tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245618372024-03-13T10:34:15.346-04:00The Birth Project PaintingsThis site chronicles the progression of The Birth Project Paintings, a series of paintings about the birthing experience.
To volunteer your photos or participate please email me at amanda@amandagreavette.comAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-7815896946109407752014-11-13T21:46:00.001-05:002014-11-18T17:20:50.847-05:00Lucy and Ruth- a story about Anencephaly, Loss and Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Let me tell you about my friend Ruth and her beautiful daughter Lucy</b>. Ruth is pregnant with Lucy in this recent painting, called <i>'<u>The glow that she left in me is forever ignited'</u>.</i> I knew I could only attempt to capture a small portion of their beauty in this piece, but I had to try. Ruth contacted me about two months after Lucy was born, and shared with me her powerful and emotional story. Since then we've kept in touch and I've been so blessed by our communication. Ruth is painted shortly after she found out Lucy had anencephaly, which is a cephalic disorder resulting in the top portion of the head to be unformed. Of course this was devastating to Ruth and her family- and this painting depicts a photo her son took of her days after the news. Her son Luke drew sunflowers on Ruth's belly because they knew they would name her 'Lucy Sunflower'.<br /> <br />Below Ruth shared with me some of her birth story, which is so incredibly powerful. Ruth has a blog in which she writes about experiencing loss as a parent. Lucy went home with her family and lived for 33 hours, being bathed in their love. I encourage you to read more about Ruth and Lucy by going to her blog, <a href="http://sweetbabylucy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SweetBabyLucy</a>. To learn more about anencephaly please visit <a href="http://anencephaly.info/" target="_blank">anencephaly.info</a> I plan to paint more of Lucy's story- of her sweet face next to her mother's beautiful one at home in bed. The images of Ruth birthing Lucy will be etched in my mind forever of a powerful, joyful woman overtaken with courage and love. I would love to open a space for grief and loss and allow them to be, alongside the hope and joy in birth. Ruth has been so open with me, being honest about her grief and the process of mourning Lucy, of missing her every day, of being pummeled by sorrow and the reality of living without her child. I am so honoured to listen to her, and I hope you will also be touched by Lucy's lovely soul and Ruth's courage and immense love for her daughter. I know that Ruth would welcome an opportunity to connect with anyone on the topic of anencephaly, please contact her through her blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><i>My name is Ruth. We had an emergency induction due to pre-eclampsia, so I did not have enough time to hire a birth photographer.( We do have a few blurry photos that my husband snapped seconds after I caught my sweet Lucy in my arms). My dreams of a homebirth were shattered at this time, and as I lay crying in the hospital bed, so angry and sad that yet another thing was being stolen from me, I realized that I still can have control of my birth, it was my birth and nobody could take that away from me. My birth team was there with me, ready and supportive of only me. I had a wonderful and strong doula, my loving husband, my 5 year old son and my mother all in the room with me. I picked myself up and I birthed the way my body knew how. I felt like a total goddess. I felt like I was one of the strong women in your amazing paintings, the paintings that I had been looking at my whole pregnancy. </i><br />
<i><br />I would like to tell you a little about me and my dear daughter. I was planning on a low key homebirth. I did not want an ultrasound because I was scared of negative side effects. But at 36 weeks, my midwife, my husband and myself knew I needed to get one. I personally felt like something was so wrong, and medically I had very high blood pressure and I was measuring 31 weeks. We opted for an ultrasound, and we found out our little one had anencephaly and would not be with us much longer. Still being given the "okay" for a homebirth and after the initial shock, we kept preparing, at 40.5 weeks we found a wonderful midwife/doula and took her with us to see the hospital midwives because my previous midwife abandoned us... When we came, they told me that I had pre-eclampsia and I had extreme high blood pressure. They admitted me that day. I had my husband go home for our things. <br /><br />On April 2nd 2013 at 1:17am while kneeling on the floor in the hospital room, with the lights low and my birth team letting me be. I birthed my sweet Lucy right into my arms. It was so magical and amazing. I can't even explain how peaceful and beautiful it was. My sweet Lucy was breech and I felt her cute, soft bottom as she was coming out... and I will never forget the moment I saw and felt my dear little one in my arms. We left the cord intact, and we cut it after I birthed the placenta. In the picture I wish you could see that. but someone threw a blanket over us as soon as she was delivered and before my husband got the photo. I wish so much that I could see her full body, and the whole time she was with us, we didn't get a full shot of it. Just bits and pieces. <br /><br /> I would die for a painting of my birth and a painting of my dear Lucy. I miss her so much. She means everything to me. I also really want to spread awareness, in the fact that YOU can bring your baby into the world with so much love and peace. And even if your baby has a condition like anencephaly, YOU can carry to term and YOU can have those few sweet, amazing, breathtaking minutes, hours or days with your baby. We had 33 hours with our sweet Lucy and I feel like even if she had passed in my womb, I feel like I would have loved her the same and been happy to spend some time with her after delivery. She was so strong and amazing. I can't stop talking about how beautiful she is. I am so grateful for the time we had with our precious Lucy and I would not trade those hours with her for anything in the world. We even had a chance to bring her home with us and she spent a full night sleeping in my arms. She smiled the loveliest smile that I have ever seen. She was wise beyond her life. Very wise and knowing and such a gentle soul. She gave me everything I could have ever asked her for. She birthed gently into this world, into my arms, she lived long enough for me to bring her home, she gave me soft smiles when I touched her face, she latched on once (even though she did not nurse, she did latch on), we got a whole day and night together, she let us know when she was hungry by rooting and looking to nurse, she gave me one sweet cry in which I was able to comfort her, she scrunched up her eyes when the kids were loud, she had the most beautiful and the sweetest yawns, she lifted her head, she let me comfort her and love her, She made lovely baby noises, and she was so gentle and peaceful and I felt so much joy and love for her every minute. I got to feel her warm body against my skin, I miss my dear Lucy every second of every day. All I want to do is talk about her and hear her name. She is my sweet flower child. </i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJCg4AjLrlk/VF_krGEK5sI/AAAAAAAAAfI/1xnLHRFlEcY/s1600/IMG_5840.JPG"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJCg4AjLrlk/VF_krGEK5sI/AAAAAAAAAfI/1xnLHRFlEcY/s1600/IMG_5840.JPG" width="532" /></a><br />
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When Ruth posted the photo used as reference for this piece on Facebook, at 8 months pregnant, she wrote under it, <i>'I will only get to see you for a minute, an hour or hopefully a day or two... but you have to know my dear, that every moment you are inside my womb, every vibrant movement you make, every hiccup you take... I cherish. and I love you and always will. I wish you could be with us always, but even though you won't be with us long.. you will always be there, our little light, our little Sunflower. '</i><br />
I hope that we are able to love and support each other, to hold each other up and to reach out through pain and loss. Life includes hurt, and I hope that we can share our stories of loss, and listen to other's stories. Many mothers also grieve, let's allow those voices to speak and let's talk about their little ones. <br />
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In memory of Lucy, Enoch, Finn, Kendall, Rafael, Ruben, Anicea Genevieve, and Seraphima and many other little souls whose short lives touched us. Thank you Ruth, for sharing with me. <br />
