Beauty of Water Status Updates

Science at Fine Arts College
11 August 2008: Beauty of Water and Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts recently hosted Dr. PS Harikumar, shown here, of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) and the water museum, Kunnamangalam in Kozhikode. Dr. Harikumar, a valued fan and supporter of Beauty of Water, presented students with information on water management, water issues, and related topics. The lecture inspired intense inquiry among students regarding the connections we may make between scientific information and artistic expression of appreciation for water. The outcomes of these ponderings will surely be fertile.

Introducing Archana Sekhar
11 August 2008: Beauty of Water introduces Archana Sekhar, college intern with Beauty of Water. Archana noticed a story in the Indian Express regarding Beauty of Water, and felt called to become involved in some way. We are happy to have Archana's keen observation skills in project research, and we support her open-hearted investigation of career possibilities that positively impact the planet.

Beauty of Water Series and Workshop at Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts: A Day at Sasthamkotta
26 July 2008: This week fourth-year students in painting, sculpture, and applied arts at Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts visited Sasthamkotta Lake in the Kollam district of Kerala, South India, as a part of the Beauty of Water series and workshop that launched on July 11.

The onsite activities opened spontaneously with the creation of a paper boat installation and performance that drew from the traditional ritual recalling childhood memories. Some students commented that this was the first artistic collaboration they had the pleasure of experiencing.

Lecturers Shijo Jacob and A.P.Sunil joined students in a sensory-enhancing activity in which one partner was blindfolded and the other served as a guide. This experience brought participants into a pre-language state of being, heightening awareness of non-sighted ways of perceiving.

Students went on to create site-specific works using found objects such as stones, leaves, and the water itself. Five meaningful pieces were created. All were captured on digital video for a future documentary film. Additional photos may be found on the Beauty of Water Founder's Blog. Photos shown here and related blog photos are courtesy of V.Sasikumar.

Participants are making other important discoveries in explorations into conceptual, eco-, and collaborative art, and social sculpture. Next week Latha Kurien Rajeev (pictured below) will present a lecture and activities at the college. Future guests to the series include internationally known artists N.N. Rimzon, Rajan M. Krishnan, and T. Kaladharan; Dr. Harikumar of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) in Kozhikode; filmmaker K.P. Sasi; film director T.K. Rajeev Kumar; film and media critic and director of the School of Media Studies in Kochi, Dr. C.S. Venkiteswaran; playwrite and actress Sreeja Kappiyur of Palakkad, and others.

This series will culminate in a week-long workshop on campus after the Onam holiday in September. Students and faculty will create several collaborative works, inspired by water and the research embarked upon during the series.

More of the New Faces
2 July 2008: Beauty of Water is thrilled to be partnering with Latha Kurien Rajeev on a national level exhibition of art in appreciation for water, with programs for children and the public. More here soon. Latha is shown in the top photo.

Faculty at Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, shown in the middle photo, are collaborating with Beauty of Water on a new series for students that focuses on collaboration in art and nature in art with emphasis on water. Guest presenters and leaders are helping make this series come alive.

And V. Sasikumar, lower photo, has been graciously supporting Beauty of Water in numerous ways for many months. Sasi will direct Beauty of Water's documentation film process.

Some of the New Faces
16 April 2008: Partnerships are developing between Beauty of Water and several noteworthy leaders in Kerala.

Together we are creating childrens art camps; a professional art camp; a college course focused on collaboration, and nature in art with attention to water at Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, under principal N.N. Rimzon; documentation with film; curation of the signature Beauty of Water collaborative art piece; a village project, and more.

Appreciation for water in expressive arts is the uniting theme.

At right you will see three of the new faces, from top to bottom: T.Kaladharan, Anitha Sharma, and Sreeja K.V. with her niece Nivathetha at the Baharathapuzha river in Palakkad.

Photos of more of the new Kerala leadership in Beauty of Water will be featured here soon!

Change in Leadership
24 March 2008: Beauty of Water salutes the contributions of our former Keralan art lead, Santhan N.V., who gave a great deal of consideration to this work over time, provided valuable input, and generously connected other wonderful people with Beauty of Water here in India. We wish him well on his journey toward new career opportunities, and encourage others to watch this rising star. As the project moves forward, we envision an even closer match to our mission. Excellent new candidates for the Keralan art lead position have come forth. We are in the process of determining just the right configuration. More information coming soon!

First Beauty of Water Funding Drive!
23 January 2008: It's time to pitch in with financial support! Beauty of Water has evolved and progressed for two years with the help of in-kind and cash donations from a beloved team of enthusiastic, international supporters, for which we are eternally grateful. It is now time to step it up! The exciting production phase we are moving into calls for: a workspace, sculpting materials, healthy food for collaborators who make art with us, and ongoing administrative costs, the bulk of which go to communications via phone and email. Your contribution directly supports this manifestation and shifts consciousness related to water and the environment, around the planet. The ingredients for vital societal transformation lie in our hearts, minds, and pocketbooks! Please give, and be a part of this unique, uplifting work.

First Beauty of Water Newsletter
14 December 2007: Our first newsletter arrives this month, fresh off the press from Kerala, India! Please provide your email address using the form on the left to receive your own copy.

Hands-On in Kerala, India
11 November 2007: Beginning in November 2007 and continuing into 2008, Beauty of Water is in production in India, with artist Santhan Velayudhan. Santhan is a painter, sculptor, and lover of nature, life and humanity. Santhan's art can be seen in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and throughout the tropical state of Kerala. Beauty of Water founder Liza Behrendt is onsite, facilitating collaboration, co-creating partnerships with local and national organizations, securing co-sponsorships, and identifying service projects. We saw the rare butterfly pictured above during the project's initial investigations in Kerala in November of 2006. This stone bird shown here is part of a larger sculpture made by Santhan in past years. New images and stories are posted here as progress continues.

Donations Are Now Tax-Deductible
7 November 2007: It's official! Beauty of Water has been adopted into the fiscal sponsor program of the International Humanities Center (IHCenter). This means that we have non-profit, 501(c)(3) status and can accept tax-deductible donations. The IHCenter is a visionary organization whose mission is to work with projects that are "devoted to a vision of ecological and humanitarian stewardship that benefits all of creation," as they seek to "reverse the current situation of pollution, disease, and disconnection by focusing efforts on creating a civilization that is centered upon love, peace, and natural harmony."