All that is found is not lost

I’ve recently been introduced to the notion of “found art” by artists such as JafaGirlArt and Lisa Bachman. And no, I don’t mean art made from found materials such as described in Mary Lou Stribling’s book, Art from Found Materials: Discarded and Natural (a brilliant used book sale find), nor the assemblage works of the early 20th century modernists.

I’m referring to that romantic, generous, and inspirational activity whereby an artist creates art and leaves it in public places, to be found by the unaware, unsuspecting, and perhaps undeserving, to inspire, heal, and empower.

Found Art created by JafaGirlArt

The concept is defined at Found Art! A Global Art Project Using Art to Heal the World:

Found Art! “strives to make the world a better place right now by empowering people across to globe to share on a soul level. We believe in the power of art to communicate and heal. We believe all people are creative and that the expression of that creativity opens the heart of both the creator and the receiver. Open hearts communicate at a deeper level, are naturally more compassionate, and are more aware and concerned about our global family.“

Wink by artist Jan Lynn Sokota is an example of found art created for Art in Odd Places 2007. According to Sokota: “In a simple gesture, the bat of an eye, an unspoken signal or shared secret is instantly expressed, like a trace of gleaming light. Viewers may take a wink coin with them, one per person.“

Wink by Jan Lynn Sokota

Go to artist Rosa Murillo’s Found Art Tuesdays website to learn about about “leaving art inconspicuously in public places for others to find. It’s a way to make art and share it. Please join me! The world needs good art!” Also check out Murillo’s Found Art Tuesday JOY video.

The same generous vision motivates “random acts of kindness” or “RAKs.” The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others. Through the dissemination of ideas and the development of materials and programs, they have incorporated kindness into thousands of schools and communities:

“As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.”

Apparently acts of kindness can result in significant health benefits, both physical and metal. Read here how acts of kindness can be good for you.

Related links:

Found Art! project out to heal the world from USA Today

Found Art Tuesday from the blog Rediscovering Art

~TAB