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The birth is videoed from dancing in labour through to examining the placenta. The early part is quiet and calm as I danced through a couple hours of labour with headphones on and eyes shut to create a sense of privacy as I had many family members and friends in attendance. This is almost boring to watch! The second stage was very quick (video in real time) but very intense. I always experience 'fetal ejection reflex' and have very short pushing (just a couple pushes, hardly controllable) but this baby didn't 'shoot out' after the head emerged as others have. I screamed uncontrollably, this was the most painful pushing experience I've had. My midwife possibly unhooked his shoulder- I sought her help with my eyes as I thought I was pushing him into the bottom of the tub. Likely if I would have pushed instead of screamed (my body pushed, I screamed) or put a leg up he would have emerged, but in those moments I'm merely holding onto a runaway train. Despite the pain there was no tearing. The only other birth that was a wild as that was with my daughter who had a nuchal hand and was the next biggest child. The others I've been able to control a bit more through panting and self-coaching, although they are quick and intense. <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lE7UfHEcE04/U8QA4Oy-VrI/AAAAAAAAAeA/niQNBDOVyIQ/s1600/Birth+of+Magnus+Riot+(17).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lE7UfHEcE04/U8QA4Oy-VrI/AAAAAAAAAeA/niQNBDOVyIQ/s1600/Birth+of+Magnus+Riot+(17).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>The morning of the birth I had a hint that 'today was the day' with a tiny streak of blood, barely noticable. Contractions continued as they had for days. By early afternoon I had another spot of blood and knew it was time. I asked my family to come, but requested they stay outside until I was labouring more. By 4 it was starting to pick up gently, and by 5pm I was upstairs labouring with the music.<br />
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My sister who was absent watched via live video on the cell phone.<br />
Thank you to my amazing photographer who also took the video, Sarah Chaloux.<br />
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Graphic content for language, mild nudity and blood.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ed_NvRqOt8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ed_NvRqOt8</a><br />
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An example of a drug-free home waterbirth attended by midwives and family. For the purposes of educating about natural birth, and how music and dancing are natural pain-relievers and useful in labour and birth. I've participated in a 'Dancing for Birth' session at a conference and used the videos at home. On the wall is a print from 'The Mandala Journey' from Amy Haderer, who's work has been very special to me over the years and pregnancies.<br />
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Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-1330339034579835332014-02-18T20:22:00.001-05:002014-02-18T21:33:51.293-05:00Remembering Ramsey's birth<i>In celebration of Ramsey's birthday tomorrow I thought I would re-post his birth story. This was written a few years ago, and I enjoyed reading through it again. I completely forgot he was 5 days early, no wonder I wasn't ready! One thing I've remembered recently with my 5th birth approaching is that 1.5 hours before birthing Ramsey I was carrying loads of wood upstairs to stock for the day's fire, and went outside to start the pull-start generator so there would be ample water and power. I don't want to do that now! I'm trying to convince my husband that that is unusual for a woman so close to birth. </i><br />
<i>Enjoy! ~ Be warned, it's long.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Birth of Ramsey Chad Wilder
Greavette</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">February 19, 2009 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Our third child entered the
world with his own kind of drama. In retrospect, we really should have named
him ‘Loki’ (Norse god of mischief) or Hellar. But Ramsey means ‘strong’, and
he’s continued to be the 'wild child' in his own way! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Pregnancy is a time of (almost)
pure joy for me. I love the new sacredness of every day and the hum of purpose
in my body. I love the way time slows down in mounting anticipation, and the
rapid changing of my form. We already had two lovely children and hoped for
more, but it still came as a surprise as I reviewed my charts one day to
realize I was, in fact, pregnant! I had been ovulating, I was aware, but my
other fertility symptoms indicated that a pregnancy would be unlikely. I was
still breastfeeding and was not quite ready to be pregnant again. I wasn’t
unhappy at first, and my husband’s response was just</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> a laugh. However, this surprise still took me a bit off-guard. I wanted to keep
the pregnancy a secret for awhile so I could sort out my feelings and come to
accept idea. Unfortunately that didn’t work out well and my family found out
earlier than I wanted. (Little sister read my diary!) This really made me
upset, and I actually refused to talk about it for awhile. I needed space to
think, to grow, to accept this wee one already forming. Coming to terms with
this proved to be a continual process for me throughout the pregnancy, and yet
somehow this element of surprise only added to the mystery and beauty of having
a child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Ironically, despite struggling
emotionally, it proved to be my easiest pregnancy and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I had the usual over-zealous Braxton Hicks contractions (irritable uterus), but I wasn’t sick and
had no complications. Of course, I had excellent care with my midwives, and
enjoyed seeing the student midwife, Melissa, along with Barbara, who I had used
with Evangeline’s pregnancy as well. I had a very intervention-free pregnancy;
I had no ultrasound and felt very comfortable refusing most tests, trusting my
knowledge and intuition. Ramsey was a bit of a mystery in utero, his movements
were unremarkable compared to the other two, he spent some time posterior, but
other than that he was almost boring. I was free to enjoy life as it was, and
couldn’t complain about my condition at all. I had been apprehensive about the
February due date, but actually found it ‘got me through’ the long winter. I
enjoyed my time with my two small children (Axel, almost 4 and Evangeline,
almost 2). As I approached my due date and swelled with life, my excitement
mounted. I anticipated and planned a ‘perfect homebirth’ and I finally felt
ready to welcome this baby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">I was thoroughly excited about
a homebirth. I had considered one for my second pregnancy, but due to several
factors NOT including safety I chose to birth at the hospital. One of these
factors was the very strong feelings of my husband, who I lovingly call
‘birth-phobic’. One would think that by the third child a man would be
accepting, even <i>comfortable </i>with birth, especially in this enlightened
age, but not my man. The drama, excitement, intensity, graphic female content
and abundance of foreign fluids are enough to make my physically strong man’s
head swim and stomach turn. This might make some women feel angry or
unsupported, but I love him anyway. He's a great husband and father, but as a birth partner, not so much! I’ve more than come
to terms with this; in fact, it’s allowed me to revel in total freedom the
pleasures and pain of birth, and claim all the glory and praise for bringing
our children into the world to myself (except for one small part, ha ha)! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> I wasn’t due
until the following Tuesday (the 24</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">th</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">) and never been early, so I was not thinking labour when I woke up early on Thursday morning. For a couple days I’d had really strong Braxton
Hicks contractions that ended almost painfully, and I had been crampy and
strange-feeling beyond the usual pre-labour I feel for weeks. I felt like I'd been ready to launch into labour since Sunday
night when I had light contractions through the night, but really felt like I needed to hold off until a few key things came together. On Wednesday evening I went to La Leche League because I knew
it would be the last meeting before the baby came. It was fun to chat with the
ladies about the upcoming birth. Also on Wednesday my sisters Genieve and
Kaitlyn had flown in from St. Louis and Japan respectively, along with
Genieve’s two children. As of their arrival I mentally gave myself 'permission' to birth anytime, as everyone had gathered. I wanted them both present for the birth, as well as my
sister-in-law Sarah (to take photos) and my mom. This birth was to be a bit of
a party; I was really looking forward to having it photographed and shared by
everyone. My other two births were very quick and straightforward (3.5 and 4.5
hours) and I thought this birth would be a great opportunity for my family to be part of a normal, healthy birth in a home setting. I had spent a lot of time
and effort preparing and decorating our bedroom and bathroom, and made a really
lovely space that was bright and open and perfect for a 'birthing nest'. It was
important to me to have a welcoming place to birth a baby, a beautiful spot
that I felt good about and would not be distracting with clutter and unfinished
spots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">At 5am on Thursday morning, I woke up with contractions. It was February 19. The
contractions felt strong and they got me out of bed right away. There really
was no buildup, aside from the pre-labour I’d had for a few days. It just <i>began.
</i>They came in no clear pattern, some were strong and long, some were short
and light and they were irregular or bunched together. I felt incapable of
timing them, which I think began my denial. Already I found myself struggling
with the stronger ones, but I really didn’t believe they were real. I’d never
had this uncertainty with my other labours. During them I had been able to
welcome the contractions, relax through them, absorb them and work with them.
This time I could feel myself trying to get away and resist their intensity,
and my efforts and movements didn't seem to help. Somehow, this was confusing.
Maybe if I knew I was in labour I could have settled down and focused.
