THE RAPMAT ART PROJECT, So Far

The RAPMAT ART PROJECT (Really awesome people making art together) is coming together amazingly well. 
  I had few doubts that it would when I decided to reopen this chapter in my life.  I had few doubts that those who participate would enjoy it, and find that inner artist if it hadn't already been discovered.  I went into this, like I often do, with few reservations, and few worries.
  I also went into it a little 'rusty' and unorganized. That caused a few problems of 'what color here', little things like that. No real big problems, other than the fact that the one who messed her pieces up  the most and used the wrong colors was..........me. Ya, I did. I admit it. I can fix it. I will, eventually.
   At this point, July 31, 2014, I have the pieces temporarily hanging on my wall, in the order they 'come together'. I have to admit, I anxiously await the mail each day to see what surprises I will find. Those pieces that have come back have been, over the top, totally beautiful and amazing! 
 Some examples"

  Amazing. Aren't they?  So what is this thing called RAPMAT ART PROJECT?  Simply put, I did a drawing, I cut it up into 48 3x3 inch squares. I then asked for volunteers to paint/color/ what ever, these pieces.  The response was amazing, and I actually had to 'close' the call for participants. 
  . Some never have done 'art' since it was required in High School or earlier. All, so far, have been amazing! Amazing to the point of breathtaking. I know in that deep place in my heart of hearts, all will amaze me, and.... on many different levels, they all move me.
  Here is a sample of what this started out as, on my kitchen floor!! 
This is the current piece we are working on.  Before cutting. And of course temptation to paint got the best of me!
  

 This is the next project. Tulips. Very colorful and fun. Going in the mail soon! My husband calls these 'puzzles'. Well, didn't really like that at first, but in it's own way, it is a bit of a puzzle, and what puzzles most people is what the heck I am doing and how will this work with people all over the US painting pieces and not seeing anyone else's. 

 More amazing pieces that are on there way or have come in:

 I apologize for not having everyone's name on their photo's. (and not everyone's are here, so sorry) It's been a long day, so I'll plead for your forgiveness on this one and next time....I'll shout your name from the roof top.
  So if you are a participant, you have seen the results of these coming together as one. If not...I could show you. And, I will.
You've seen the original drawing, as I have it here again. Then it got cut, and pieces mailed. A couple weeks into the project, I had what you see in the second photo. Yes, I had a few pieces in the wrong places, and mine still isn't done! Doesn't look like much yet right?

     Then more pieces arrived. I was floored as I opened each envelope and saw the pieces. Amazing work. Beautiful without exception.  I was thrilled. What I have to date is the photo below. Didn't manage to photograph the entire piece, what's up with that, not sure. However I did manage to get the most 'filled' areas in the photo. HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THIS?
  Are you totally shocked that it IS A PICTURE?  AMAZING isn't it? BEAUTIFUL beyond words!!!!    I just go 'ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh'.

  I have to admit, I spend a lot of time just looking at it. To this day, after many many of these done, I am still amazed that it works, and that it came out of MY brain. Normally that would be called disaster. I mean, c'mon, at least I can admit it right?  Some of my idea's are far less than 'normal'. However from the first one, over 20 years ago, I have never seen one that didn't 'work'.
  It's so neat. People from Washington, Maine, California, Wisconsin, Florida, Iowa, people from all over the US are doing this. Some, yes, some are done 'live'. RAPMAT ART PARTY'S. Those are sometimes wedding showers, bachelorette parties, even baby showers. (or just for fun, who needs a reason to create, and maybe have a little glass of wine!)  Then the 'bride to be' or the 'mom to be' goes home with the piece after a fun night of creating with friends. (There is a very secret one getting started soon, but more on that another day, as, it is a secret!)
    So yes, RAPMAT ART PROJECT is less than normal, but so stinkin' much fun. No color guide showing colors to use was given. Only R, R/O, Y, B, which is red, red/orange, yellow, black, and of course the green areas had a G. (so technical eh?)  (Next one is a little more.............thought out!)
     So I wait anxiously for the pieces to come in as this is just so exciting for me. And..I hope for those participating and following the project.
   The thing is, the thing that I love about this, is that no one is looking at others art pieces (until I post pictures, which I don't believe has made and 'creative differences' in what people do. ) It just works. It works across borders and miles, across the country. It works because of a dedication to a project that will be donated to a hospital, in this case.
   Many are donated for a particular reason, in memory of someone. In honor of someone. Because that particular 'place' made a huge impact on someone's life. OR, other's have been put in schools to encourage art, and some have been done at schools with kids who really didn't want to do art.
  They did.
  It turned out amazing.
 The felt amazing, as it was something they could get immediate gratification from. The result of a beautiful piece had their name on it, and it unites people.  Brings them together for a common reason.  I did one, years ago, in a 'professional setting'. People of all levels from gals who answered phones, to people who made top decisions came together and did something together. Most never having contact with the others, or a quick 'hello' in a hallway.
  It unites people.
  We are all normal  (well, with the exception of you know who!!!) Normal, everyday people, from all walks of life, I know very little about income levels, if they shop at Walmart, or Macy's, or someplace I don't know of as...I'm a Walmart girl!
  This takes those things and sets them aside and....it brings people together. Even if it's for a brief moment, people of all walks of life are united. United in art.
Art heals.
Art inspires.
Art speaks.
Art is IMPORTANT.
Art is life, and for many, life is art.
Art bonds us. Beauty bonds us.
  I am looking forward to this one coming together as one piece, finished and framed. More on the 'donation' later.
  I am looking forward to the next pieces getting started and I'm already anxious to see THOSE end results. It never bores me, it never stops amazing me.
  I am just so thrilled I have found people willing to give of their time, and talent, to come together for the simple reason of creating a piece of art.
  I thank every single person for that!!! (Names are not mentioned as I have not asked permission to write about them, so I won't, until I have permission)
  Thank you for making my life so much better. This is totally a healing  project for me.
  Going back to art was a tough one, for personal reasons. All these people have made is SIMPLY AMAZING AND I AM SO ADDICTED TO ART ONCE AGAIN.
  (yep, I wrote it, I tried to proof read, I already know what it says, so that doesn't work for me, and it bored me to read it..oh oh. Forgive my mistakes please)
      Live, Laugh, and LOVE TO CREATE!