in acrylic but I am going to encourage people to be creative and work in the medium of their choice. However, I would steer clear of anything that isn't durable or suitable to being on canvas for a long period of time (which I will provide) or the canvas being cut into pieces (so like no buttons, bows, chalk, pencil or that sort of thing). I will be sending each artist a 2 X 9 inch section of prepared canvas (The first 9 inches per person is free... if someone wants/needs more than the 9 inches, it will be $1.00 for each additional inch) and allow the artist to do what they will with it under certain guidelines. GUIDELINES The first guideline is that no one can cut the canvas. (That's my job.) The second guideline is that each artist must leave approximately one inch on each end of the canvas blank (so that I can eventually work the pieces into eachother) which means you will have a 2 X 7 inch surface to paint on unless you request more inches. Keep in mind, no matter how many inches you get the canvas is always only going to be two inches wide (it is that way for a reason). The third guideline is that each artist must sign their work and date it. On the back of the first inch that you work on you will date when you started. On the last inch you work on you will date when you finished. In the back center of your work, you will sign it. Also, every artist must take part in a public and private registry. The public registry must have your name (this can be an artistic fictitious name), location where you worked on the canvas (doesn't have to be specific) and the dates that you began and ended your section so that I can give each artist the credit they deserve in any event and also so that I can make out certificates of authenticity for the buyers. The private registry will be kept private and is for me to be able to keep track of who took part in what so that I can keep in touch with you and tell you where your piece went and under what circumstances it went there. I will simply require your name and a way to contact you for the private registry. I will not share the private registry with anyone. If I end up selling any of the original pieces of the section you created, half of the profit will go to the charitable organization of your choice and the other half of the profit will go to the charitable organization of the buyer's choice. So, I will also need to know for the private registry what organization you wish for the profits of your section to go to. By participating in the project you are essentially donating your time/art to the project and the time/art will be used to promote the project in any way that I see fit for the greater good. What do you get out of this? Well, first, you will get noted credit for your work. I am documenting every part of this project and if you choose to become a part of the project you will be given noted credit in the documentation. The second thing you will get out of this is freedom of art and for your artist voice to be heard and part of the biggest picture of them all. I will NOT censor any of the artists. So, this is your chance to say whatever you want to the world that you are a part of. The third thing you will get is the satisfaction that what you will help affect our world. Not just people directly related to you but people you have never even met. Not to mention, you could also be a part of a World Record. (That IS the plan and the goal.)Also, one more thing, each artist will be given two pieces of the puzzle. One to keep and one to give to someone that they are connected to.
SO... those are the guidelines.

I had to get those guidelines out because I am starting to get artists emailing me and asking me for more details. I had to come up with them fast!

Today felt really good. I went to my emailbox and there were several people that were really excited to take part in my project. I am still hunting down supplies. I have emailed several places and haven't heard back so I will email more tomorrow to find out exactly what kind of canvas will do the job I need it to do. The right canvas is SO important for this. I have to be able to cut it and cut it without it falling apart. And, I need to prepare it to be as durable as possible. So, I am still in the research stages for that. Once I get that whole thing figured out, I can order it and begin painting. I just don't want to order something and then find out a week from now that I didn't order the best stuff for the job. But, I am thinking, sometime in the next week I will have the canvas thing figured out and I will get it ordered and sent out to the artists in the beginning of the New Year. It is just exciting to me that I already have commitments from artists to help out. I am really excited.

Oh, and I figured out and drew up the sections for the canvas to give artists today. That was challenging. This whole thing is rather challenging

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 17th (Working It Out)

2004-12-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

I wrote my first letter today, pertaining to the project. I think, I did okay. We shall see.

I was inspired by Roger Cram's project called SSSSH! http://home.hiram.edu/hal/ssssh!!.htm which was created after a friend of his died. The friend, Hal Hooper Reichle, had performed random and anonymous acts of kindness throughout his life and so after he died his friend Roger decided to continue this by creating a group to do these things. He inspires people to do good things for other people out of a desire for changing lives and that is what I want to do.
I love the site because it seems like it is going to be very similiar to my project in the sense that there is simply a project and not affiliated with any actual organization. That is what I want this project to be like. Though, this project won't remain anonymous like SSSSH! I would still like to steer clear of being linked to any one specific organization. I want to simply inspire people to give something of value to others. The others could be their neighbor or a stranger or some organization but just give and if you can't give of money give of something more valuable. Give of yourself. I simply want to see the world change one person at a time as they are reminded that we all fit together not apart. What I admired about him is that he inspired people to become a part of his project through giving and I am just hoping that I can also inspire people in the same way.