Instead I listened to my iPod, played on the internet, did some chores around
the house. During contractions I would sway, relax, or move to a crawling
position. They were very tight and quite long, and at the peak I was really
agonizing through them. I was uncomfortable! For some reason, though, I didn’t FEEL
like I was in labour; between each contraction I just kept postponing calling
anyone. Surely they’ll stop, or, it wasn’t that bad. Because of my previous
short labours I was under strict instructions to call everyone right away,
especially my midwives Melissa and Barbara. But I wanted to be alone until I
knew it wasn’t going away. I guess I’d had so much ‘false labour’ and
pre-labour in the past, I was mentally convinced this too, wasn’t <i>real </i>labour.
As dawn approached I started to worry about the day beginning. The kids would
wake up and Chad would go to work. If this was real, how could I keep labouring
with a 4 year old and 2 year old running around? This wasn't how I imagined it,
this couldn't be it. Besides, between contractions I felt totally normal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Closer to 6:30 am I paged my
student midwife, Melissa. She understood my confusion and suggested a shower
and to call her back in half an hour. I was happy with this suggestion, and
glad I didn’t feel pressured to admit to anything. First I brought up a good
load of wood for the fires (we heat with wood) and started the generator (we
are off-grid but use a generator to fill our water tanks). I ate a hearty
breakfast. In the shower I relaxed and contractions melted away. See? It wasn't
labour. Silly me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">After the shower my memory gets
blurry. I got out and got ready for the day, dressing and putting makeup on. It
was 7am. Axel and Evangeline were up and joined me upstairs. Chad was hovering
around anxiously, wanting me to tell him I wasn’t in labour. He was getting
ready for work, hoping to leave soon. He kept asking what was going on and I
kept snapping, ‘I don’t know!’ Instinctively I asked for his assistance in
making the bed up for birth, and this freaked him out a bit. I mentally noted
that the contractions had returned with a vengeance. They were very difficult
to work through; I was getting breathy and a bit panicky during them. I
couldn't focus and I was getting easily annoyed. Finally I conceded; I was in
labour. In the midst I paused to tell Axel that we would probably have the baby
today, who had been hoping for a baby brother and wanted to name him ‘Diablo’.
Perhaps it would take all day though, my confused mind still couldn’t tell. And
I still couldn’t understand how I could be in labour with the kids up, or have
a baby now that it was daybreak. I felt irritated with the kids and remembered
I all I had to get ready, so I sent them downstairs to have breakfast with
Chad. Until now I had kept postponing filling the bathtub, even though our tub
takes forever to fill. Finally I realized, 'this is it'; it hit me like a brick
wall. I was going to have the baby: soon. I urgently paged Melissa, and while
waiting for her to call, called my family. I spoke to Sarah, who was to take
photographs and coming from Toronto. I had a short, emotional conversation with
my dad, asking him to send my mother and sister. Finally Melissa called back as
I finished a wild contraction, and I exhaled breathlessly, ‘come, NOW!’ It was
7:57 am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="page-break-before: always;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Things
were coming really fast now. During contractions I was on the floor groaning
and panting and between them I was making the bed up, filling the tub and
starting a wash, all upstairs in our loft-style bedroom. Chad was desperately
trying to leave and getting upset that no one was here yet. He didn't want to
be around for the labour and had wanted to be called when it was closer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="page-break-before: always;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">I was nearing the end. It was
probably 8:00. I was kneeling on the floor of the laundry room trying to fill
the washing machine. Why was I starting a wash? There, on the floor, I knew I
had to get down to business. During a contraction I pounded the floor with my
fist, saying 'get here, get here!' Was I talking about my help, or the baby?
Transition! No ‘I can’t do this’; just ‘I can’t do this alone’! That contraction
ended differently, I felt pressure mounting in my bottom. The baby was coming;
I couldn’t deny it any longer. My right-brain took over, and I realized I
likely would be alone. Quickly I headed for the toilet, racing through the
bedroom to the open en-suite. I was desperate for someone to show up. Chad came
upstairs to check on me and seeing me bent over on the toilet he yelled about
going to the hospital now, realizing how close I was and that we were alone. I
yelled back about having a baby NOW! He went back downstairs mad as a hornet.
This was his worst nightmare, being alone with a birthing woman! The toilet
felt awful during a contraction, so I got up and whipped my bottoms off. There
were only seconds between contractions, and with the next one I fell to the
bathroom floor, and contracted on my hands and knees. I was beside the tub, and
put my hand in the water hoping to get in it to find some relief, but it was
too hot. As the next contraction mounted I realized I was having the baby right
then and started saying to myself, ‘Ok, I’m having the baby, I can do this, I’m
having a baby’. This was calming and I called to mind the basic instructions of
‘how to catch a baby’. I was able to pant through two contractions. I was a bit
thrilled that the panting worked to get me through two contractions without
pushing. I grabbed a towel from the towel bar and threw it under me so I didn’t
have the baby on the linoleum. With the next contraction my first push became
undeniable and I groaned loudly with exertion. I looked down and watched my
water break like a spray- no meconium- and I reached to feel the head crowning
and support myself. Strangely I didn't feel the 'ring of fire', just the
incredible overwhelming pressure. My pushing was involuntary and irresistible.
I had crouched low to the floor with the first one like a cat ready to pounce,
but then sat more upright, resting my bum on my heels and kneeling. Chad came
bounding up the stairs because he heard me yelling/groaning. He stood in the
bedroom, watching, furious and immobile. While I waited for the next
contraction we exchanged ‘words’ on what was happening. He swore and I
reassured him I was ‘just going to have the baby right now’. I was calm but
panting with the effort and exhilaration. With the next uncontrollable and
overwhelming contraction and push I groaned loudly with exertion and the
incredible sensations of pressure and pain The head was born. I kept my hand
resting on the side of it. There was a bubble of sac beside the head, and it
looked funny but I guessed what it was. While I was loud with the contractions,
I didn't scream uncontrollably like I did with Evangeline, perhaps because I
had more control because I was alone. Chad swore again, and I again assured him
everything was fine. I panted, "We're having the baby, we're having the
baby'. I waited for the next contraction, knowing the wait was fine, but still
it felt like forever. Finally with the third contraction the whole body
slithered (or shot) out with so much relief and a huge groan. I reached down
both numbly and automatically (I was kneeling but sitting on my heels) and
grabbed the baby and brought it quickly up to my chest. What an incredible
feeling- to be the only hands that touch that slimy, hot wet body, to grab your
child because no one else is going to, and to pull them to your chest. I asked
for a towel, which Chad tossed to me, not moving any closer. I was so calm, so
mentally organized as well as euphoric. It was all instinctive, yet rational. I
turned the baby to face away from me with head down to drain any fluid and
rubbed his back and head a bit to stimulate him, then lowered him to check for
the cord. It was wrapped 2 or 3 times around his neck and once around his body.
I unwound it easily, then brought him back up to my chest and continued rubbing
him and checked for mucous. He made some noises, I could see he was breathing
and pinking up, and he cried briefly. I asked for the hat my midwife Barb knit.
