Brenda Topley makes an art piece for an auction for the "Equestrian for the Disabled"

We got a mail from Brenda Topley, a Canadian artist. And this is what she wrote:

Hi, I am Brenda Topley. I live with my husband Stewart in Red Deer, Alberta. We both like sculpting and painting. Now I make sculptures with Paverpol and I'm very exited about that product. When I was asked if I would make a piece to auction for the "Equestrian for the Disabled" I had no idea how it was about to change my life.

I started thinking of the piece and I was compelled to go the centre and see for myself. Being there and
seeing those children inspired me. Their strength and courage is wonderful.

I started to draw what was in front of me: children and horses. I saw the broken bodies with the pure hearts,
full of love, and complete on the inside. When they are on those horses, they are complete and whole. Leaving behind all their disabilities.

Back home I started to make a child riding on a horse. I used my favourite material: Paverpol. While making the piece I was reminded of my own
son who had to be in a wheelchair for two years and had crippling problems for eleven more years. He is now forty with a child of his own. I asked
him about the cruel remarks that people made of him.

He said it never bothered him because he was always treated with love and no difference than other family members at home. That is how I saw those children, no different.

When we went to the auction, I was hoping to raise a modest amount of money to help the centre. Danny Hooper, he is a radio announcer, a
cowboy and an all round nice guy, was the auctioneer at the fund raiser for the equestrians. Standing at the front and getting the bid of 500 dollar I thought that was terrific and it would help. Then Danny said he was not accepting that amount. My heart sank. What did he mean?

Danny has a wonderful talent and truly knows how to help people. He said he was going to sign the
back of my piece and bid 100 dollar. How many more would do the same?
The next few minutes were a blur as I watch all the hands go up! Danny had raised 4.300 dollar for the centre!!

It was such a humbling experience to realize I could make a difference with my art.

I thank Danny and I will keep doing my art always with love and good intention.

Brenda Topley
Black Sheep Design Studio
www.bsdesignstudio.com