So, I wrote my first letter introducing the project. I was incredibly scared to do it because I keep thinking that I am only one girl on this mission (so far) and who on earth is going to care about what one girl does? Well, I just have to think back about all of the one girls that changed history and the world and be strong in my journey. And, it is a journey. The letter was just one small step in the journey and each step I think will get easier. But, these first few steps are realy scary, I have to tell you.

I have to keep asking myself, what am I afraid of? I know it is failure that I am afraid of. I know that I am so afraid that people are going to hear about this project and roll their eyes. But, I remember starting up the initial project and being just as scared carrying those first few puzzle pieces around and I got through it. Sure, some people didn't get it. But, for the ones that did, it was worth every trembling stuttering second of it.

I remember the first few times I took my necklaces out to trade. I could barely get the words out when people asked me about them. But they DID ask me about them. And I DID GET THE WORDS OUT. I may have stumbled over myself doing it, tears almost streaming down my face in deep emotion, but I got the words out and people did understand those words. And, tears occasionally streamed down their face, because it meant so much to them. And, that is what I am doing it for. I am doing it to help people remember how even the smallest thing has value and importance in the scheme of things. And, even if some people don't get it, I realize that there are people that want to be a part of this just as much as I want to give them a chance to be a part of it.

I thought about something else, today. I thought about how I would work a registry. But, then, in thinking about that, I also thought about other documentation to add to the puzzle pieces. Like, maybe, a small document for each person (sort of a document of authenticity) recording the date the piece was painted, the number of the piece, the inspiration/story behind the piece. I think, something like that would give it greater value. Also, as for the registry, it could contain not only the initial person that received the pieces but the names of the people they have given those pieces to. I am sure I will come up with some more thoughts about it but those are what came to mind today.

I still have to find a fairly cheap website to put up that doesn't have popup ads all over the place. And, I also need to find out where I could advertise because I have decided that I would also like to make this a group project where not only I paint on the piece but other artists do as well. But, in order to do this, I need a website where my project can be visible and people can contact me fairly easily. I need to do some research on that.

I think I know how I can take things a step further with the project and get more people involved. I think, in addition to my painting on the canvas, what I can (and would like to) do is cut out sections of canvas and send them to people to paint on and send back. Been trying to figure out how I could do this without disturbing the integrity and flow of the main painting that I will be doing. And, I think, I figured out how.

You see, what I know is that I can't make a painting super long without interruption, even myself, because there is really no canvas big enough. So, what I thought of doing is painting it section by section and when I am about to run out of canvas I take and cut out those last two puzzle pieces on the end (before they are painted) and tape them over the next piece of canvas so that they connect without any interruption. HOWEVER, I had been attempting to figure out how I could incorporate other artists into the work also without interruption and that is going to be much more difficult. However, I realized, if I sent them a section of canvas and instruct them to leave a two inch border on each end, I could then connect them to my own pieces by cutting out the last two puzzles of my section and taping them over the couple of inches left at each end of the other artist's canvas and then continue to paint so that it all flows together. THAT is how I can get that to work. Which also means the project can get bigger faster and the news of it could become widespread depending upon who's hands a piece of canvas falls into. This could have SERIOUS results, because, not only could I give canvases to just about anyone I want to I could get news of this to spread rather easily which really is the point of this whole thing. And, what I would offer in return (other than just being part of the experience and the largest work of art on the planet) would be a piece or two of the puzzle to give to each person that contributed to it. It will also mean that I might be able to carry names of big name artists on the piece and it might end up being worth alot more to people so they will take notice of it (which, again, is the point).

So how do I do this?

First, I will need to write a letter to all of the canvas manufacturers/sellers that I can so that I can find out what supplies I am going to need for the project. That is the stage I am at, right now.

