As Kim noted on Friday, here at Squidoo Lens Reviews each of us is searching for quality work to present to you, although what inspires each of us may be different.
The very act of writing for this blog has helped me to discover themes that appeal to me and that I can't resist coming back to. For instance, the two 'A's — animals and art — are subjects that never fail to draw me in. It's no surprise, then, that some of those I admire most on Squidoo happen to be animal artists.
This week I came across an article by someone who has led a fascinating life, to put it mildly. D-artist has many stories to tell, and each one of them alone would be compelling enough. Together, they make up a life story that encompasses everything from her parents' connections with silver screen movie stars and the travelling circus, to her own very youthful experiences of wartime Berlin and post-war Bavaria, and from there to Ellis Island, a modelling career that unexpectedly resulted in her lovely face becoming a global (if anonymous) icon, and a career as an accomplished artist.
Beneath all this is a very real person, a wife and mother, with a warm heart. That heart is big enough to include the four-legged creatures that have come her way. For 29 years, Delia shared her life with two horses that she adored. She has also given her attention to less fortunate horses and other creatures, and to other causes in line with her faith, by donating her artwork to charity.
These paintings are shared in Art for Donating, Events, Auctions. Given the work that goes into each and every painting, her generosity is admirable. From charity book illustrations to wall-sized murals to painted chairs, Delia has put her brush and paints in service of making this world a more caring place. Her drive to do this is such that, on fracturing her right wrist, she simply switched hand and completed the work with her left! I think this says more than I could about Delia's spirit.
Delia's life stories continue to captivate me. But what impresses me most is these tangible and beautiful acts of kindness. Delia and the others like her who use their talents in such a way are, for me, a true inspiration.
Image Credit: Art Amnesia by kmencher
Visit: Art for Donating, Events, Auctions
I'm delighted to be the 'Monday' author here on Squidoo Lens Reviews. My aim is to spotlight high-quality Squidoo lenses that have not yet had the attention I think they deserve. I hope you too will find new treasures among my choices!
A little about me: I reached Giant Squid status at the end of December 2009 and recently served as an Angel on Squidoo.
Wow! That mural was a LOT of work, and turned out beautifully. Great review, Nicki!
What a nice article! I was very pleasantly surprise to find out about this…I don't know if I'm worthy of such nice things said. I do know life it short and having a second chance in life has changed everything for me…and Gods' gift of my art ability is how I can Glorify Him and at the same time help others.
Thank You Nicki from the bottom of my heart for having an interest in me and having written such a nice article.
Well, I like to donate artwork to charities but d-artist takes this to a whole new level. It is clear that creating art is a mission for her, a vehicle for helping others. Wonderful lens, Nickie. Thank you for pointing it out.
A beautifully written review, Nickie! I remember when I first discovered d-artist. I was impressed with her awesome talent. Her horse painting were/are so detailed and lifelike that I thought the were photographs. Most Excellent lens. Thank you for directing us to it.