Nadine Al Bedair is one of the first subjects of the Global Women Project painting series. She is the host of a popular TV show in the Middle East titled “Musawat” (“Equality”). She also works on women’s issues with journalists and politicians throughout the Middle East, Europe and the USA. These women are actively trying to change conditions around the world. Continue reading →
Nadine Al Bedair is one of the first subjects of the Global Women Project painting series. She is the host of a popular TV show in the Middle East titled “Musawat” (“Equality”). She also works on women’s issues with journalists and politicians throughout the Middle East, Europe and the USA. These women are actively trying to change conditions around the world.
Nadine is passionate about her cultural heritage in many aspects. One that she shared during our interview was a cup of Arab coffee. Its unique Arabian flavor was paired with dates, cardamom, saffron, and clove. She labored over the coffee ritual in a process that was both artistic and beautiful. It was the best coffee I had ever tasted.
A few years back Nadine talked publicly about the need for change and that we don’t have the time to change slowly. In a world with the internet and technology moving at such a fast pace, those thoughts of rapid change remain ever present today.
The modern world has been tough on these deep tribal roots and women have evolved. Regarding the Saudi culture Rashi Hifzi points out, “Women aren’t allowed to be in a room alone with a man who isn’t their father, husband, or brother. Women are not allowed to drive…Still, only about one in twenty Saudi women work outside the home.”
On a positive note she continued, “Saudi women own nearly 70 percent of bank accounts and 20 percent of private companies in the kingdom. We’re working to lobby for women to participate in the elections…to have more seats in the municipality, to present women issues, to present family issues.”
Happy Mother’s Day! The above painting came about after a Mother’s Day champagne brunch with my family. Returning to our home everyone retired for a nap. Still dressed up and nowhere else to go I began this self-portrait. My daughter lay by me asleep and my mother, who had passed away, buzzed around my head in my thoughts as seen in the painting. Today I am reminded of my mother’s guidance, not to fear diversity and be more accepting of differences.We all have more in common than not. There are a lot of deep wounds in our world’s history but we can only right things today and do everything in our power to take some action to move forward. Anita Roddick cleverly said, “If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito.”
Preliminary Digital Sketch for Painting
(to be realized at 84″ x 84″)
It is resolutely stated here by Rossana Castrellon, the 3rd subject in the Global Women Project series of portraits (preliminary digital sketch below), quoting John D. Rockefeller, “I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty… “Rossana is the President of Union Nacional de Centros Educativos Particulares of Panama, as well she is involved in four other significant organizations focusing on education and international relations. She is the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Panama. The following video is taken from my interview with Rossana in Panama City in preparation for her portrait..
Rossana’s mother, NIVIA GRACIELA ECHEVERRÌA SÀEZ, was a pioneer and mentor as the head of the first entrepreneurial group in Panama. A firm believer in the importance of education she started a school 50 years ago and had a profound impact on the woman Rossana has become. Rossana has inspired multitudes of women as well as today’s youth, and so carries the spirit forward. In memory of her mother we honor her as an exceptional woman.
Rossana herself is an remarkable mother and dedicated to the special needs of her son, Fernando. She was written about last December: Soy mejor persona, gracias a mi hijo.” “I’M A BETTER PERSON, THANKS TO MY SON.” Artículo Publicado en la Estrella de Panamá Hoy, Domingo, 6 de Diciembre. Rossana and Fernando are also pictured above on the April-May cover of Mama de Hoy.
Celia has been an art collector and fan supporting the Global Women Project from inception. She is a woman with international roots and travels globally . Her heart is in everything she does and she is always sharing her joy of life. She shares this presence here as we’ve entered spring and join her at her table with her family recipe for Paella and Tejada Tempranillo wine from their vineyard. You can read more about her family’s history under Tejada wines.
The traditional heart symbol is somewhat of a mystery and it’s precise origin is a topic of controversy. We are collecting naturally occurring heart observations around the world in an effort to see and feel deeper.
I’m in Miami for Art Basel this week taking in as Karen Rosenberg from the New York Times put “the cornucopia of art, hedonism…” and just be a sponge. Feel like I have seen 1/1000th or 1/1Mth. Every sense is triggered and having soo much fun. I love Miami and have lived in Miami Beach a few times before in my life. When I was little and again later with my daughter. Continue reading →