Then, once I get the best price (hopefully donated but I am not going to hold my breath on that one) on the canvas I will purchase as much of it as I can and start painting (since I have paints and brushes here already).

I will also need to work out how I am going to put together those certificates of authenticity for each puzzle holder and make out a special certificate for those that contributed to the project. (I have no clue how I am going to do that but I better figure it out.)

Then, I need to figure out how to put up a webpage where I can document everything. I am going to still put my first thoughts in a private diary but I will need a place to showcase the project and it's progress. Again, someplace cheap because I have no money to speak of (especially if I have to buy the supplies). Granted, I am sure the money will come, if I just put my heart and soul into it. But, I can't count on what I don't have right this minute. I will have to just save my pennies and in the meantime research webpages.

Then, after I do all that, I need to start painting but also I need to start sending out letters and canvases to different places. But, where? Well, first, local schools. Oh, that is a good place to get the graphics done, too. Students are always looking for something to do that is interesting and so maybe I can get them interested in helping me. Also, I could go out and paint at different places and when people ask me what I am doing I can show/tell them and maybe people will get interested in it then. Also, I do know a few people who know a few other people that might be able to get a little public interest started. I need to start looking up sites and chat groups that are art/puzzle/social related so that I can also get people involved that way. I think that is probably one of the best places to start.

Also, now, this is just a "goal" but maybe by Valentine's Day I can put together a gathering of artists to paint that day and make it an "event" to make people more aware. Heck, I don't know, all I know is that deep in my heart I think this is just what I need to do.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 16th (The List)

2004-12-16T21:13:00.000-08:00

I watched a documentary about Julia Butterfly, today. It was amazing what she did. I decided today, after watching the documentary, that I want to compile a list of people that I want to get a puzzle piece to when the time comes.

One of these people is Julia Butterfly. Another is Roger Cram. Another is Nelson Mandela. Another is Oprah Winfrey. Another is... believe it or not... Quentin Tarantino.

Actually, Mr. Tarantino has alot to do with what I am doing. But, more on that later... and more on the list... as time goes on.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

Dec. 11th (Differences)

2004-12-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

I spoke to a woman, recently, about the project. She was one of the
original puzzle piece necklace recipients. She still has the necklace.
She told me that it is something a person just keeps. It was kind of
cool, after all these years, to know that she still had my necklace
and that it still mattered to her. She thinks the addition to the
project is an excellent idea.

It's interesting because this woman and I have had our differences in the past but for some reason when we started talking about the project all of the barriers came down. It was the first time in a long time that we had a good conversation, all because of the project.

It would be really cool to know if anyone else still had one of the
original puzzle piece necklaces. I wonder how I would get in touch
with those people? I will probably eventually take out an ad in the
town I lived in and see if I can invite those people to the unveiling
of the new addition to the project. I think, that is what I will do.

Oh, and I have decided not to "unveil" it the way I had originally planned. After thinking about it more, I realized that I will be changing a few things. The first is the "unveiling". I can't do it on Ebay. It just wouldn't be right. This is bigger than Ebay. And, it is going to be awhile longer than I thought for the "unveiling", anyways, because I realize to actually break the records I will probably have to have the entire piece entact so I can't start selling, trading, or giving away any of the pieces until then. I am probably going to have to create the entire piece and then put it together in order to "legally" prove it's length for the world record and all that. Yes, it is a minor setback, because it is going to take longer before I can go to the next step, but anything worth doing is worth doing right even if the plans need to be modified every so often to make it right.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 10th (A Sparkle Of Sunshine)

2004-12-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about what I want to begin the painting with. I want it to be a combination of things. I want the painting to be a timeline of events in my life, and a diary of sorts. I want it to be a diary of what is going on inside and outside of me. However, I will have to start at the beginning for the beginning of the painting, I suppose. But, should it be the beginning of the project or the beginning of my life, or maybe the beginning of my art? I am still deciding.

