Buy Art from Living Artists and Books from Living Writers
The holiday shopping season is upon us and, with that, the rush and struggle to find just the perfect gift for a loved one and/or a special someone. While it makes sense to buy things that one might need–like clothes, gear (I’m thinking photography gear, here), or the like–how about books or a magazine subscription or a photograph (dare I say printed and framed)? In general, if you look for ideas for unique gifts, consider the work of visual artists, writers, and other creatives…who’re still alive and kicking and creating.
So, this holiday season, when thinking of offering a unique, one-of-a-kind gift to a loved one, why not consider supporting a living creative, a living artist or writer, while at it?
Here are a few of my own favorites:
AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER KURT WESTON
Award-winning, legally blind photographer Kurt Weston. As I might have mentioned in a previous post, years ago I fell in awe of Weston’s black-and-white photography, in particular his portraits and self-portraits. In turn, they have inspired my own interest in black-and-white photography. Check out his website for his black-and-white, as well as color and more recent work. A must-see and must-own!
AUTHOR HANS M. HIRSCHI
I became a fan of Hirschi’s work years ago, upon reviewing his book, The Fallen Angels of Karnataka for A&U Magazine–America’s AIDS Magazine. Then, Last Winter’s Snow followed, as well as many other books by this author. There are some of Hirschi’s novels that I just knew I was going to love–Jonathan’s Hope, for example–others that introduced me to a world I wasn’t quite familiar with and taught me a lot, Returning to the Land of the Morning Calm, while others (Disease) told riveting, heartfelt stories that hit home in a powerful way….
Hirschi’s newest series, The Golden One trilogy, got me into reading something completely new to me–a young-adult fantasy novel. Who would have thought! I’m not really into reading YA books, nor am I into reading fantasy novels. Not really, but, never say never, I guess….
Each time I think of The Golden One, for some reason, the “I Need a Hero” song comes to mind. And I believe that we all need a hero every now and then. In Hirschi’s trilogy, the hero is the Golden One. By creating this fascinating character and his story, the author teaches and guides us through our everyday lives, while opening our minds, eyes, and also hearts, to the reality surrounding us, enlightening and encouraging us to take action and become heroes ourselves…in a way.
AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR T.J. BANKS
For animal lovers, cat lovers in particular, as well as time-travel fans, as well as for those interested in reading written work that’s exquisite, enlightening, and entertaining, check out books by award-winning author T.J. Banks. While A Time for Shadows is one of my favorite books by this author, I became a fan of her work years ago upon reading Souleiado, a time-travel novel and, again, on a subject I had never thought I’d be that interested in. Since then, we’ve worked together on several projects and I’ve learned a lot of things along the way, and made a few wonderful friends, too–T.J., in particular, as well as a handful of four-legged meowing friends.
LOCAL GALLERIES FEATURING LOCAL ARTISTS
There are limitless possibilities and choices.
Happy shopping!
And as always, thanks for stopping by.
Alina Oswald 