UPDATE – December 2, 2018. VIDA is no longer authorized to license my work, due to non-reporting and misrepresentation of their product . It turns out that this company disguises itself as a promoter of the artist, but then basically relies upon the artist to purchase and resale their product. If you have purchased a product from VIDA, I hope you are enjoying it. Many thanks.
And now for something completely different! I was contacted out of the wild blue yesterday by new sustainable startup fashion company VIDA based out of San Francisco. The VIDA staff had seen my work and were eager to invite me to design some new scarves and silk shirts for their lineup from my paintings. When I heard the story of the company, and who will benefit, I couldn’t resist!
VIDA is a global partnership of creators, pairing designers from around the world with makers in Pakistan and India in accordance with high ethical standards, to create original, beautiful products. And the best part is that using part of proceeds from the sales of the products, VIDA creates literacy programs for the makers, so that they have opportunities to learn reading, writing and basic math that they would not otherwise have.
More than anything, I am thrilled when my work provides support, literacy and educational programs and support for others. VIDA has a beautiful plan that is just up my alley, collapsing the distance between makers and artists/designers across the globe. Have a look at The VIDA story and I’m sure you’ll see why I was so excited (and you who know me, know I don’t get this enthusiastic1). Good things can happen in the world.
Such a wonderful idea, marrying technology, artists and makers from across the globe. An opportunity to make my paint into wearable, beautiful products, in a sustainable way? Uh huh…I’m totally in. Sign me up…get me a ticket….etc. etc.
I was so excited, I couldn’t decide which paintings to go with, but decided on several strong images that I would wear – and I’m picky! I have a weakness for beautiful scarves, especially since being diagnosed with breast cancer. (I’m clear now…but I’ve become a bit of a shawl/scarf maniac in the absence of breasts.) I might use some of the scarves to make some pillows and curtains for the studio. Lots of creative ideas swirling around in my head.
There are now four products up on the site, and if the pre-orders sell ONLY within the next 14 days, VIDA will make the products. (As extra enticement, VIDA is offering the coupon code VOICES for 25% off of any preorders — which makes these 100% modal scarves incredibly reasonable and WOWSER for the silk shirts!) AND if you order by the end of this month, they have a special on international shipping for only $5 USD! (Usually it’s $35, so this is a huge savings opportunity to jump on board if you see something you like).
Here are the images I chose.
Emergence
Nitawahsin – Our Land
And here is the gorgeous silk top of Nitawahsin – Our Land.
Sizing Chart for the silk tops are as follows. Note: tops fit true to size but a drapey cut – please size down if you prefer a snug fit. Point of Measurements Small: Bust – 32″, Hips “38” (US Size 0-2) Medium: Bust – 34″, Hips “39” (US Size 4-6) Large: Bust – 38″, Hips 40″ (US Size 8-10)
Blue Grass Dancers
As the fourth design, I chose Blue Grass Dancers for some dear women friends and family in my life who inspired me through my illness, supported our family and kept us all together. These healing, dancing colours were designed to lift and soothe through the toughest of times. This piece was first painted for my friend and singer/songwriter Julia Lynx, as part of the launch and design for her new album “Wild Patience“.
I’m over the moon to introduce this collection to you — simply click here to buy any one (or more!) of these scarves and lucious silk shirts, and don’t forget to include coupon code VOICES to get 25% off (that’s just $30 for each of these lovely scarves! and $48.75 for a silk shirt! NO middle man :). And the juicy, juicy, best part — right now, VIDA ships internationally, for only $5 until the end of this month. That’s a $30 savings! Folks from all over the world can purchase, and help give back. But remember, pre-order only lasts for 2 weeks from today. Help me to spread the word by sharing this post with your friends and family through social media or in person. Right then….this is more rambling than I’ve done in months. Just get on the site and order something for a friend or family member…and don’t forget yourself, because you’re worth it!
Enjoy, my friends. (I can’t wait to cuddle up in a scarf/shawl!)