I was thinking, really, about how it all began. I think, it began with a mural I designed when I was seven. When I was around six years old, I drew a picture of a bird and it won a school art contest. The winner's art was made into a mural and put up in the school I went to. I started wondering if the mural was there. Then, I started wondering if the school was still there. And, in fact, my heart sank, at first, because I realized that the school probably didn't exist anymore. It was sad for me but also a good feeling, as well. It is sad that the school may not exist anymore and therefore the mural may no longer exist. But, on the other hand, because of the type of school it was, I couldn't be too sad about it no longer existing. It was a school for mentally and physically challenged children. Back then, when I was growing up, mentally and physically challenged children were extremely segregated. People thought that if you were physically or mentally challenged you just shouldn't be put in a "regular" schoo. Even in an age where children of all colors were allowed to go to school together, people still didn't allow children with physical or mental disabilities to go to school with "normal" children. It just shows you how far we have come and how far I have come, since then, I suppose. In fact, it wasn't until third grade that I was allowed to go to school in a public "normal" school. And, even then, my parents had to fight the school to get me to be allowed in. Even though, I had above average intellect, I still was forced to spend the first three grades in a "special school" for disabled children. I am pretty sure, the more I think about it, the school no longer exists. Which means my mural probably no longer exists. All that exists, really, is what I remember of it. Maybe, that should be the first thing that I paint. Maybe, I should be thankful that it is just a memory.

I spoke to my stepmother, today, to see if she had a photo of the mural. I figured, she might. She did. She said that she not only had a pic of me in front of the mural with the original piece of art she had saved the original piece of art. I think, that will be part of the first piece of the puzzle because it just seems to fit.

It's incredibly symbolic, on so many levels. Not only for the fact that it was my first recognized piece of art and from that point on people thought I was an artist, or because the memory of it still stands even after the building may not, but because of the very fact that my stepmother saved it for so many years because it obviously was something of value to her. It's sort of what this is all about, it is a moment of value that became even more valuable when shared. I think, that is why it is so important for that to be one of the first things I incorporate into the painting.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

December 8th (My First Thoughts)

2004-12-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

So, now that I know what I want to do, I am going to have to set a "plan" to do it. This really isn't going to be a rigid plan, it will all be quite flexible, as things do change. But, I can now talk of goals and strategy to obtain those goals.

My main long term goals are...

1) To create the largest/longest piece of art in the world.

a) This being art, one of the goals is to affect my audience and create change in the world.

b) The record for largest puzzle in the world is something like 18,000 pieces and the largest painting in the world is 1,115 ft X 6.5 ft (340 meters X 2 meters) so I am going to shoot for longer than 4,00 meters. However, this is going to be an ongoing (hopefully) neverending work of art that I will pass on to others someday so I get the feeling I am going to surpass even the 4,000 meter mark quite easily.

c) I did some research and I think that what I will also eventually do is bring other artists into it. After all, it isn't all about me and I am not really going for a "record" as much as I am attempting to make people take notice of the project. I want as many people to become a part of it as possible because that is what it is all about.

2) In addition to it creating world awareness and possibly world change, I want this project to also be the reason I wake up in the morning. They say that the people that live the longest are the people that have something to look forward to when they wake up in the morning. With this project, I intend to always have a reason to wake up in the morning and to live a very long life. I was told by many that I wasn't going to live past twenty, then twenty five, I still have doctors that are amazed that I am still alive and kicking but maybe it is because I was meant to do this and that this will be and always really has been my reason for living.

3) I also want to be able to raise enough money with this to be able to live and give like I have always wanted to not like I have always had to. This is not about money but I would like to raise enough money to continue the project and help myself and others that may need a little help.

4) It would be nice to become famous for this. Famous enough to maybe meet people I would never be able to meet otherwise and do things that I may never would do otherwise.

So far, those are my goals. I might add more later but those are my basic major goals.

My plan is to begin painting, as soon as I can get my art area organized and get all the supplies, and then just continue until I have over 200 inches of painting. Then, at the 201st inch, I will begin selling the pieces of my art. The painting will be sold in one inch pieces which means that for every piece that is one inch long and two inches tall of the painting there will be two pieces of a puzzle. That way, the person receiving the pieces can also give one of the connecting pieces to someone that they are connected to. After all, that is what it is about, connecting people. I will sell, trade, give these pieces of my art through as many channels as I can.

