The Red Umbrella

Behind the Artwork

I purchased a red paper umbrella while visiting Japan, forgetting that it wouldn’t fit in my suitcase. When I started my journey back to the United States, a polite Japanese woman behind the ticket counter said that I wouldn’t be able to take the umbrella through security. So she took the umbrella, assuring me that I would be able to retrieve it at the end of my flight.

I thought I would never see my umbrella again, especially since it didn’t have any packaging to protect it. After thirteen hours and eleven minutes of flying and switching planes, I arrived home. When I went to the baggage claim area, I spotted a red umbrella—my lovely umbrella. The polite Japanese woman was right; the paper umbrella safely traveled 6351.6 miles without a nick or a tear.

Plein Air No. 18

Behind the Artwork

Plein Air No. 18, Pamela Alderman, Pastel on paper, 9×12 inches, 2012

Plein Air No. 18 - Pastel on paper, Pamela Alderman

Captivated by the mysteries in nature described by C.S. Lewis as “divine, magical, terrifying, and ecstatic.”

For the rest of the month, I will be painting, enjoying family and friends, and celebrating the holidays. See you back in the New Year!

Awakened

Behind the Artwork

Pastel box

An elderly woman stopped to see my artwork one day while I was open-air pastel painting. I felt slightly annoyed that my work was interrupted. I had made a commitment to paint for an hour before other obligations pressed my day. I only had about 30 seconds to decide how I was going to respond when this woman first approached me.

When she asked if she could see my work, I invited her to come closer. To my surprise, our conversation quickly grew serious. She confided that her husband had had several mistresses. So they divorced.

The next year, she said, her daughter gave birth to premature twins. Her daughter had been complaining that she didn’t feel well before the delivery, but her doctor dismissed her problems. She died one month later of cancer.

“I’m all broken up on the inside,” the woman said.

Fifteen minutes into our conversation, she suddenly stopped talking and peered into my pastel box with childlike wonder. “But this,” she said, “fills my soul.”

It amazed me, after hearing about her profound suffering, that a few pieces of colorful pastels could bring joy to this woman. I felt nudged to give her my painting. But a struggle ensued in my mind. I didn’t want to give it up.

Over the next few minutes, I didn’t really hear any more of her words because a conversation was taking place in my own head. Why not give up the painting? I can’t give it up because it is an important work. I don’t even have my camera to chronicle it.

I waited a couple more minutes—for my will to catch up with my heart. Then I took the plunge. I said, “I would like to give you my painting.”

She refused my offer. But I persisted.

Then I saw her smile. The woman left with my painting in hand. The elderly woman had awakened my heart.

En Plein Air Painting

Behind the Artwork

en Plein air Pastel Study No. 12I haven’t pastel painted since I was in the fifth grade. But it’s never too late to learn something new. After attending a pastel workshop this fall, I decided to set a new goal: Complete 200 study paintings over the next year. So I am putting away my camera and enjoying the freedom of open air painting.

To the left is one of my first new studies:

Pastel Study No. 12
en Plein air
Pamela Alderman
9×12 inches
2012

Does Anyone Care?

Behind the Artwork2 Comments

People seldom leave their email addresses when I have exhibited my artwork in the past. But Courage Ablaze evoked such an enormous response that hundreds of people left their email addresses or wrote expressions of gratitude for the Congolese women and their stories. While typing out page after page of email addresses and notes, I spotted two tiny words written from an unknown visitor that summed up the public response:

I care. Beth

Thank you for caring and voting Courage Ablaze into the Top 100. I’m grateful for all the kind expressions. Don’t miss the last response from a nurse who was touched by Courage Ablaze.

