Making beauty is a big part of my job. I don’t always succeed, and sometime things come off in a complete mess… but I try. So why not try a little harder by using my skills to help others who are in true need? I wrote an essay a couple of months ago about why beauty truly matters; why, even with all the struggles and pain in the world, the pursuit of beauty and the making of it, is still valuable. These words echo even more strongly in my mind these days with the powerful and heartbreaking stories coming out of Syria and Europe.
I grew up living in various places around this globe – and Damascus Syria was one of them. The faces of the people I met there are etched in my mind, their smiles, their curious eyes looking back at my curious eyes, the markets, the smells, the mosque right next to our home with its booming sing-song call-to-prayer rippling through the night, the street soccer, babies starring at me with unblinking black eyes, clutching their mother’s chest while my mom gave them jars of baby food… The memories come fast and jumbled but the eyes are clear.
Though we only lived in Syria for a little over a year, the stories coming out of the place I once called home feel stingingly painful. I feel helpless and like my life is not set up in a way that enables me to do everything that I wish I could. But I can do this: I can use my hands to make beauty that reaches a little further. Because remember, beauty is powerful. It can cause the heart to utter songs the mind cannot imagine.
We need beauty to seep through the very soil of our lands, across boarders, preconceptions, and fears, and into the hearts and lifestyles of people all across the world.
Beauty heals minds and hearts because true beauty is much more than “prettiness”. It is goodness, rightness, grace, and peace.
Throughout the month of October I will be donating a portion of every sale to Save the Children’s Syrian Refugee Fund. They are working directly with families and displaced children, caring for their basic human needs while also providing a sheltering place where they can feel security, support, and peace.
I am proud to say that several other artists are participating in the #ArtForSyria mission as well.
Please take a moment to check out their sites! These women inspire me.
Check out the hashtag #ArtForSyria on Instagram to connect with more artists involved in helping Syria Refugees.
Please check out the stories being told on the Humans of New York page Syrian Refugee series (being published daily).
beautifulhelloblog.com 
This is beautiful, Emily. You found the words I’ve been trying to say—why art matters, why it’s not a frivolous pursuit, why I didn’t choose a meaningless career path. “Beauty heals minds and hearts because true beauty is much more than “prettiness”. It is goodness, rightness, grace, and peace.” YES. Thank you.
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This is beautiful, Emily. You found the words for what I’ve been trying to say lately—why art matters, why it isn’t a frivolous pursuit, why I haven’t chosen a meaningless career path for myself. “Beauty heals minds and hearts because true beauty is much more than “prettiness”. It is goodness, rightness, grace, and peace.” YES. Thank you.
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Reblogged this on The Art of Amira Rahim.
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Thank you, Emily.
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This is absolutely wonderful, Emily
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SEHR SCHOENER BLOG ES GRUEST JASMIN DAMARO
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What a beautiful idea! Well done, you xx
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very nice idea 🙂
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This is so, so beautiful! Great job!
Fifi H. Hasman
| http://www.therustictrove.com | lifestyle | travel | photography |
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I love the idea! Also, it is very well written! 🙂
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What a beautiful concept and inspirating words. Love what you are doing.
Lauren Baxter | Lovely Decor
xx
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Such a nice concept, Thank you.
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Reblogged this on To Be and commented:
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Impressionist landscape oil painter, Emily Jerrods, creates Art for Syria. Through the month of October, a portion of each sale of art is donated to the Save the Children’s Syrian Refugee Fund.
Visit beautifulhelloblog.com to read more and be a part of this warm contribution.
A beautiful act of kindness to preserve creativity and art for a people who witness it so blatantly threatened.
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Super beau !!
lesfoliesdelilirose.wordpress.com
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This is a fantastic idea – I will support it 100%.
If it’s not too much, could I ask you to take a look at my blog – I’m making it for school and your advice would be invaluable! Thank you
https://powerletsspreadtheword.wordpress.com/
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I really enjoyed this post! Beautiful sentiments.
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