I thought <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="page-break-before: always;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">about
asking for the bulb syringe in the homebirth kit but knew it would be too much
for him. Once the hat was on and I felt the baby was warm I relaxed and started
laughing and crying. I said to Chad we’d ‘had an unassisted birth! We had an
unassisted birth!’ Chad insisted it wasn’t funny, and where the 'f'**' was
everybody. After a moment he asked cautiously if it was ok, and I said he was
great, and asked if he wanted to know what it was. He said ‘no!’ but I moved
the towel and lifted the leg and laughed that we had another boy. Axel was
right! Chad asked if I was bleeding and I said 'no', but as I said it I felt a
small gush and thought it was probably the placenta detaching. He went
downstairs to get the kids. I stayed where I was and held and cuddled the baby,
I was comfortable and knew I didn't need to move. As I turned him to face me
and wiped off his face, he blinked several times and gazed up at me so
innocently that I laughed and whispered, ‘oh you are a little devil, aren’t
you?’ His fist sight was me! I tried to get him to suckle, but he wasn't interested
yet. In the silence I realized what had just happened; I delivered my own baby
and my dear helpless husband had watched the whole thing. Later he
claimed to be too mad to faint or be sick, which I appreciate! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">After a minute Chad brought up
Axel and Evangeline to meet the baby. They came right over to meet him and
seemed genuinely awestruck, but not confused or concerned. </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Probably 10 minutes passed
before midwives arrived. Melissa came up first and stopped suddenly to stare
with confusion and then shock as she shrieked, then rushed over with a huge
hug. Barb came up behind and her and hugged me as well. I laughed and cried
with them. After marveling and laughing they lay me back to help me deliver the
placenta. Finally my mom and sister and girlfriend Annie arrived. They were
each confused when they saw me lying back (in labour?), and it took a minute to
see the baby in my arms. Chad had greeted them at the door with 'a**-holes,
a**holes, that's what you are, what took you so long?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">I was easily cleaned up and
moved to the bed. Everything went perfectly- I had no hemorrhaging or tearing
and I felt great. We had delayed cutting the cord until the placenta delivered,
and I had kept my bladder empty throughout the morning to help the uterus contract
after. All our carefully laid plans to prevent the hemorrhage I'd experienced
in each previous birth worked so well- I had minimal bleeding and wasn't faint.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">We guessed the time of birth
was 8:15, just 3 hours from when I awoke. The baby weighed 7lbs 5 oz and was 50
cm long. He had an incredibly long umbilical cord- almost 4 feet! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">During the birth I </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> panic
even when I realized I would be alone. I sort of ‘took control’ and was clear
headed, giving myself instructions. When I was pregnant with Evangeline I
prepared for an ‘emergency childbirth’ because Axel's labour was only 3.5 hours
long from the first contraction. With the other births the pushing phase had left me feeling train-wrecked
and completely out of control, but this one had so much more consciousness. It
was an awesome, crazy experience. I wouldn't plan it that way again, but I’m so
glad it happened. I love that Chad was there and saw the whole thing. I can
easily find the humor in his swearing and anger- I had thought to myself
during the birth, 'if he can swear during the birth of his child, then I should
be so bothered by his swearing in general'. But it was wonderful! He's not
exactly a convert, but I'm very proud of him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The baby was calm and content
and a lazy nurser for a couple days. He wasn't hungry and had a fair bit of
mucous. But once the mucous came out and my milk came in his latch improved. I
had so much company and help- the atmosphere was pretty euphoric for awhile.
The kids adjusted well- the arrival of the baby was as uneventful as it could possibly
be. See mommy, have breakfast, see baby! My </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">recovery
couldn’t have been better, I had minimal soreness, my strength quickly returned
and I really felt fantastic. Praise God birth was designed to work when left to
happen as it should!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What a struggle we had naming
him. We were reluctant to pick something we weren’t firmly attached to, and the
baby wasn’t giving us any indication of what he wanted to be called! At two
weeks old we finally named him: Ramsey Chad Wilder Greavette. I insisted that
'Chad' be included, as my husband was the only one who witnessed his
birth! Ramsey has turned out to be a bit of a wild child- our first two
children were unbelievable calm and content as babies, but Ramsey has made his
presence known, being tongue-tied, colicky and struggling with over-active let-down! We love him for his strong character and determination, though,
and our family is abuzz with energy and love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Ramsey has surely been a surprise from his beginning
to ‘end’. The news of the birth spread rapidly around our small town, as well
as various interpretations. (One has Chad huddled in a corner saying, 'why are
you doing this to me?!’ In others he heroically delivered me on the kitchen
floor.) I'm so pleased and proud and secretly thrilled with all the events, my
only regret is it wasn't photographed or experienced by more people. But that's
both the worst and the best part of an unassisted birth, isn't it?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_q0V_3sh0Y/UwQSpaCiNAI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/adNtq_bjYwM/s1600/ramsey+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_q0V_3sh0Y/UwQSpaCiNAI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/adNtq_bjYwM/s1600/ramsey+edited.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramsey and I still on the bathroom floor after the midwives arrived.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-66130587826798792392013-11-16T22:27:00.002-05:002015-02-06T13:03:12.105-05:00New Etsy Shop!Horray! I'm thrilled to share I've JUST opened an Etsy Shop. Please check it out here!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/AmandaGreavette?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/AmandaGreavette?ref=si_shop</a><br />
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I have all the prints from the Birth Project Paintings available, as well as paintings both from the Birth Project Painting series and other subjects. Please share!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrtImExTkwk/Uog3TS1T4cI/AAAAAAAAAdA/7HEr9Mo8LiA/s1600/Still+Water+-+print+-+16.046x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrtImExTkwk/Uog3TS1T4cI/AAAAAAAAAdA/7HEr9Mo8LiA/s320/Still+Water+-+print+-+16.046x12.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>'Still water, laying over,</i><br />
<i>Still water, lay my body down over' (D. Lanois)</i><br />
<i>36 x 48 inches</i>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-57688530188538935572013-05-15T09:53:00.000-04:002013-05-15T09:53:35.138-04:00Giftcard Give-away!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PIBZlPLGiWU/UZOLyLZfS1I/AAAAAAAAAcM/3ai5XUpMoVc/s1600/IMG_4432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PIBZlPLGiWU/UZOLyLZfS1I/AAAAAAAAAcM/3ai5XUpMoVc/s400/IMG_4432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I just love spring, and to celebrate I'd like to freshen things up with a <b>GIVE-AWAY</b>! Recently it was <i>Mother's Day</i> and my work certainly celebrates mothers, so in honour of these two things I'd like to send someone four beautiful gift cards featuring four different images from the Birth Project. These cards make a lovely gift or are perfect for notes to new moms, midwives, doulas, doctors, nurses, friends...the list goes on. They also look sweet in frames or on fridges, and are an easy way to share the paintings from the Birth Project in a small scale. Sound good?<br />
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To enter, scroll to the PunchTab contest below, and chose one of the ways to participate. At the end of the give-away a winner will be announced! I'll even cover postage for the gift! Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THRQRet5tIM/UZOL2Y58NAI/AAAAAAAAAcY/8t6jSToFCFQ/s1600/IMG_4434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THRQRet5tIM/UZOL2Y58NAI/AAAAAAAAAcY/8t6jSToFCFQ/s320/IMG_4434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cards may not be exactly ones shown.</div>
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Postage Paid</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8TEXWP6bSw/UZOL2IXETbI/AAAAAAAAAcU/95iR60V3WNE/s1600/IMG_4437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8TEXWP6bSw/UZOL2IXETbI/AAAAAAAAAcU/95iR60V3WNE/s320/IMG_4437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
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<script async="" class="pt-giveaway" data-uuid="0a655e2b-b868-415b-99f8-3ae70fc154a0" src="//www.punchtab.com/static/js/pg.js"></script><br />
<br />Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-24533658835075949682013-02-21T21:56:00.001-05:002013-02-21T21:56:36.813-05:00The Brooklyn Show at Carraiage House Birth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNguwlpAzRc/USWD5sO6reI/AAAAAAAAAZE/wuZ9ktOPodg/s1600/janfeb2013+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNguwlpAzRc/USWD5sO6reI/AAAAAAAAAZE/wuZ9ktOPodg/s320/janfeb2013+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to the<i><b> Birth Project</b></i>, on display at <i><b>Carriage House Birth, </b></i>Williamsburg, Brooklyn!</span><br />