Thank you for telling the story! Faith
Your art encourages the eyes and soul…
Beautifully told. Carrie
Very touching – Beautiful work. Meghan
We have been to Africa and carry in our hearts the stories of the refugees who touched our souls. Cheryl
So moving and thought provoking.
I love it. I have traveled to Ghana and Congo. Never give up! I think you should have won! Julia
You’re artwork is so amazing. It has inspired me a lot. Alicia
I really love your work. It’s amazing! Thank you! Hannah
This room is very life changing! Kylie
Thank you for informing me and helping me to know the courage and strength of women everywhere!!
Thank you for telling these stories.
Simply awesome. Absolutely love it!! Jalena
Your art transcends time. This is a gift to the public—a gift of courage, strength, valor, and love. Anne
Keep telling the story. BEW
Thank you for making us aware.
Loved the music and the meaning. Keep on your journey.
This is wonderful. It takes you there. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome for you to choose to make this for the public to view.
This picture is so peaceful and beautiful. JKV
Thank you for telling this story so skillfully.
I’ve seen this ArtPrize entry twice now and I still think it is inspirational and very heartfelt.
You have embodied womanhood in cold and light. Thank you. Susan
Great work!! Thank you for responding to the Spirit’s leading to do this work. Kathy
Very nice work! Natalie (age 9)
It brought me to tears.
The courage of these women inspires and humbles me.
Amazing women! Stay strong! Elle
Thank you for the great artistic ability to do watercolor.
Beautiful and moving. Denise
Pamela, your work is beautiful and so moving! Thank you. Amy
I commend you for exposing this social issue. Great job!
Love it! I will soon be volunteering in Africa once I graduate from high school. This work helps encourage people to see things in a different perspective. Claudia
Unreal yet so inspired by both the art and the message. Great job! RM
This is awesome and you should be in the top 10!! Miriam
I can really feel the art in it.
That’s the problem. The world focuses on what separates us instead of on what binds us.
Your caring expressions of the human heART will stand triumphant. Laura
A great tribute to these women.
Very reverent.
Your words really honor these women.
Very respectful of these women.
What a brave artist.
Bless you Pamela for your encouraging and God-led creativity. Margo
A wondrous inspiration.
You are wonderful! God bless you and the Congo.
Great work of art for a great cause.
Sooo powerful! Keep up the good work. Helping our sisters and men heal. MS
Phenomenal and healing.
Pamela, thank you. Moving. Kathy
Keep on! Jennifer
Your words speak to women and for women. Chiara
I can see your heart.
Thank you for the important message.
Thank you. The black cloth forces the spectator to get involved. It is easy to walk by a flat picture.
From an art standpoint, sociologist standpoint, and humanitarian standpoint—great work!
You’re an honorable woman to tell this story. Unfortunately, people don’t know this story.
Once you go to Africa, you can’t get the people out of your heart.
My heart cries for these women.

Thank you for opening my eyes to this! I’m a nurse and would like to help. I’m also interested in giving a donation. Shannon

Shannon, thank you for caring so much that you are willing to go to Africa to help the women and children who are still suffering.

ArtPrize Courage Ablaze: “Beautiful and Disturbing”

Behind the Artwork

A group of teens viewing Courage Ablaze

A man said, “This is not just a work of art for you; it’s a commitment. You have touched my heart.” Then he started crying.

The avalanche of responses from visitors continues:

Your artwork is beautiful and disturbing.

A terrific tribute to the African people.

Thank you for doing something to show their plight.

Thank you. This story needs to be told.

The true tragedy is that those violated are made to feel guilty.

I was looking forward to see what you did this year for ArtPrize.

I love what you are doing with your impressions of the beautiful people of Africa! Pat

Thank you for sharing your vision. Lisa

Absolutely stunning and breathtaking. Mariah

Thank you for sharing humanity and inhumanity. We pray for all.

God bless you and these amazing women! BKS

Thank you for sharing the pain.

God has used you to spread the truth. Sharon

Gorgeous display of your God-given talent! Bethany

My mom wept. How amazing.

The expressions are so authentic.

The stories make the pictures come alive!

Keep your faith. We love you.

Beautiful! Inspiring! Powerful! Resilient! But we can feel the healing peace in the music. VS

Remember your piece last year. You move me to tears. Kat

Thank you for sharing these ladies and their stories! Beautifully portrayed!!

Thank you for sharing these stories. Thank you for your beauty and strength and setting such an amazing example for all of us!

You can feel your inspiration.

I am from Zimbabwe. When I heard your music, I started crying. Can’t even describe the feeling.

I remember your Healing Tree. It is wonderful that you use your art to send a powerful message.

Top 100… Holding Steady

Behind the Artwork

After another 50,000 votes were cast, more visitors weigh in on Courage Ablaze:

Your art room transcends time. It’s unlike other art in that you don’t get that quick rush of awe. You have to find yourself in the room—then you’re suddenly taken over by the art and you’re taken over by the story. Anne

Your pieces are always thought provoking.

Somehow the columns make the figures come alive.

Every year you have something to say that’s important. I appreciate your message.

You have a very deep heart for these women.

Thank you for dealing with the issues directly and speaking plainly.

Your compassion for these women shows in your artwork.

This display will bless you and break your heart at the same time.

Your art is bigger than the message that’s right there; it has longevity. I believe it will take off in ways that you can’t even imagine.

I can’t wait to see what you do next year.

Thank you for being a voice for the voiceless. The Honorable Governor Kabasu Babu