Baeleay Callister is accomplishing something about which most of us would never even dream. With great initiative, perseverance, skill and creativity, she's producing paintings that will act as surrogate peace advocates around the globe - she calls them "visual prayers."
Two years ago, as the war in Iraq unfolded, Callister seethed with anger, making herself ill. She needed to save her health and direct her energy into productivity. As a medicine woman, she had often been able to resolve her own and others problems. Therefore, she asked her spirit guides how she could promote peace in the world. The answer was that she was to make four paintings, each done following strict guidelines. Thus began a personal project that is now halfway complete.
At first Callister wondered if the project was feasible and kept it secret.
But, as she completed a painting, her confidence grew - and no wonder. The first painting is large and highly structured. Blocks of bright colour bounce forth, highlighting the symbols that have been brushed on them. Each symbol is derived from the energetic vibration of a flower and encodes a thought relating to peace. This work is for the United Nations.
The second painting is smaller but just as lively, with more symbols and a border of curving African-style graphics. It's for Nelson Mandela. A third canvas is being prepared for the Dalai Lama and the fourth will be sent to the Maori people.
This far into her project for peace Callister remains in awe of the process that has carried her to where she is today. She has asked others to gaze at her UN painting, notice those symbols that appear to stand out and read their meaning on the back of the painting. Invariably they find a resonance and the symbols themselves speak to them.
"I'm still not sure why I'm doing this, but it gives me great pleasure and that makes me think that it's going to work," she said.
Meanwhile, she has logistics to consider. She's contacted ambassador Alan Rock to ask that he forward her painting as a gift from Canada to the UN.
Delivering Mandela's painting may not be as easy. The Nelson Mandela Foundation has offered to pay for the shipping, but Callister thinks her gift should be given without any cost to them. She hopes to hear from someone who is going to Johannesburg and would enjoy delivering Mandela's painting. If you are that someone you can reach her at 604-885-5132 or bcob@dccnet.com.
