Peace, Love, & Understanding
Jan Slack
Seattle, Washington, USA
Jan is a Seattle Regional Coordinator for the Global Art Project for Peace. Letter of greeting that Jan sent to her Global Art Project for Peace exchange partner in Puymoyem, Charente, France:
“I’ve participated in all of the previous Global Art Project exchanges since its inception in 1994 – some individually and others as a group participant. These exchanges have included art from people in Japan, China, Germany, Ghana, Brazil, Taiwan, Canada and the US. I believe that now more than ever all efforts should be focused on understanding, accepting and extending compassion to our neighbors of the world. This exchange is one way to do that. Another way to spread goodwill is through travel. I’ve done lots of international travel in the past and have found it a humbling yet gratifying experience that allows me to be completely present and open minded. Let’s hope we’ll all be able to travel freely again.
“I am working at the Seattle Housing Authority as a Property Assistant for 2 senior properties. I’m pleased that I can contribute to my tenants by keeping up their spirits with humor and compassion during these challenging times. I love living in a metropolitan area with so much culture on offer yet we’re only an hour away from the mountains all the while being surrounded by water.
“I came from an artistic family–my mom being both an art teacher and in retirement an exhibiting artist. All 3 of my sisters do some sort of artwork including photography, mosaic, collage and block print. I have taught ceramic art in the Parks Department in addition to creating collage and mixed media. For the last 4 years I’ve been doing Sumi-e (Japanese ink brush painting) which I’ve studied through South Seattle College’s Continuing Education program.
“My 2024 exchange piece is a collage entitled Peace, Love, and Understanding inspired by the Elvis Costello song ‘What’s so funny ‘bout that….’ I’ve collaged words and symbols of balance, unity, and love around a picture of a woman’s eyes peeking out of a burka. The Nautilus shell symbolizes symmetry and balance, the chrysanthemum exemplifies friendship, happiness, and well-being and it’s all framed by dozens of people’s faces embodying all of humanity.”
Jan Slack
