Mother's Burden

Mother's Burden (dedicated to The Mothers of the Movement), acrylic and ink on canvas
24" x 30", sold.

I wanted to create a piece that honored mothers of color (specifically Black mothers) at this time in history. Much is said about a woman's work never being done, and mothers in particular. Not enough is acknowledged about the burden of Black mothers in the turbulent sociopolitical climate we live in.

Religious imagery served as inspiration, once again. Black Mary gazes upon a black figure, too grown to protect within the safety of her arms. He is both Christ (all seeing) and Black Man (all eyes on him). She wears the crown of thorns, symbolizing burden and inflicted pain. She lactates freely, symbolizing an uncontrollable instinct to nurture. The dove in her hand is a symbol of the peace she must find within to stand strong and unwavering in the face of circumstances beyond her control.

Call for Art- Equality FL Gala Held at St. Pete

2017 Equality FL Gala held at St. Pete Juried Auction
The Equality FL Gala held at St. Pete auction committee is seeking artists to participate in its annual Juried Silent Art Auction Exhibit as part of Equality FL St. Pete’s annual fundraising gala. The Silent Auction shines a spotlight on Florida’s diverse and talented LGBTQ and Ally visual arts community at this important event. The Equality FL Gala held at St. Pete is our largest fundraiser of the year. By bringing artists, their works and buyers together for a spirited evening of bidding and showcasing fine art, this event aims to benefit both Equality FL’s mission and donors.
All 2-D, 3-D, and fine craft artists, 18 years or older are eligible to submit. Deadline for submissions is February 15, 2017. 2D works should be singular (1 hung panel). Limit of three high-resolution image submissions per entrant.
Visual artists working in all styles and media are invited to apply, including painters, sculptors, ceramicists, fiber artists, jewelers, and photographers. Works will be selected by a jury panel of art professionals who may also invite artists who are eligible to participate.
This year’s 20 Year Anniversary Celebration will be held at the magnificent Mahaffey Theatre on Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 7pm. The Silent Auction exhibit will be presented in the Grand Ballroom of the Mahaffey Theatre. As in previous years, sold-out attendance is expected. Artists donating juried works valued at $250 or greater may choose to be compensated with 2 Gala tickets ($250 value) or receive up to 30% back on the final price paid.

Jurors:
Cory Allen- Gallerist and public relations for fine art and entertainment. www.cacanet.com
John Gascot- Auction coordinator, curator, painter and workshop leader. www.gascot.com
Sara Norine- Fiber artist, photographer and workshop leader. www.saranorine.com

Display:
All artworks must be securely mounted and ready for display as follows:
-Three-dimensional artworks must be stable or securely mounted to a free-standing base.
-Artworks on paper must be framed under glass or Plexiglas.
-All wall-hung pieces must be ready to hang with secured, closed eyehooks and wiring.

Application Deadline: February 19, 2017

Acceptance Notifications: February 25, 2017

Delivery/Collection: by April 10, 2017. Artists outside the Tampa Bay region are responsible for shipping to the Equality FL St. Pete offices Attn: John Gascot, Auction Coordinator via signature required delivery confirmation method. Shipped works must arrive in a substantial, reusable container and a prepaid return shipping label. The Auction Committee will not be responsible for damage to artwork due to insufficient packing material or container if returning artwork as it was originally shipped. Artists will be notified immediately of work that arrives damaged. While all reasonable efforts will be made to protect consigned works from accidental damage or breakage, Artist agrees to consign work at their own risk. Artist may insure their work at their own discretion.

Annual Gala and Auction Date: April 15, 2017, Mahaffey Theatre
Submission: Submit up to 3 high-resolution (at least 500x500 and no larger than 1000x1000 pixels) images of proposed artworks to jgascot@gascot.com

Support My LGBTQ Youth Expressive Art Program

I am an artist.

I am also a gay man. An OUT gay man. A married-to-another-guy out gay man.  A very FORTUNATE and GRATEFUL man.

As a kid I never dreamed I might be able to say those words. While we've come a long way in matters of LGBTQ awareness, tolerance and equality the sad reality is that we've not come nearly far enough. There are kids today who still cannot imagine saying those words. LGBTQ youth is still subject to ridicule, bullying and descrimination. 
As an artist and adult human member of the LGBTQ community I feel it is my responsibility to reach out and give back in the best way I know how...through art. Art saved and shaped my life and I believe it can do the same for others. It facilitates expression, confidence and self-esteem. The workshops provide a safe environment for creative social interaction and sharing.

I am volunteering my time to create an ongoing LGBTQ Youth Expressive Art Program (at NO COST to participants). I offer creative workshop sessions via a variety of venues which are easily accessible to participants. The program launches with my first workshop on 11/14/2016. In this early stage I am not only volunteering time but taking on the expense of art and creative materials as well. That is where you come in. 
I am just one guy doing his best to do his community and the world-at-large a solid. I too have pressing bills and other matters which demand my time, but believe passionately that investing in our youth sets into motion a whirlwind of positive change.

Your support will help provide materials like canvas, papers, paints, brushes and more. These are the tools which will empower the participants in my program. These are the tools with which they will grow, express...and conquer. 

Here I spell this wish out with utmost gratitude and set it out into the world with the great hope that it will raise the funds that will allow me to run this Expressive Arts program for its first year (now through the 2017 calendar year). 

Click the button below to donate.

Creativity and Kindness,
John Gascot