Of the many wonderful things that have happened since starting this project, my connection to M.E. Dunlap, thanks to my sister DaNel, ranks high on the list. We have sent several emails back and forth, and I also stopped off in Eugene on my way back up from being in Applegate for Thanksgiving, so we could meet and chat about our possible, now probable, collaboration of arts. I had forgotten that we had briefly met once before a couple years back. M.E. is very inspiring both as a person, and an artist, and she has offered an enormous amount of encouragement to me. I just wanted to share some of her encouraging words and wonderful insights... these are snippets from her emails and letters..............................---2nd Degree of Separation- How do I know DaNel?... Well we met while in a teaching program in Ashland Oregon but I think that the moment that I truly got to know DaNel was when I made a silly comment about giving her a gold star in a computer class we were both in... Probably not the smartest thing I have ever done but it WAS funny and things evened out. From that point on, I have watched DaNel grow as a fabulous teacher and a true friend. But first and foremost she has always been dedicated to her family. She always spoke fondly of the time she spent at the Applegate ranch and is always excited to be going back for a visit. If you are lucky enough to have DaNel in your cheering section you are sure to get to where you need to be. And there is no doubt that DaNel is Melanie's #1 fan for this project not to mention life in general. To Melanie, there is no doubt that this project will be a success and that you will reach your goals. I am always glad to participate in a great art game... and this is a great one!---
(From DaNel)---My friend M.E. sent this back to me in response to a comment I made about some people not agreeing with your choices and the amount of debt you have. I love her response and thought you would too.---
---DaNel,
First of all regardless of what others say, this is a great art project and Melanie has every right to take it on... and I should know because I bought a piece of paper for $60,000.00 that says I have a BFA. Oh, AND a MAT... you can decide what the letters mean but to me it was worth every penny even though I am going on my third year of uncertain (un)employment. To those who find Melanie irresponsible, they have either been given things monetarily and not had to find their own way or they don't believe enough in themselves to take the chance and educate themselves, OR perhaps they do not have a drive within them that tells them to be true to their passion regardless of what others think. What is popular is not always right. What is right is not always popular!---
---"How would people react to a project such as this proposed by a 30 year old man with a degree in architecture selling prints of his building designs in an effort to pay off his college loan debt?"---
---What a fantastic art/life project. I am quite interested in art that addresses “things we don’t talk about.”---
---I too understand your dark cloud as I am also in financial aid debt… without a steady job and I am also working on an art related project that is in the prototype stage as of now. I figured if I participate in your project, I may collect a few good Karma points for later on. Anyway, great project, you will be successful!---
---p.s. I love the idea of sending real money in the mail for several reasons…mostly because they say NEVER TO DO IT!---
---I want you to know that your project came along at the perfect time for me. And you may not realize it, but it has helped me out so very much! I needed to be reminded that I am not alone on this artistic path that I have chosen and that in fact, I am on the right path for me. It has rarely been easy for me (and I am sure many could say the same) but it has all been worth it for what my spirit has gained. And finally, it is so wonderful to see your family supporting you, not all of us have this, but it gives me a boost of hope. I am sure I do not have to tell you that this is a great gift.---
---Thank you for taking the chance and putting yourself out there... I am sure your project has started conversations, opened minds, and sparked imaginations... We never know when someone may be affected by our actions.---
---Just want to send you a quick note while a few things are on my mind. First of all, thanks so much for stopping by, sharing your artistic ideas and a bit of your story. Many things both artistically and personally became so much clearer to me. Like the choices I have made no matter how difficult, for the most part were right for me regardless of what others thought or wanted. And, as for my artwork, if you can do it, so can I. It is time for me to truly believe in myself, and my art and do everything I can to get it out there and after talking with you and seeing things from your perspective, I can see my work in a marketable way for the first time... What a gift! Thank you so much, you rock!---
---By the way, you are one of the most easy to be around people that I have ever met. I admire your strength, your opinions, and tenacity. They are contagious and wonderful. I completely lost track of time as we were talking as I rarely have the chance to talk with someone with an artistic way of seeing things.---
---I am grateful for this connection as well and the spark of energy it has given me. And I appreciate you believing in my work enough to want to collaborate with me, thanks... OK, have a great week, I will talk to you soon.---
M.E. Dunlap - 2nd Degree
Eugene, Oregon
