Artists Can Make a Difference: Paint Rain for Australia
I live in a wildfire region. My province of British Columbia is heavily forested, and during the summer there is almost always a time where the sky grows hazy with smoke; a constant reminder that, even when my region isn’t directly affected, others are living on edge, evacuating or facing loss of home or life. It’s unimaginable to think of an entire continent surrounded in flames, but as I’m sure you already know, that is what Australia is facing right now. 6 million hectares have been burned so far. It’s hard to get accurate data on animal loss of life, but millions of animals have been directly affected by the fires. My friend Jade’s sister lives in a wildfire area in Australia and has been working with an animal rescue mission to provide feeding stations for animals in areas that have been burned out as food sources and habitat are destroyed by fire.
I painted this plein air painting this spring, standing in a smoky haze in the field across the road from my house. Fortunately, a dry spring was followed by the rainiest summer in a long time, and our early fears for a fierce wildfire season were quenched.
But Australia hasn’t been so fortunate.
I’m so proud of the firefighters Canada has sent to help battle the bushfires, and the money donated can provide aid to humans and animals displaced by fire. And I love my planet and desire to make personal choices that will protect and care for our earth and climate. But not one of those things will stop the fires. They are too big, and too powerful, and we need a miracle; a country drenched in rain, and for that, the only thing we can do is ask the rain-giver.
Who has the wisdom to count the clouds?
Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens? Job 38:37
Let’s Paint Rain for Australia!
A few days ago in my Facebook group, my friend Mila Renault, who is an amazing watercolor artist and a beautiful soul from New Zealand, posted a painting by artist Vjekoslav Nemesh; a prayer for rain for Australia, and asked us: What if we all prayed for rain for Australia?
What if we did? My Facebook group took up the challenge, and in a few days, the feed became full of paintings showing solidarity for a country under siege. Group members from Australia shared how moved they were by the show of love and support. For me, this has been a reminder of how the internet can be a place for community in action, and a conviction as well. Do I believe that prayer makes I difference? Do I live as though I do?
I’m taking the time to paint and pray for Australia. Won’t you join me? Post your painting on social media and include the hashtag #paintrainforaustralia
Let’s let our friends in Australia know that we care in this small way. Let’s recognize the power of invisible things; prayer, faith and love.
Give to the Australian Relief Effort
Want to do more? Your donations will provide relief and support for Australians when you give through registered charities and trusted non-profit organizations. Be mindful that GoFundMe campaigns do have some safeguards, but the most efficient ways to get funds to support Australia are going to be through channels that are experienced in providing relief.
Here are a few:
Australia’s local state fire services (P!nk gives links in a Twitter post here.)
This article from the New York Times gives lots of links to organizations, including wildlife relief organizations.