How you can help support my mission

“Give me the sorrows of the world. I will transform it into hope.”

~ Pablo Neruda.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life. It’s one of the reasons I opened my art gallery during Covid and started painting again during the pandemic. I’ve also been holding art classes in-person art classes which people have loved. “It’s taken my mind off Covid,” “I’ve been so lonely, it’s lovely to connect with others,” are some of the comments I’ve received from people who have come along for playdates in the gallery.

Over Easter, two lovely ladies called into my gallery Art@Rangitane to see my art during my recent Easter Art Retreat They had seen my latest abstract floral paintings hanging in Ake Ake. This is a lovely restaurant set amongst a vineyard and one of my favourite places to dine here in the Bay of Islands. Judy and Chris, the owners of Ake Ake provide the ultimate dining…and now, fine art, experience.

As a result, one of these gorgeous gals has commissioned a bespoke painting to suit her home – and more importantly how she wants to feel…happy!

Not long after, a gorgeous lady was dining in Ake Ake and purchased a painting she saw hanging there. When Love First Tasted Your Lips was near their table and the purchase decision was made in a heartbeat. I love that my new collector shared that this is the first painting she has acquired by a ‘serious artist.’

On Mother’s Day, I met Tracey, my beautiful new collector on holiday from Sydney visiting her family. They made a special visit to see me in the gallery. People love meeting the artist I have found and learning more about the urge to create.

“My sister fell in love at first sight with your painting ‘When Love First Tasted Your Lips’” her sister, Claire told me when she called.

The two sisters shared with me, how tough all the lockdowns had been on them, how isolating and lonely the time had been…as it had for so many. Recently I read a poignant article about how our mental health can suffer dramatically by being isolated. Paintings keep me company. Paintings make me happy. As they do my collectors. It’s why I call myself The Joyful Artist. I show up for joy – an antidote to fear.

This video, was created by a wonderful man who, with his wife, commissioned Always Summer

and purchased Festival of Colour explains more about what inspires my creativity. “When it’s winter, I paint summer.”

“Great works of art, music, and architecture that calibrate between 600 and 700 can transport us temporarily to higher levels of consciousness and are universally recognized as inspirational and timeless.”

~ David R. Hawkins M.D. PhD

I know how comforting a beautiful soul-inspired painting can be. This is why both my chosen charities, Women’s Refuge and Hospice NZ, are close to my heart.

Women’s Refuge

@womensrefugenz is my chosen charity to donate to for people who purchase my paintings or join my creativity workshops. You may like to know that each painting sold or enrolment made helps empower a victim of family violence by offering a safe, supportive place to stay.

I have known from an early age what it is to feel terrorized in your own home by people whose love ignites into hatred, aggression and violence. I know how it feels to have to flee, to seek safe refuge in a strange house, to no longer have a home. And I know, the strength kindness, caring and compassion can bring—and the power of beauty to help us transcend our pain.

Thank you to all my collectors who have purchased my art, and people who have taken my art workshops for helping me support this vital cause. Together we help make a difference.

Hospice New Zealand

I have also donated and will continue to, pieces to Hospice New Zealand. I remember what a bright light Hospice was offering respite care to my stepfather during his last months. I’ve also created bespoke works in memory of loved ones who have been lost to cancer.

Artworks like Love Story. The short brief for this commission was compelling…”I would love to commission you to conjure up an exquisite piece of art…Love all the vibrant memories my special lady brings. Love, sea, sand, salt and pohutukawas.”

I was super excited when celebrity chef Jo Seagar visited my gallery in the Bay of Islands and became the new owner of this love-inspired work. The constant love story in Jo’s life has been her work for Hospice New Zealand. For over 25 years, as their ambassador and Patron, she has been raising funds and public awareness of their very important work.

And I have also given away artworks that touched people soul. Paintings like Te Ataroa

Te Ataroa was inspired by and named after a beautiful baby who was only three months old when I saw her while she was with her mum shopping for groceries. The young couple had lost a little girl who, a year earlier, was stillborn. Their new daughter Te Ataroa was a blessing. Translated her name means “the long morning”.As I painted the artwork I imagined Te Ataroa’s sister shining down from heaven, sending her family endless kisses across the morning sky. 

Help support my cause

Consider taking a fun and uplifting art class with me>>https://www.thejoyfulartist.co.nz/workshops-around-the-globe/

Or purchase one of my high-vibe uplifting artworks>>https://shop.cassandragaisford.com/product-category/art/