Sending Love
And sending a little money to LA artists impacted by wildfires.
Every year in mid January, I’ve carved a small block and made a batch of hand made Valentines to sell. I’ve always loved making Valentines since I was a kid. As a grown-up artist, it’s a way to really lean into what printmaking is about- making multiples and selling small originals for a great price. And spreading love too, because we all need more of it right now.
January has been a hard month for a couple of reasons. Trump and his cruel, foolish, and harmful policies are a big one, but I’m not going to be evaluating his administration’s plans and policies, it’s not my strength. I do suggest that we pay attention between self-care breaks, and be ready to support organizations that are leaders in protecting the environment and vulnerable communities.
The other huge, destructive event this month has been the Los Angeles fires. I’m also not any kind of expert in talking about what has happened there. But again, it’s important to pay attention, and help if possible. Our best way through an unpredictable future is to build community, stay connected, pay attention, and help if you can. I think that’s going to be my motto for the next four years, at least.
Yes, the LA fires were made worse by climate change. Here is an article with some climate related information put out through UCLA on January 13, 2025, Climate Change A Factor In Unprecedented LA Fires. Certainly, given some time, more will be understood about the details of the fires. However, “the January 2025 wildfires in the Los Angeles region comprise the most destructive known wildfire episode in the region’s history,” seems to be agreed upon by all.
To learn more about wildfires and how climate change makes fires worse, I highly recommend the book Fire Weather: On the front lines of a burning world by John Vaillant.
Back to Valentines, something that IS my strength! These little relief prints are hand carved, printed, painted, and then the prints are attached to some fun red 5” x 7” cards. They even come with a red envelope!
The anatomical heart with wings was designed with The City of Angels in mind, and I also reprinted some heart flowers and foxes from past years. $5 from every Valentine sold will be donated to LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund providing emergency relief for artists and arts workers in all disciplines who have lost residences, studios, archives, artworks, or livelihoods or have otherwise been impacted by the devastating Los Angeles fires.
You can get Valentines locally in Steamboat Springs, Colorado at Steamboat Frame Works. Or you can get them through my website and I’ll mail them to you!
Creating your own mini fundraiser like this is a great way for artists and other creators to raise money for an organization you want to support, and also share information about the cause. Or if your job is paid hourly, can you donate a few hours worth of your paycheck? Or since time is money, can you spend a few hours volunteering?
As we head into unsettled times, keep building community, help each other, and support the leaders and organizations who are fighting climate change, and fighting for marginalized groups. It can feel overwhelming when lots of bad is going around, and you don’t know where to start. That’s ok. Find the folks who have already organized and jump in to help. And maybe send some Valentines, too!