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We had an grand opening for Carriage House Birth on Friday, Feb 8, the night of the 'big snowstorm' in New York. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yne_m5niUJ8/USWD-1-B0yI/AAAAAAAAAZM/D6chG-wBj4E/s1600/janfeb2013+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yne_m5niUJ8/USWD-1-B0yI/AAAAAAAAAZM/D6chG-wBj4E/s320/janfeb2013+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Even in a small space the pieces fit nicely, as if they were meant to be there.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzEHx9tyUow/USWEC1CDltI/AAAAAAAAAZU/lr5CdjdoiqQ/s1600/janfeb2013+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzEHx9tyUow/USWEC1CDltI/AAAAAAAAAZU/lr5CdjdoiqQ/s320/janfeb2013+044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Despite the snowstorm we had a lovely crowd gather that filled the space on Friday night for the opening celebration.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPfOxisKiiA/USWES3BaACI/AAAAAAAAAZc/wEdYC6nVrmE/s1600/janfeb2013+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPfOxisKiiA/USWES3BaACI/AAAAAAAAAZc/wEdYC6nVrmE/s320/janfeb2013+049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enjoying the company!<br />
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Two babies crashed hard later on in the night.<img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJIHSAWXgGs/USWEajAvPtI/AAAAAAAAAZo/K5ozxbBRmHA/s320/janfeb2013+056.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">An amazing spread of food which was devoured! </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Jethro enjoying some fruit, I love this with the painting in the background.</span><br />
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Me and Jethro, Domino and Cassius, my sister Genieve (my assistant) and sister-in-law Sarah and Scarlett (my graphic designer). Thankful for Domino's warm hospitality and the help from these girls.<br />
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Packing up- showing how neatly the paintings fit, even though they're quite large and the space was very small. You can't always estimate what might work in a small space!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The show continues at<i>:</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://carriagehousebirth.com/" target="_blank">Carraige House Birth</a></i>, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">97 N 7th St, Williamsburg Brooklyn</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and the paintings will be on display until April. Stop by to say 'hi' to the doulas and have a look at the paintings in real life! </span><br />
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Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-27034464891258157782013-02-19T22:37:00.000-05:002013-02-19T22:37:00.042-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are the boys reading under the watch of these two strong women. I brought this painting home to live with for awhile. It has so much to tell me; I know it well but not at all. I put a lot into this painting, and I was really drawn to both of the 'looks' that these two women give in real life. I wanted to paint these two figures because they're both very strong, sexy but vulnerable, grounded and sensuous, honest and proud. <br />
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The unique thing about original art is that it's so <i>alive</i>. It will talk if you'll look at it often and give it room in your mind and life. A painting changes- with the light, your movement, the company and energy in the room, your mood, your circumstances. It's an object, not a 'picture'. It has the energy of it's creator in it, and often for the artist, creating is a very spiritual event. It's sometimes a struggle, sometimes effortless, as if the painting paints itself. We're just mediums, I believe. I do what I do because I'm called to do it. And I receive my affirmation when I feel my work has taken on a life of it's own. I'm so blessed when I get to watch how a painting becomes somebody else's; when a painting emits this mysterious siren song, and the viewer reacts, feels drawn, becomes smitten and falls hard. Sometimes it's surprising, often it's perfect. They each have their story, they each have a mate. It's a love story!<br />
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Yes, this post seems a little silly. But haven't you heard it, felt it? Haven't you heard an a piece of art calling? Or noticed the magnetic pull of some pieces, even if they're not for sale? (If not, maybe you should get around some good art!)Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-79977664516912788772013-02-18T22:01:00.000-05:002013-02-19T22:09:18.939-05:00Newest piece from the fall/winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKqHSob5cFU/USLpo8JEuEI/AAAAAAAAAYY/nTJnL1QG0aY/s1600/IMG_3502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKqHSob5cFU/USLpo8JEuEI/AAAAAAAAAYY/nTJnL1QG0aY/s320/IMG_3502.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>How we rise when we're born</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>crawling careless from the sea</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>God, give us love in the time that we have</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>God, every road takes us farther from home (Sam Beam)</i></span><br />
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Strangely, I haven't yet shared this piece. It's the newest one, and I still haven't decided whether it's finished or not yet. Perhaps some minor tweaking. I've only exhibited it twice, and it was the only piece I brought home from the Brooklyn show with me. I'm glad, I wasn't ready to leave this piece, it's still unfamiliar to me, and I need to listen to and get some perspective on the women.<br />
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Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-73076544423830930612013-01-29T22:33:00.001-05:002013-01-29T22:33:09.934-05:00Williamsburg, New York!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-22004877556227121382012-10-23T22:30:00.002-04:002012-10-23T22:30:34.635-04:00CAPPA Canada National Conference!This week I'm heading to the CAPPA National Conference in Ottawa, Ontario. I'm looking forward to the Conference, and I would like to invite everyone out to the fabulous Friday evening event!<br />
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<br />Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-72912378974160073322012-10-13T23:41:00.001-04:002012-10-13T23:41:15.450-04:00Recent PaintingsI've shared these on my facebook, but not here yet.<br />
Here are some recent paintings I'll be showing (along with the large Birth Project) at the upcoming CAPPA Conference in Ottawa, as well as some commissions.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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A sweet, sweet commission. What a pleasure to paint!<br />
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'Can a mother forget her nursing child?'</div>
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8x10 - sold</div>
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'A warm and gentle welcome'</div>
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18x24- sold </div>
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'The Sweetest Thing'</div>
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24x24</div>
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(Cross) Cradle </div>
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Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-35414416846486109902012-10-12T22:50:00.000-04:002012-10-12T22:50:49.506-04:00Birth and Beyond Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v5Ih56qy9AY/UHjUGjazZII/AAAAAAAAARM/-PI_eIpNDCo/s1600/birthbeyond+image6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v5Ih56qy9AY/UHjUGjazZII/AAAAAAAAARM/-PI_eIpNDCo/s320/birthbeyond+image6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Not long ago I attended the first <a href="http://www.birthandbeyondconference.ca/" target="_blank">'Birth and Beyond Conference'</a> in London, Ontario. It was a lovely inaugural conference- small but intimate, with the opportunity to engage the speakers personally and meet the organizers. I really enjoyed attending many of the sessions (not usually a luxury at most conferences) and visiting with other attendees. I was lucky to attend co-sleeping, breastfeeding, attachment, post-partum depression, supporting through loss, creating a social movement, some breech dialogue, the pelvis...the list goes on! (James McKenna, Diane Weissinger, Rivka Cymbalist, Robbie Davis-Floyd, Gloria Lemay, Jack Newman, Teresa Pitman) It was lovely to see my friends Heather and Shannon from <a href="http://www.birthservices.com/CHOICES/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Choices Childbirth Services</a> too!<br />
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One unique thing the conference offered me was an Artist Reception. This was a wonderful way to attract the attention of London by inviting the public to view the artwork, mix and mingle and hear my artist talk. The Artist Reception was picked up by two local newspapers including this one: <a href="http://www.lfpress.com/2012/09/20/muskoka-artist-amanda-greavette-will-speak-about-her-art" target="_blank">Birth, in all its primal beauty</a> .I was so thrilled with the media interest! I was also interviewed by the Fanshaw radio station. I never got to hear this fully, but it was fun to do the interview.<br />
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As a result of all this press there were actually community members at the event! This was amazing. I gave a short artist talk about why I believe in visual communication and painting birth. One highlight of the night for me was speaking with an elderly gentlemen who came to the reception because he read about my work in the paper. He explained he wasn't present for his own two children's birth- he was even told to go home- and when he read about my work he was so curious he felt he had to come down to see why someone would paint childbirth. Wow! We spoke quite a bit, he was interested in the tub and why someone would deliver in water. Pretty cool conversation :)<br />
