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In Support of Cultural Diversity and Environmental Regeneration
Photography by Penny Kaela Bauer
“Our search for a future that works keeps spiraling back to an ancient connection between ourselves and the earth, an interconnectedness that ancient cultures have never abandoned.”
—Helena Norberg-Hodge
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Circle of Gifts
Imagine stepping into a circle of wise and generous elders ready to offer you the very gifts of support that you need at this time in your life. The Circle of Gifts video presents black and white images of hands offering gifts from these elders interwoven with poetry and music.
You may find yourself especially drawn to one of the offerings and ask, “Why have I chosen this gift at this time in my life?” “What does it mean to me?” It reminds us that we are never alone.
The Circle of Gifts video can be used and enjoyed in a number of ways at home and at work. It is a resource for any environment with the goals of celebrating individual endeavors and motivating people of all ages to develop and share their gifts and talents more fully.
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"Your life is an invitation to be all that you are."
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—John O'Donohue
Poet and Philosopher, Author of Anam Cara |
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| “Her exquisite visual work contributes to the mystery and beauty we encounter in life, especially the second half of life.” |
—Angeles Arrien
President, The Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research
Author, The Second Half of Life
more Circle of Gifts |
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Nā Makana - The Gifts
This project honors Hawaiian kupuna, elders, and others living lives of activism on behalf of the Hawaiian language and culture. They understand that a deep connection with their heritage is the way to a stronger and healthier future for young Hawaiians. The Na Makana - The Gifts video offers black and white photographs of hands offering valued gifts from this culture interwoven with Hawaiian language chants and words of wisdom. It can be shown separately or as part of an exhibition. This project provides support for the Punana leo Hawaiian language immersion programs for preschool children.
"I ola no ka ‘olelo Hawai‘i, i ola no na pua makamae, i ola no ke aloha a
mau loa…eia 'o “Na Makana”, he mau mo‘olelo nani koki o na 'omea o ka
mo'omeheu."
"In perpetuation of the Hawaiian language, our precious children prosper,
and love rise above all… here is “Na Makana” to share the beautiful
stories of our beloved people."
Na 'Ohana o ka Punana Leo o Waimea
—“Mākela” Madelyn Bruno-Kidani
Director, Punana leo o Waimea
more Nā Makana
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Pacific Northwest: Returning The Gifts
Tribal elders from the Pacific Northwest continue to remind us of the importance of reciprocity. Through black and white photographs of their hands offering gifts, they provide a circle of support for all those seeking to regenerate this region, the beauty and richness found here. These photographs interwoven with prayers in tribal languages invite each of us to become better caretakers of this vital region.
The images and prayers will be available for video presentations and in conjunction with an exhibition. They can be used in any educational setting and at fundraising events. They help to strengthen links between ecology and spirit. Taken into different communities, they become a focal point for the gathering of storytellers and other artists committed to the regeneration of the Pacific Northwest.
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| "Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It was loaned to you by your children." |
| —Native American Proverb |
| “I was taught by my ancestors that returning the gift was the right way.” |
—Grey Eagle, Pacific Northwest Storyteller
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more Pacific Northwest
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Unheard Voices
“The beauty of the images created with sex workers in India provides viewers with the opportunity to move beyond stereotypes and prejudices. This project helps to give voice to the many women in prostitution now working together in the face of the HIV epidemic to provide support to each other. An exhibition of her images is being shown in conjunction with the first ever theatrical production written and performed by sex workers showing a day in the life of these women and their children. Some of Penny’s images were also used to make postcards which contain information about the legal rights of all women in India.”
—Bishakha Datta, Director, Point of View
An Indian nonprofit providing a greater voice for women
through a creative use of art, culture and media
"True compassion does not come from wanting to help out those less fortunate than ourselves, but from realizing our kinship with all beings."
—Pema Chodron
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“The creative work of Penny Bauer is soul food for our times. Making the gifts of elders visible with compassion and beauty, she reminds us what is important and meaningful in life. I find her work a ray of hope for our future.”
—Marion Weber
Founder, The Arts and Healing Network and The Flow Fund Circle
Art can create a place where we can go beyond "we' and "they" and provide inspiration for deeper conversations about what is essential. If you would like to help, contact Penny.
THE GIFTS PROJECT
Photography by Penny Kaela Bauer
P O Box 909 Langley, WA 98260
penny@thegiftsproject.com
www.thegiftsproject.com
All images © Penny Kaela Bauer. All rights reserved.
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