Hey guys, I had a wonderful, wonderful conversation with `shell4art. I find it really difficult to describe and pin point what she actually does though as she is involved with so many different things.

What you must realise though, is that this isnt exactly an interview about `shell4art and her artwork, but rather an interview with her about enforcing positive change with the use of art via *Artists4change

Also, `shell4art isnt South African, but she is well connected and working with South Africans such as =cfoto and =thermalraven. Anyway, as I said, its hard to explain what she actually does. So please take the time to read the interview and it will all make sense.

"I wanted to further encourage artists to use their talents to help others. That is when *Artists4change was "born."

_{interview by *The-InvisibleFriend}

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-So tell us a bit about yourselves and how long you've been doing this?

My friends call me shell. I am `shell4art and have been in the business of the arts for over 25years. I have worked in volunteer/charities/fundraisers/philanthropy/causes for just as long. I have always been active in my community. I became active in the deviantART community a few years back and came across some incredible photographers who were showing us the REAL of what was going on in SA and other places in the world. You can check out my collection titled Humanities to get a glimpse of what I mean. If one is not moved by this photographer's work, then they have a darkened soul! GMB Akash

I then met up with an amazing photographer named =thermalraven who touched my heart beyond measure. His stories of what was happening tugged my heart. I researched more thoroughly and decided to help in anyway I could. Out of this came Raven's Relief We would like to further the cause of the "Living Brush" as well as send missionaries/teachers/helpers to Africa. My son is going to Uganda on a missions trip of his own, but it is a spiritual quest that he is on. We would like to support anyone who would like to help. We are not a religious organization.

We will be sending all supplies currently to =cfoto who will get them to :thermalraven:

We are currently applying for our non-profit status.

I was a Gallery Director here on dA and sincerely loved working with the community, after leaving that position I wanted to further encourage artists to use their talents to help others. That is when *Artists4change was "born."

I had owned a worldwide resource networking company called Integrity Entertainment (since 1995,) and was accustomed to this type of work. I took ill and now work from home and do as much as I can to help others.


-Who are the countries and people you target?
The US, Africa, India (currently) I would like to be global.

-What people are you affiliated with?
The Living Brush
Working on a few others as I type this, like PH15

-So tell me, how exactly can art enforce change?
This is an intense question! The art is the change unto itself. It fosters hope, creativity, genuine care, community awareness. It can also create monetary gain.

-what exactly happens with peoples art?
The art is donated to spread cheer, hope, and used in fund raisers.

With Raven's Relief that would depend on the group of people creating it. The supplies will be delivered and we go from there.

Artists4Change encourages artists to find things to do with their art to help others. For example: Animal art can be donated to animal shelters to be sold as fund raisers, prints given to shut-ins with Hospice, the possibilities are endless and we would like to help others who want to be active in making it happen.

-mmmmm, what about Copyright information
I believe we own the copyright the minute the creation was made. With Raven's relief we are sending supplies for people to create, hence no need for copyright. For Artists4Change, the work is donated as prints.

I hope this answers your questions. Please feel free make further
inquiries.

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thank you so much `shell4art
I hope this interview gains you much, more well deserved support. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer the question, really appreciate it.

Thank you so much.
and who says art cant have a function
now go off and go check out *Artists4change right now.

thank you