Activism is not always carried out with a loud voice or picket sign but can occur when we are touched deeply within our souls and we feel deeply enough to share those feelings with others. Janice Cartier presented the oil spill crisis in a way that no other could. From the depth of her own grief about a region she loves she allowed that emotion to pour out in her brush and pen. She represented activism at its core – unattached from grandstanding and political agendas – simply one person seeing a problem and giving voice to it so that others will hear.
Through Janice’s words and paintings my heart responded to the authenticity of her unspoken plea – I care, will you care too? There was no concert or campaign but one person whose soul wailed in pain and allowed it to rise up and spill out like the black oil that lurched into the sea. It was a dignified gnashing of teeth and renting of garments that in its raw reality struck a chord inviting others to mourn at the Wailing Wall.
Through the eyes of a an artist I saw the oil spill and I no longer cared who was at fault, what titles they held and whether or not they failed. It did not matter what was said, and what political agenda it bolstered or diminished, I cared about the wetlands, and the gulf coast region. I cared about the toxicity and the air we breathe. I cared about those who had been exiled by the assaults on the environment and those that remained because it was home. I cared about the sea and its place in the cycle of life.
My heart cried out in pain and my song of sorrow joined Janice for she made me see, feel and care. Oh yes, I see it too and I am moved with compassion. From my belly rises an overwhelming sadness that spurs me beyond seeing and feeling but action. I no longer ask what have they done, but what can I do, and so begins a chain started by one artist with her brush and pen.
There are those who will do the other work that needs to be done – the clean up, accountability and hopefully prevention. The law changers, marchers and way makers whose names we may or may not know. They will be the feet and hands of this body of action. However, others will stir them with their simple pleas to look, to care and to act. Janice Cartier is an activist and today I salute her.
Janice’s Posts
karen says
Hi Debbie, it is a beautiful in views and spirit of the people. Did you take pictures while there? If there are any that you can share, I’d love to see them.
Hi Andrew, your word “sorrowful” captures so much and truly speaks to how I feel. Yes, we share responsibility. While the accident may be the fault of some, getting to this point and how we respond is the burden of all.
Andrew Heaton says
Karen,
Individually, any responsibility for this mess (if it really is anyone’s fault) lies directly with BP and possibly with government authorities.
But collectively, we, as a human race, have an obligation to be responsible custodians of the world in which god has placed us. Clearly, we have failed in this instance, a fact which pictures like Janice’s above clearly illustrate.
For that, we are right to feel sorrowful.
.-= Andrew Heaton´s last blog ..Defending the value of AGMs in Australia =-.
Debbie Yost says
I was in New Orleans just a few weeks before this mess all started. It is such a wonderful part of our county and it makes me so sad to see this mess that continues to ruin that reagion. Thanks for sharing Janice’s posts. I’m going to go read them now.
.-= Debbie Yost´s last blog ..Alphabet Confusion =-.
Karen Swim says
Joanna, thank you. Jan stirred up so much feeling and though words were difficult I had to share with others. She is pretty amazing, isn’t she?
Joanna Paterson says
Karen, thank you so much for sharing this piece and expressing what I too have felt.
.-= Joanna Paterson´s last blog ..The Only People for Me are the Mad Ones =-.
karen says
I am so choked up I cannot even craft a response but know that you moved me in that way that you do. I saw and I really do care. xo
Janice Cartier says
I am humbled. And outrageously gratified.
And if I could quit crying tears of absolute endearment and love, I would say something profound. Instead I’ll simply say thank you from that soul deep place in my heart.
.-= Janice Cartier´s last blog ..Losing Louisiana =-.