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Another great moment was being told about an overheard conversation between two hotel staff. One youngish man exclaimed he would 'totally catch his wife's baby', to which the other replied, 'no way! gross!' The conversation went on, getting a little more explicit, but hey- it began a conversation!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnITV7uEWmw/UHjWiDE9VGI/AAAAAAAAAR0/kkwLOquSoj0/s1600/birthbeyond+image4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnITV7uEWmw/UHjWiDE9VGI/AAAAAAAAAR0/kkwLOquSoj0/s320/birthbeyond+image4.jpg" width="208" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZuCE9b-dWI/UHjWf5EgloI/AAAAAAAAARs/IPaILEqlJrM/s1600/birthbeyond+image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZuCE9b-dWI/UHjWf5EgloI/AAAAAAAAARs/IPaILEqlJrM/s320/birthbeyond+image3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-4634855892971326182012-09-10T14:32:00.001-04:002012-09-10T14:32:22.782-04:00Upcoming exhibition at the Birth and Beyond Conference!I'm so thrilled to share that I will be attending the <a href="http://www.birthandbeyondconference.ca/" target="_blank">Birth and Beyond Conference</a> in London, Ontario, this September. This fabulous new conference has an incredible speaker lineup. If you're in the area, or in birth-related work, you absolutely need to attend this conference, even for one day! I'm really looking forward to the sessions; what a great opportunity to hear some really renowned professionals!<br />
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I'm also excited about the exhibition of the Birth Project at the Conference. This fall I've committed to staying within Ontario for the Birth Project bookings, and I'm so pleased that this is the first one to announce. I've been in the studio creating a couple new pieces that I hope to share after they've made their premier appearance at the Conference.<br />
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If you can't attend the whole conference, there is still an opportunity to see the paintings! Please share the word about my Artist Reception on Friday, Sept 21. I'll even be giving a brief artist talk about the paintings. <br />
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<br />Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-42421086217344135542012-06-13T23:05:00.001-04:002012-06-13T23:08:54.452-04:00Are you on Facebook?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">'Ring the bells that still can ring</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">There is a crack in everything</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">That's how the light gets in' </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">(L. Cohen) 32" x 53"</span></span></div>
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There's been some controversy over this piece recently. I'll share details later, but if you're on facebook you can head over to my '<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Greavette-Fine-Art/121956404589320">Amanda Greavette Fine Ar</a>t' page and find the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=230010097117283&set=a.129423787175915.23701.121956404589320&type=1&theater">image </a> on my wall. I've re-posted this and asked for responses, for viewers to share their feelings and reactions to this piece. Currently I have over 175 responses- such a vibrant and varied conversation about art and birth! Awesome :) Please go add your voice!<br />
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Also, I'm thrilled to share that this piece has found a new home. It sold at the American College of Nurse Midwives Annual General Meeting and Expo, where I had the Birth Project on display, and a booth set up selling prints and cards. The event was a success, but not without some snags! I look forward to sharing more later.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jImwiyTPAc/T9lUTjmKreI/AAAAAAAAAQM/FxbMJLqOUzY/s1600/10AG2012Thesearethedaysofmiracleandwonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jImwiyTPAc/T9lUTjmKreI/AAAAAAAAAQM/FxbMJLqOUzY/s320/10AG2012Thesearethedaysofmiracleandwonder.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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'<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">These are the days of </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">miracle and wonder'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(P. Simon) 30"x48</span></div>
<br />Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-17889267321389925402012-05-22T22:56:00.006-04:002015-02-06T13:03:48.814-05:00Birth Project Paintings 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are the new pieces I've done this year. Below are sizes and titles. They've been exhibited at Trust Birth in Nashville, Tennessee, and are currently on their way to Long Beach, California for the American College of Nurse Midwives Annual General Meeting and Expo. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyDRJJqUm1o/T7uNYCK4zaI/AAAAAAAAAPY/QvqGJkWGrTU/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyDRJJqUm1o/T7uNYCK4zaI/AAAAAAAAAPY/QvqGJkWGrTU/s640/04.jpg" height="522" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>‘There is a light in you</i></div>
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<i>I have fallen into</i></div>
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<i>There is a light in you</i></div>
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<i>I have fallen into, fallen in too</i></div>
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<i>Stop, listen feel</i></div>
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<i>Stop, listen, feel</i></div>
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<i>Stop, listen feel, </i></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>Believe, believe’ (Great Lake Swimmers)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">39"x 32"</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUT-iG317VA/T7uOdFiIYnI/AAAAAAAAAPg/fajhLpZWodw/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUT-iG317VA/T7uOdFiIYnI/AAAAAAAAAPg/fajhLpZWodw/s640/05.jpg" height="640" width="394" /></a></div>
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<i>'These are the days of miracle and wonder' (P. Simon) </i><br />
38"x 30"<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQPpx24oRWM/T7sCYUQQE8I/AAAAAAAAAO4/2tNLo0aATnE/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQPpx24oRWM/T7sCYUQQE8I/AAAAAAAAAO4/2tNLo0aATnE/s640/01.jpg" height="640" width="483" /></a></div>
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<i>'Our mouths are filled with laughter, </i></div>
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<i>our tongues with songs of joy' </i></div>
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<i>P. 126:2</i></div>
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36"x48"</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mr6Ydhg-0E/T7sEpmEDL-I/AAAAAAAAAPA/eWr0eNg5M4c/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mr6Ydhg-0E/T7sEpmEDL-I/AAAAAAAAAPA/eWr0eNg5M4c/s640/02.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>‘And you opened like a flower in the heat, </i></div>
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<i>Your beauty on my eyes, like a masterpiece</i></div>
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<i>Never has skin tasted so sweet.</i></div>
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<i>And you said, oh, I didn’t know, that we could go</i></div>
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<i>So many kisses deep</i></div>
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<i>We were face to face and lips to lips and cheek to cheek</i></div>
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<i>And you said, oh, I didn’t know we could go so many kisses
deep’ (A Cohen)</i></div>
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24"x 36"</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQC9rrANuwY/T7xP4Sz4LvI/AAAAAAAAAP4/GgTY8ohnfF4/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQC9rrANuwY/T7xP4Sz4LvI/AAAAAAAAAP4/GgTY8ohnfF4/s640/06.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
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<i>Under the moon, in the great, black night</i><br />
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<i>With no lodestar in sight</i></div>
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<i>And wait for it, there are only two of us now</i></div>
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<i>This great, black night scooped out (and the fire glow)</i></div>
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<i>Listen, </i></div>
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<i>The darkness rings, listen</i></div>
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<i>The darkness, the darkness rings</i></div>
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<i>Take off your things and listen</i></div>
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<i>The darkness rings’ (S Harmer)</i></div>
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41"x 57"</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNmy7rAaAkM/T7sHQS9YKGI/AAAAAAAAAPM/_rAqEqqb848/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNmy7rAaAkM/T7sHQS9YKGI/AAAAAAAAAPM/_rAqEqqb848/s640/03.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>'All you need is love,</i><br />
<i>Love is all you need'</i><br />
<i>(Lennon/McCartney)</i><br />
