Mica's IMHA Research & FUND

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ecollage ART.. Please see reviews, below

Serendipity may best describe my discovery of ecollage® as it was a kind of a happy accident. My expectations for a full recovery from a work-related solvent exposure were high, but became a nightmare. I developed a disability as hard to manage as to pronounce: toxic encephalopathy. To give the reader an idea of what my life is like: petroleum derivatives such as plastic, pesticides, scented products, or combustion emissions like car exhaust and smoke (to name a few) exacerbate it. A person with this disability reacts adversely to extremely low levels of these chemicals in the environment, [in the parts per billion (ppb) range] and avoidance can be as daunting as it is necessary. It became imperative to judiciously avoid exposure in order to regain a mere semblance of my former good health.

This meant adopting a more solitary lifestyle, which led to my discovering a love of collage. Confined to a more carefully controlled environment, I was no longer able to work a conventional job, but found a way to be productive again through my art. I’ve spent only a part of my life with a disability but have always been regarded as different. What may seem unusual is that I never felt being different was anything but good. Over the last few years, I suffered the worst setback yet when I lost the dog who acted for me much like a Service Dog would. During a long and difficult period of mourning, I donated ALL of the proceeds from ecollage® in hopes of finding a cure for IMHA-the disease that tragically took my beloved Mica. 

This committment remains special to me, as Mica was keenly instrumental in helping me discover a way to cope with my disability and her loss motivated me to find a way to use this talent to help others.

In this way I feel I honor her memory. 

ecollage® art is best described by others, as I am not a writer. I employ 'papier colle' (collage) most often in my work, but drawing, photography & digital art are included in the design & creation of OOAK (one-of-a-kind) collages, greeting & postcards, miniature boxes, bookmarks, bookplates and picture books. Framed and unframed prints are available as well. Themes include: flora & fauna, architecture, landscape & humor, from abstract to representational with just about everything in between.. I use as much recycled and post-consumer paper as I can find. Commissions are welcomed. 

Ecollage® art benefits Mica's IMHA Research Fund, and will continue to. Until further notice 10% of all proceeds will be assigned to fund veterinary research according to Mica's IMHA Research Fund Mission Statement. High end knit or OOAK art pieces generate a larger portion to Mica's Charity, from 25-50%. 

Attached are some examples of my work, although they number upwards of thousands in total. 

I was injured 25 years ago come Halloween. Our Angel marks her 5th AnniFURsarY with her HEAVENLY WINGS on 18 August 2011. She has raised multiple thousands of dollars by her advocacy work on behalf of others who are LITERALLY DYING for a CURE. We cannot do it alone, and we are asking for your help. EVERY little bit helps, honestly. Mirra remains at my side, ever vigilant- at times, sacrificing time we could have together- to fight this fight.. I believe MIca deserved better, as does Mirra. Some days I just want to chuck it all and enjoy the short time- in comparison to what people get- what our companions get.. FOR ALL THEY GIVE AND ALL THEY DO, if i knew it could make a difference, I'd even give them my time here on earth. I know in my mind and heart they deserve more than they get. So in nearly five years time, I look back at what we have accomplished, and I feel it has been worthwhile, but to grow we need to change our efforts, and I hope you'll help support the endeavor we are undertaking..

The next phase is our tax exempt status- and although every thin dime of what i did in these four years since she left us went solely to medical research, some from on will go to building her foundation, which hopefully will help more of our companion animals remain with us as the earth Angels they truly are. Come see what we're doing, and please, let us know your thoughts. A percentage will still be earmarked for medical research, rest assured.

PAWlease Note too:
*** the watermark "©ecollage®" does not appear on final works of art***

Some reviews appear below art. 
Thanks for the encouraging words, to everyone who writes!


Please visit our ecollage ART store on ETSY.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecollageArt

REVIEWS- in reverse order by date

This is an absolutely lovely cap. The colors are rich and beautiful. The shape is very attractive, and it comes down over the ears just the right amount. The wool is soft but sturdy. It is a good thick well-knit hat. I am thrilled with this purchase. I rate it positive +++ !
-T. Lewis, Selah WA 27 October 2011

Hi- I just got the box-everything is absolutely beautiful! I don't know how you do it! Thanks thanks thanks!
-Michaelene, Glenview, IL 14 December 2010

Fantastic selection! Love the minis-they are perfect as gift cards! 
-viszlasrgreat, Seattle, WA 2 November 2010

As a fellow Belgian owner, I know how hard it is to capture their expressions sometimes. Not only does Mel *get it* about Belgians, she has a unique ability to also understand her customer. Dragonflies hold a special memory for me. This card is so beautiful I may keep it and frame it for myself. Or just wait until the right moment comes to give it to someone. This is going to make a fantastic Howlllloween card! The quality is amazing.
-Girltruheart,  Parsippany, NJ7 October 2010

Great cause and beautiful artwork. Unique and beautiful work. we'll be shopping again. :))))))-M.Hartley and Daisy Mae, Seattle, WA27 August 2010

You must be sky-high after receiving Mel’s note. He’s absolutely right; you work needs--and deserves--to “be seen by appreciative eyes” (what a lovely turn of phrase that is). You should feel energized. The Muse has blessed you, and her blessings are not in vain. She has found an incredibly gifted and passionate vessel into which to pour her inspiration. The sacredness of which is influenced and coloured by the touch of Angel Mica’s wings. I am overcome with joy for you and honestly cannot see to type for happy tears.
-Kymberlee and Angus The Warrior, Seattle, WA27 August 2010 

It was like Christmas, the anticipation of beauty to come before opening each one from its envelope and of course I was blown away. I couldn't have been happier. They are so brilliant in color and rich in texture, very nice quality! They are definitely art and should be sold and presented that way.... I have to say, the website is great, but it doesn't do the art the justice they deserve - these are so beautiful and they need to be seen in person to fully appreciate them.... They are definitely too special to stay holed up in those envelopes - they need to be seen by appreciative eyes.
-Mel, San Francisco, CA26 August 2010

Friendly seller and unique artwork. Cards were on good stock with colorful and unusual designs. Also, the little gift cards this seller offers are intricately cut out by hand and quite amazing!
-Anthrocoris, Selah WA 19 August 2010

The gift cards are so unique & beautiful. I can't wait to use them. They were obviously made with love and they are truly one of a kind. They arrived shortly after being ordered and in perfect condition. I look forward to shopping with EcollageArt again. Sincerely, 
-Teresa H., Rapid City S.D.31 July 2010
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No portion of this site including art, articles, graphics, photography nor its links may be used 
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