A New Path in Life

I am so excited. My phone interview for the monkey sanctuary I applied to went really well. She loved me! I think. We clicked enough that I know I could work with her. She seems gentle enough.

The director is who I’m talking about. We need to click because I’m not selling everything and moving to Florida to work with someone who I don’t jive with. You hear me?
It really is exciting to think about. I’ll be working with primates. A dream come true. It is happening so fast I can hardly believe it. I have heard that when you reach a certain point you begin to manifest things very quickly. Is that what I am doing? If so, what else have I manifested?
It was a little over a year ago that I held a baby monkey in my arms for the first time. It was the most beautiful moment of my life until that event. And two years ago the medicine told me to go work with animals in the jungle. But I have been craving the jungle since I was a child. I just somehow knew that I would work with monkeys some day. I’m only 34 and already I’m on my second career. How exciting for me!

Letting Go Of My Costume Art Business

I have decided to stop doing my costume art for the public. I am giving up working with feathers that are factory produced, including my favorite feather of all, the ostrich plume.
These birds are put through hell when their feathers are plucked and cut off. They are not even given the consideration of allowing them to naturally moult (drop) them.
The ostrich plume is an essential Mardi Gras feather. It is the key element to many of the finest Mardi Gras costumes. I adore them but I’m giving them up in support of the rights of animals. I hope to bring awareness to people through my art now.
And I have started an organization. The Feather Drop, for the collection of cruelty free feathers for use in art. I will collect donations from birds of private pet owners, sanctuaries, rescue organizations and zoos. The organization will eventually sell cruelty free feathers to artists and designers, and make enough to cover the cost of the organization and continue to bring awareness.
Shocking I know! I am giving up costuming! Well only when it comes to selling to you guys anymore.
Of course my soul needs nourishment so I won’t be giving up art entirely. I will still do henna and face painting as well as a couple of other new art hobbies, painting on clothes and medicine jewelry.
With the new feathers, I plan to create costumed characters that would educate about the environment and animal rights. It’s a plan that’s been in the making for awhile and I am ready to make the commitment. Thanks so much to all of you who have supported my work from the beginning and especially to New Orleans for motivating me to become an amazing mask maker and costume artist!