42"x 54"Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-38014743419709878262012-05-17T14:39:00.000-04:002012-05-17T14:39:17.631-04:00Why do I love birth?I asked myself this question as I drove home from a birth last week. I was particularly curious because this time I knew I was missing that climactic moment of delivery; when in unmedicated births the air is thick with oxytocin, tension finally breaks and there are tears of relief, joy and love. Even in complicated or surgical births this is a magical moment- when parents finally see their child face-to-face, a mother's pregnancy is done, and waiting is over. As transcendent and euphoric and addictive those minutes are, I know that's not only it. In this recent birth I regretfully missed that victorious act, yet still I felt bouyant, pulled back to the experience, and truly enjoyed being there for this woman's labour. Most of the births I have witnessed and attended to I'm tied to by family, love and at least friendship. I care about the mothers, the families, and the babies being born. But still, there's something about the stories I love to read, the videos and the knowledge I seek. I'm drawn to it magnetically, I want to experience it more. Birth work is a difficult world to live in: long, inconvenient hours, unpredictability, being on call. Too much for me to arrange for regularly with my life of small children. But there's the feeling that if I was called at the drop of a hat to come to a birth happenening <em>now</em> it would be a resounding YES. And I'm obsessed with it enough that I need to paint it, re-create it to represent all the meaning I find in it. What is it? Why do I think is it so cool?<br />
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I think one reason is the rare experience of witnessing the mysterious 'stripping away' that often happens in labour. Quite literally, a woman has layers of inhibition fall away like the clothes she often discards as labour progresses. It's fascinating and moving to watch a woman turn inward, to lose her concern for others and the world around her, to say exactly what she wants, to become attuned to only her own body her baby. It's an honour to be present for these intimate acts. While it feels a bit voyeuristic to enjoy watching this, it's also humbling and awesome every time. It's simply amazing to see a woman's body perform such a monumental task so gloriously and glow with power and energy as it does in labour. Many women shed their clothing, and it's that rare we allow people other than lovers/partners/spouses or children to see us nude, especially naked <i>and </i>uninhibited. It's a wonderful thing! As a figure artist, of course, I love the figure- the body, the human form, the flesh. Sure, artists have more than average opportunity to see people naked, but even models are usually inhibited. A labouring woman is not- and her body is an amazing thing. The extra weight a woman usually puts on in pregnancy is not treated with loathing (hopefully), her curves are magnified and her body is doubly infused with life. She's created a human being inside her, and the transformative process of brining it forth is happening before your eyes. In a 'good' birth, a woman can work with her body to cope with the sensations, to move as it needs to, to bend and stretch and open and release. Being present at a birth means getting to observe things society rarely is privy to- this emerging of a new person, a mother's body rippling and shining with exertion, her working with or against her physiology, tapping into her animalistic nature, retreating into herself, expressing emotion and feeling openly. It's really, truly awesome. I need to paint it because I want the world to see that power, that beauty and that strength that a woman has, but I know it needs to be respected and protected in order to emerge in labour. A labouring woman is beautiful, and while most women probably don't feel glamourous or pretty as they're moaning, sweating and grunting, I would argue that in fact, they are stunning.<br />
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Of course, there's also the spiritual dimension that I recognize is such a powerful part of birth. Labour and birth time is sacred- it's set apart, it's outside of regular time. Often labour starts and a woman continues normal activity until she needs to focus. Once attendants are called or she goes to a center or hospital, it seems to remove from 'regular' time. Everything is suspended, and it was once believed (and still is) that as a woman is bringing new life into the world she is hanging between the states of death and life; that she is especially connected to the spiritual realm. No matter what you believe or your religous affiliation, I think this aspect of birth is often unappreciated. I feel that there is a 'holiness' surrounding birth, that it's sacred- of special meaning and honour. We know that we can't truly control birth, it's a physiological function but it's also an experience- one that can shape and change us. We tap into our inmost selves, we rely on God, we listen to our bodies, our hearts and we communicate with a child within us. Many meditate to cope with labour, others re-think their belief system after becoming parents. My personal beliefs cause me to feel birth is a 'holy ground', and that we are brought a little closer to God as our hearts are pulled by life forces.<br />
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Birth is also simply awesome. To consider what our female bodies do in order to bring forth a child, to think about how we've grown a human being, to realize that this new thing is a PERSON....what? Unbelievable. We, women, get to do this- get to grow life. Our pelvises, our breasts, our uteruses are awesome- amazing! Of course, arms and fingers are cool too; I'm pretty captivated by the human body, but women are pretty fantastic.<br />
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To be serious, there are so many thing I love about birth. The emotional high. The uniting of mother and child outside the womb, who've been together for so long but had to go through a body-and-heart-wrenching process first. The euphoric moment I referred to earlier- when a woman's work is rewarded and she grasps her child and hugs him to her breast, often sobbing, shocked, ecstatic, stunned. It's over-the-top, messy and fulfilling. It's about mystery- the way our bodies are so perfectly designed, the unveiling of the child that's been so close, but so hidden for months and months. It's about the mystery of something so basic, so intricate, so uncontrollable but so common. It's often about the victory over fear, doubt and pain. Of course, and yet unmentioned, it's that about that strange wrinkled creature who's head is so soft and breath so intoxicatinly sweet and fruity.<br />
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The list goes on, the reasons birth is so profound are numerous. Different people would answer that same question in different ways. But I think this is why <i style="font-weight: bold;">I </i>love it. Birth is awesome, and women are great. They mystery, the stripping, and the strength. And of course that incredible climax of reunification...the sweet reward of great patience.<br />
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<br />Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-45736973223763843442012-03-07T22:55:00.004-05:002012-03-07T23:16:29.448-05:00See my work in person at the Trust Birth Conference!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T71sGkZwn5A/T1gxKYeYqtI/AAAAAAAAAOE/0zRRf6R4CfA/s1600/426030_336754779709511_100001249750969_1015858_1294734431_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717373781385194194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T71sGkZwn5A/T1gxKYeYqtI/AAAAAAAAAOE/0zRRf6R4CfA/s320/426030_336754779709511_100001249750969_1015858_1294734431_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Thanks to publications like <a href="http://squatbirthjournal.blogspot.com/">Squat</a> and the Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice, my work has gotten a lot of attention this last year. Of course, this has helped with the web press too! I'm so thankful for this kind of reproduction, but there's still nothing like seeing the real live painting up close, or from across the room. My work is large- life size!- so it really tends to overwhelm or at least impact the viewer with the emotions and ideas I'm trying to convey, and I just don't know if this translates the same way in print or reproduction. I'd encourage anyone interested in my work to try to see it in person (or any original artwork for that matter!). And the great news is, for those in the United States, I'm personally accompanying my work to a few birth conferences!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Coming up only a few short weeks away in April, is the Trust Birth Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. I can't wait for this Conference, it promises to be amazing! It's the last time it will be held in the US for several years. Also, it's super affordable for non-birth workers, with the 'Parent Track' option of picking select sessions for $100. Come to Nashville! Come to this fantastic conference, say hello and take in some art at the same time!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.trustbirthconference.com/">http://www.trustbirthconference.com/</a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/groups/47207895355/">http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/groups/47207895355/</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Of course, I shouldn't have to add that I've been working like crazy on new paintings, to be debuted at the Trust Birth Conference. Those attending will have first dibs on unexhibited work!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-36858097826031951652012-01-05T09:27:00.009-05:002012-01-05T12:11:30.526-05:00New Year!<div>Welcome to 2012! Happy New Year, everyone.</div><div></div><br /><div>I'm planning some great things for this year!</div><br /><div>In the fall of 2011, I attended the first-ever joint CAM/MANA/ACNM conference in Niagara Falls with my large paintings and prints. It was an amazing success, and based on the response there I've decided to pursue exhibiting my work at birth and midwifery conferences. I've found my audience! It was so validating to hear in person how my work impacted people, so many shared that they could see their life's work and passions in the paintings. The conference environment was the perfect place for the Project and the paintings really added to the atmosphere. It was all pretty thrilling. I had an awesome time hanging out with Amy Swagman from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.themandalajourney.com">The Mandala Journey</a> and meeting some of the organisors of CAM and MANA,and the ACNm. I met so, so many fantastic people.