Paint it Forward - 1 Year Anniversary!

Exactly one year ago, Idda Ratherbehome began a rather special project here in the art community. She invited artists to create a painting and gift that painting to someone that would never expect to receive a painting from you.

There was to be no trading, no selling, just the satisfaction that you the artist had brought an unexpected surprise to another person without expecting anything in return. You could share with the Paint it Forward projeect who you gave your art to, or you might choose to remain anonymous. The choice is yours. As Idda said in her original forum thread:

"We can all afford one board to bring a smile to a real world face! So let's get painting and spread some creative love."

One year later, the Paint it Forward project is still going strong! I caught up with Idda to speak about her recently opened Paint it Forward Memorial Gallery - it includes a short mission, lots of art and a great video showcasing all the Paint it Forward artwork!

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Ruby: Idda, tell me more about what the Paint it Forward project means to you... why did you start it?

Idda: Back in August 2010 I fell asleep with an idea that was germinating in my head. As I mentioned in your previous interview the idea was planted by a comment my husband had made. It really got me to thinking that selling art wasn't as rewarding as it had once been and I had moved away from the joy of just painting for painting's sake. When I woke up the idea had grown roots and was fully developed in my mind's eye.

During that same time frame there were many Paperclip Projects happening in the forums where the originator was trading things with one goal in mind... to receive something at the end. I wanted to take the idea one step further.... give... without any strings attached. I have to admit I was nervous about posting the thread because it could have been a big flop, but I decided no matter what, I would do my part whether anyone else did or not. I shouldn't have worried because from day one it grew faster than I could have dreamed it would.

Ruby: So, just what has the response been like over the life of the project?

Idda: The response has been OVERWHELMING with hundreds of people participating. There isn't a week that goes by that someone has gifted a painting or a new person has joined. I love going to see the screenshots in the Paint it Forward thread, of all the paintings that have been passed on. Ruby I have to thank you especially because I believe your article in the Chronicle last year helped spread the word throughout SmallWorlds faster than I could have believed possible.

Ruby: Well, it's a pleasure Idda - it's such a a positive initiative. In your opinion, why do you think it's still going after 12 months?

Idda: This is a good question Ruby hehe! I can only atttribute it's success to the very nature of the artists participating. You know it just feels good when you do something for another person, especially when they don't expect it. It's especially nice to know someone notices you and goes out of their way to let you know by giving you something that they created themselves. Most artists find it extremely hard to part with their creations and the fact so many have crossed that invisible barrier inside of us is astonishing.

Ruby: And, getting your crystal ball out, what you see as the future of the Paint it Forward project?

Idda: I wish I had a crystal ball to see how far this will go. (Perhaps Smallworlds could create one? If not I know Madame Donotella Noboddi could loan us one.) I know up until now it has crossed the great divide between the Art Community and the Mission Community. Several people have discovered a love of art and painting that they didn't know they had previously. My hope would be to see this continue to grow year after year as more people join Smallworlds and the art community. This project isn't just for accomplished artists. The range of talent ranges from brand new to extremely talented. Noone judges others paintings as not being good enough to participate. Some of my favorite paintings are from people that just started painting.

Ruby: Tell me a bit more about the gallery...

Idda: I created the Paint it Forward Art Project space because I wanted to show my appreciation to everyone that has participated in this project. I also thought it was a shame to hide the paintings away and wanted to put them in a public space for all to see. The paintings at the Project are just a small representation of those that have been painted forward in the first year. I want to thank Sunnyd Rockon and Christine Knight for allowing me to display some of the paintings that they have received along with my collection.

Also in the space is a video showing all the known art everyone has generously given. It was my way of honoring everyone's dedication. At the end of the video is the faces of our all painters. I think people would recognize many of them. As of this date, over 200 artists have been involved.

To bring the Art community and the Mission community together, I've also included a small mission that gives the history of the project and tells people how they can join. Everyone is invited to be a part, it doesn't matter about your level of experience, this project is simply art from the heart, giving without expecting anything in return.

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You can visit the Paint it Forward gallery here. If you'd like to read Idda's original forum thread, click here - and here's a link to the new forum thread announcing the 1 year anniversary!