I figure, at first, I can start selling them in auctions. I already have plans for unveiling the thing through Ebay. I will also use other auctions and devices, though, to get to as many people as possible.For the auctions, I will reveal probably 12 inches (24 pieces) in a row per auction. I will probably use a dutch auction on Ebay because then what I can do is start with just my price of the auction and materials and the person that bids the most for the most will get first pic of the pieces and the next person gets to choose from the pieces left and so on and so on. I think, that's fair. I also think it will be more exciting, that way.

I don't think I will have a store, because it isn't about money. If a section doesn't sell right away in the auctions, I will probably use that section to make into necklaces or other types of gifts to give and either auction those off, as well, or I will just offer them as trade or as gifts to people around me. So, let's say that there are 12 pieces and only 6 of them sell in an auction I will probably just make some stuff out of the rest of the pieces and offer them as trade or gifts to those around me.

I will also be signing and numbering each piece. That way, they will be worth more and also if you meet someone with a piece you will know exactly how connected they are to you. I think, it would be unbelievably cool if someone met someone that had the very next piece (say piece 222 meets piece 223) and they ended up being friends or working together or something. It could happen!

In addition, I will be keeping a log of each section of the painting so that people can see where there piece goes in the scheme of things. After all, just as in life, at first, people are only going to be seeing bits and pieces of the big picture but I would like to someday (maybe, yearly, in a calendar or poster) to show people the big picture.

Copyright 2004 Andrea Anderson

2004-12-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

The project began, several years ago, when I ended up in the Alta Bates Burn Center. At the time, it seemed like the lowest point in my life. I was suicidal, with third degree burns on one fifth of my body and not a penny to my name. I went into the burn center with nothing to live for but somehow came out of it with something to live for.

When I was in the hospital with nothing better to do, I remembered a friend showing me how to make paper beads. I decided to make one. Then, another. Soon, I had a cupful, then a bagfull, then a drawerful. I called them my "magic" beads because as long as I was making them I felt better. Soon, people were coming just to see these magic paper beads. Not only were they coming to see them, they wanted them. So, I started making necklaces with them.

But, it felt wrong to charge people for them, so, I decided to simply ask people to give me something of value in exchange for the necklaces. This could be anything, as long as the person giving it considered it valuable. This seemed like a strange concept, to some, but what I wanted people to see is that some things were more valuable than money.

As people gave me these things of value, I noticed something. It wasn't so much the thing that they were giving that was valuable in it's own right as it was the story connected to it. And, the story usually involved other people. In other words, it was the connection that made something valuable. I realized that we were all connected and that even the smallest thing that we do and give could affect others.

I realized, then, we were all like pieces of a puzzle, each connected in some small way to make up the big picture. So, I decided to start using actual puzzle pieces as pendants for the necklaces.

On 911, I received a call from my mother. She worked nightshift at the World Trade Center and left the building twenty minutes before the tragedy hit. I felt deeply thankful to still have a mother and deeply connected to those that lost theirs. So, I began to make some of my necklaces to sell in order to raise money for the 911 charities. Yes, all of them. I made my necklaces and some candles and sat out front of several stores in my city and sold them and after I sold them I took the money and put it towards every 911 charity that I knew of. Some stores asked me to leave because I wasn't affiliated with any particular charity but other stores like Savemart, Raley's and RiteAid allowed me to sit outside and sell my necklaces and candles. But, again, I wasn't just selling necklaces and candles, I was on a quest to reveal to people how we were all connected and how one single small thing that one single small girl did could affect people even across an entire country and all because we are all connected.

Recently, a friend of mine suggested that I take the project another step further. He suggested, instead of using recycled puzzle pieces for the necklaces, since I am an artist, I should make my own puzzle pieces. To do this, I thought of making one long continuous painted canvas and cutting out the pieces of the puzzle from that. Then, I thought, maybe, just maybe, I could hit a world record with it. Maybe, two. Sure, it would take me awhile but I could do it, eventually.

Copyright December 2004 Andrea Anderson

Day One (Not Really)

2004-12-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

They say that even the smallest of things, even a butterfly's wings, have the potential to create something as big as a monsoon.

Allow me to introduce myself...

I AM

D. Violet Butterfly

CREATOR OF

A PIECE OF MY HEART PROJECT

And this is my journal's new home!

All Contents Of This Journal Are Intellectual Property Of Andrea D. Anderson aka D. Violet Butterfly