art auction for new lesbian film

Kada Films is in preproduction for a new lesbian film, to be called Life Abstract, starring Deak Evgenikos, of Itty Bitty Titty Committee recent history (I think this time, sans spectacles).

The filmmakers are sponsored, in part, by two wonderful organizations: The American Art Therapy Association, and AidsUnited. A percentage of the proceedings from the film are given to these groups.

Fundraising for the film is coming, at this time, in the form of an art auction: artists working in varying media have donated pieces, on which you, the public, can bid for a limited time.

The plot of the film centers around a young artist who is working out her history of childhood abuse through art, and uncertain she's able or willing to love. This speaks to many of us, no?

When the filmmakers approached me, to donate art for the auction, I said their work made perfect sense to me, so they could have their choice of whatever they liked, from my website. They chose a piece I'd only recently added to the Art of Scars portfolio, "La Espalda Sufría," which I actually never intended to sell, as it represents a very personal moment between Rebecca and me. I'm thus offering it at the auction as a limited edition.

Due to the fact so much of the work at the auction is in an upper price range, I suggested to the filmmakers I could perhaps donate works I could price lower, so not everything would be cost-prohibitive to younger lesbians (which are, after all, their viewing audience). They agreed, so look for more pieces, in a more affordable price range.

I do hope you'll support the making of this film. We can, through community effort, bring together something worth seeing.

And, of course, Deak Evgenikos deserves stronger lead roles *s

~Emmanuela

Millions Against Monsanto Campaign 2011

I care about the types and qualities of food I purchase: this is how I nourish my children.

Since my first pregnancy, way back in 1980, my standards for nutrition have been what I thought were impeccable: each of my four children have been kept to a balanced, healthy diet of vegetarian, organic foods, as small children. They have, on some occasions, been permitted small amounts of cane sugars, but are not regularly permitted, in childhood, refined foods of any kind.

When the children reach adolescence, and are free of the nagging illnesses (including acne) troubling so many children, I permit more choices. Each tends to find "fast food" and "junk food" to be not only distasteful, but a source of havoc to the GI system and, of course, to the vanity, the moment the skin objects to the toxins ingested.

Years ago, many savvy consumers realized Whole Foods was becoming the WalMart of the natural foods industries. We stopped giving that corporation our money, long before the feds stepped in, to mandate terms regarding funds.

Where the federal government will not provide protection for the public is in the arena of food content. We've watched this for decades: it's about profit. During the attempts at regulating homeopathics and herbal remedies, the USDA was swift and large, in its appearance in our markets. Now, however, when what we want is clear labeling, we'll see no such action. There is simply no money to be made, in truth telling about what is done on the farms the federal government supports.

It's time, once again, for local action.

I'm about that.