Bulgaria's Golden Roses
Are something special to behold
Like dreams that never get old
Or even ice cream...
That's always cold
Winning after deciding not to fold
Breaking the mold
And becoming something better
Even better than we're told,
They are just like this...
Like roses dipped in gold.
Size: 150 x 130cm (5 x 4 ft)
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
The Cedar Foundation is a charity organization in Bulgaria - working towards providing better lives for Bulgaria’s disadvantaged children and young persons.
I was able to accompanied the foundation to an orphanage/home in the city of Gorna Koznitsa, where we spent some time that afternoon happily running around in the sun playing football in one of the nearby fields.
Every single one with the brightest smiles and most genuine laughter, as they even made me feel that pure and simple happiness that we sometimes take for granted.
It was difficult to make the realization, though, that the life they had just come from, they were merely leaving it behind for a few hours only to return thereafter.
For now, it's the only time I've spent with them, but it's what inspired this painting and will be remembered as something truly special.
***On September 26, 2009 the painting was auctioned for 4,900 EUROS - with all proceeds being donated to the foundation. If you would like to learn more about this charity and its cause, please visit their website: The Cedar Foundation
Alexander's March
When Baba Marta has finally had her say,
So there, the snow will melt away...
Revealing ten Martenitsi,
Hidden in the branches,
As Alexander Nevski's Cathedral dances,
In the golden springtime sunshine.
But the snow will not be forgotten,
There nestled in the domes...
It's a scene that undoubtedly belongs,
To Alexander's March in Sofia.
Size: 115cm x 81cm
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
On March 13, 2010 at this year's St.Patrick's Day Charity Ball, this painting was auctioned for 3,500 EUROS - with all proceeds being donated to The Cedar Foundation - a charity organization in Bulgaria working towards providing better lives for Bulgaria’s disadvantaged children and young persons.
If you would like to learn more about this charity and its cause, please visit their website: www.cedarfoundation.org
Guilded Butterflies
Comparable to these butterflies,
Unsure if they are suitable,
Adorned, yet already beautiful,
Unaware of needing nothing at all
To shine...
Radiant and alluring,
Gracefully capturing
A handful of dust
Delicate to touch
And fleeting in every direction...
So we are,
like these winsome guilded butterflies.
Size: 100cm x 70cm
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
(SOLD)
Industrial Rose Valley
Only here will you openly find,
Famous valleys of a thousand roses,
Neighboring fallen communist shrines,
Of the dusty and polluted kind.
But somehow there is this amazing beauty,
Of the best and worst combined,
Recorded and painted
On this little plastic hubcap...
From Bulgaria.
Mixed media on hubcap
I was invited to participate on this project by its founder, Ken Marquis. It is a global project in which I have the great honour in representing Bulgaria, the country I previously resided in.
The project is entitled "Landfill Art". It is a collective endeavor requesting 1,041 artists, worldwide, to think green and create great art.
"I’m hopeful, that upon completion, this project will weave a global tapestry which tells a compelling story of humanity, our similarities, our differences, and the common threads that binds us all." Ken Marquis, Founder Landfill Art
His hopes are certainly something I believe in and readily support. It's amazing how this journey of life, culture, and its continuity is finding a way to ever spread its wings..
Alexander's March II
When Baba Marta has finally had her say,
So there, the snow will melt away...
Revealing ten Martenitsi,
Hidden in the branches,
As Alexander Nevski's Cathedral dances,
In the golden springtime sunshine.
But the snow will not be forgotten,
There nestled in the domes...
It's a scene that undoubtedly belongs,
To Alexander's March in Sofia.
Size: 90cm x 70cm
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
On November 29th, 2011 at the annual Cedar Foundation Charity Ball, this painting was auctioned for 800 EUROS - with all proceeds being donated to The Cedar Foundation - a charity organization in Bulgaria working towards providing better lives for Bulgaria’s disadvantaged children and young persons.
If you would like to learn more about this charity and its cause, please visit their website: www.cedarfoundation.org
Vitosha Mountain Leaf
As this leaf floated down from Vitosha,
Its mountain began to shine...
Greens to yellows, golds to orange,
And even shades of Melnik wine.
The essence of all the changing seasons,
Detailed on its surface...
Preserved for only one reason,
Only one purpose,
Never limited, forever intricate...
As quick as it takes...1, 2, 3,
It has shown its beauty,
Which was the duty
Of this radient Vitosha Mountain leaf.
Size: 115cm x 80cm
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
(SOLD)
From the beginning, as a planted seed
And then a bud,
They have indeed, grown.
Making themselves known,
Until they are in full bloom,
And we can finally see
This progression of a Rose.
Everything around them
Is beautiful.
This is what happens
When you come into your own,
You own what you've become,
Your purpose becomes your heart,
And you understand your part,
As seeing in everyone
This progression of a Rose.
Size: 40cm x 40cm each
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
On October 16, 2010, at the annual Cedar Foundation Charity Ball, this series of paintings was auctioned for 2,500 EUROS - all proceeds being donated to The Cedar Foundation, a charity organization in Bulgaria that I've witnessed working hard, everyday, to provide better lives for Bulgaria’s disabled orphaned children and young persons.
Touched by the tireless efforts of the foundation, its partnering organizations and most of all, its volunteers from around the world, this series of paintings has become an inspired interpretation of how The Cedar Foundation, in particular, has grown from a budding idea into a reality, now in full bloom.
If you would like to learn more about this charity and its cause, please visit their website: www.cedarfoundation.org