</div><div></div><br /><div>To see some of the photos from the Conference, click on the links below. There's even a photo of the amazing Naoli Vinavar with one of my pieces!!</div><br /><div><a href="http://mana.org/2011/" target="_blank">http://mana.org/2011/</a></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.canadianmidwives.org/conference/3-archives_en/niagara-falls-2011.html" target="_blank">http://www.canadianmidwives.org/conference/3-archives_en/niagara-falls-2011.html</a></div><br />The Birth Project will also be expanding this year. This is in part due to the upcoming exhibition opportunites, but also because some paintings have found...drumroll...new homes! I'm thrilled to share that 4 of the significant pieces have been purchased by loving owners.<br /><div></div><br /><div>So, currently I'm exploring Conference options. I'm already booked to be at the <a href="http://www.trustbirthconference.com/">Trust Birth Confrerence </a>in Nashville Tennessee in April! This is a very exciting opportunity- I've heard great things about this conference and am thrilled to be attending.</div><div></div><br /><div>My next challenge is to find a reasonable way to get my work across the continent. Hint hint, I'm trying to 'get' to California. Amazing things happening there! This has been quite the obstacle however, any suggestions are appreciated. The significant challenges are the transportation of the size of my work and the distance. Don't tell me I can't do it, though, or I'll prove you wrong!</div><div></div><br /><div>And, lastly, <a href="http://http//www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Greavette-Fine-Art/121956404589320">Amanda Greavette Fine Art </a>is now an 'Artist' page on Facebook! I've finally seperated my personal profile with my professional one- check it out to keep abreast of the daily adventures of life as an artist and....everything else.</div><div></div><br /><div>This year is shaping up to be a pretty significant one of professional develpment, I'm excited to see where it takes me and the paintings!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-45962709179032151462011-11-02T11:24:00.004-04:002011-11-02T12:10:56.817-04:00The Birth Project goes to the CAM/MANA Conference<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxkTW8MFMV4/TrFnAPy6_LI/AAAAAAAAANs/qUQ_hv2dU-4/s1600/BIRTHPainting12.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxkTW8MFMV4/TrFnAPy6_LI/AAAAAAAAANs/qUQ_hv2dU-4/s320/BIRTHPainting12.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670426659773938866" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></a><br />Exciting news!<div>The <a href="http://www.amandagreavette.com/index2.php#/fgallery/1/">Birth Project</a>, along with first-time-ever prints and cards of the Birth Project will be displayed at the joint Canadian Association of Midwives and the Midwives Alliance of North America for the North American Midwifery <a href="http://www.canadianmidwives.org/conference/">Conference</a> in Niagara Falls on November 9-12 2011.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div><br /></div><div>This is my first conference, and I'm going both as a vendor and a 'delegate', or conference-goer. My paintings will be displayed throughout the conference area, and I will have a table to sell the prints and smaller paintings. What an exciting opportunity! </div><div><br /></div><div>One of my original paintings will be up for auction at the Live Auction and Dance event. </div><div>I'm excited to meet a fellow birth-artist Amy Swagman from <a href="http://themandalajourney.com/">The Mandala Journey</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're going, stop by and say Hi! I'll have Jethro Vader in tow, and will only charge $.05 to squeeze his succulent thighs. Hoping for an enriching conference experience, and a couple sales would be nice too! I'd love to see some small pieces of the Birth Project go home to hang in midwives, doulas and birth-lovers homes and offices!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxkTW8MFMV4/TrFnAPy6_LI/AAAAAAAAANs/qUQ_hv2dU-4/s1600/BIRTHPainting12.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c2DIJ5goVEY/TrFoTE-c3GI/AAAAAAAAAN4/yW7x0p71Epo/s200/IMG_2136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670428082798648418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /></a><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-10724497916389241712011-11-02T11:17:00.002-04:002011-11-02T11:23:57.846-04:00YWCA Woman of Distinction AwardRecently I had the honour of being a nominee for the <a href="http://www.ywcamuskoka.com/">YWCA </a>Women of Distinction awards. I was nominated for the 'Arts and Culture' category, and my Birth Project was highlighted, as well as my community involvement with Friends of Muskoka Midwives and La Leche League Leader. I was shocked to hear my name called as the 'winner' at the Gala event, as the nominees were highly respected artists with many years on me! How exciting, what an honour and surpise. Thank you to my nominators and to all the amazing women I'm blessed to share my life with!Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-31370351289025852922011-08-21T10:33:00.002-04:002011-08-21T10:46:27.600-04:00Upcoming 'Universal Child'<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hf57JVAJ8UI/TlEXiemlrYI/AAAAAAAAANk/NxybAS5vxSM/s1600/Universal%2BChild2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 249px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643317689169849730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hf57JVAJ8UI/TlEXiemlrYI/AAAAAAAAANk/NxybAS5vxSM/s320/Universal%2BChild2.jpg" /></a> Click on the image for a larger view.
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<br />Event details:
<br />'Universal Child' at <a href="http://www.auburngalleryoffineart.com/">Auburn Gallery</a>, 190 Royal Street Gravenhurst
<br />Aug. 27-Sep 9
<br />Opening Aug 26th, 7-9pm
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<br />This is my upcoming exhibition, opening on Friday August 26<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. I've been working on small portraits of children, and I'm excited to exhibit alongside my brother, Matthew. This is the first time he's displayed his moving photographs of children from his visit to Swaziland.
<br />Matthew is a professional photographer, visit his website here: <a href="http://www.mchaloux.com/">http://www.mchaloux.com/</a>
<br />Please come by if you're in the area!
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<br />Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-60817693198323115182011-06-30T19:33:00.002-04:002011-06-30T19:35:31.218-04:00Updated WebsiteBe sure to swing by the newly remodeled website, <a href="http://www.amandagreavette.com/">www.amandagreavette.com</a> Let me know what you think- the whole 'Birth Project' can be viewed there, as well as a lot of my other and older work, including some commissions.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-86287911897303536102011-06-30T19:27:00.003-04:002011-06-30T19:32:35.213-04:00SQUAT feature!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIzN0c6Bu6Q/Tg0HUQORYhI/AAAAAAAAANc/blAJLPaampM/s1600/Preview.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624159554189222418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIzN0c6Bu6Q/Tg0HUQORYhI/AAAAAAAAANc/blAJLPaampM/s320/Preview.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Check it out! I'm featured in the super-cool birthing magazine SQUAT. Click <a href="http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/206528">here</a> to preview the mag and see my work featured, it looks like a great issue! You can also purchase it and other back issues with other fantastic artists. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-68853335767435914152011-06-07T22:58:00.002-04:002011-06-07T23:03:06.533-04:00More Prints AvailableI've uploaded the last two paintings to my account at Fine Art America. To view or purchase a print of 'The Delivery' or 'It's a Human Thing', please visit <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/amanda-greavette.html">my profile</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/amanda-greavette.html">www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/amanda-greavette.html</a><br /><br /><br />Also coming soon, brand new website!Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24561837.post-82865873287555072912011-05-24T21:32:00.003-04:002011-05-24T21:49:31.795-04:00Prints from 'The Birth Project'So, simply because I've had so many requests, I've decided to offer prints from some of my paintings. I'm thrilled 'The Birth Project' paintings have been so well received among those immersed in birthing culture. I hesitated to make prints because I'm a painter, and as a professional fine artist I want to devote my time to the making and promotion of my original paintings. However, I realize that purchasing my large-scale work is unattainable for many. I decided I would love to know that my images can be hung in offices and homes that work tirelessly for women, and I'd love my images to help empower and encourage more women.<br /><br />I have two more paintings to upload to the website, and I may make changes depending on response. Please send me your feedback!<br /><br />Also, this website was personally recommended to me for the exceptional quality of prints, security and service.<br /><br />Please go here <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/amanda-greavette.html">http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/amanda-greavette.html</a> to view the print options.Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817911102045474775noreply@blogger.com0