Thanks very much for the response
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Baltar - That's a great idea! I don't actually know many artists in my local area yet since I just moved here but I'm sure I can hook up with some. I'll have a look at the council website and see if they have any projects like that coming up or any wall space for painting. It was great in Brisbane actually where I used to live because the council there had an ongoing project for artists to paint these big ugly boxes all around the city (I think they were electrical junctions or cable boxes or something) and so every few blocks there was a beautiful bright happy painting on one of these boxes.
songwriter and fourthdan - I love this - "people with identify with you and see what's really important." Sometimes I forget that, that even by just living in a positive and grateful way and sharing that through my art I can make a difference, thanks for reminding me of that!
helgi - Thanks for your insight! I like the idea of focusing on cause rather than effect. I do try and provide additional value with all of my work, like when I sell a painting I wrap it up beautifully with ribbon so it looks like a present because I want people to feel really special and valued when they open the artwork they've bought, the expense I cover myself in order to provide them with more real value than the monetary value they've given me in exchange, is that sortof along the right track? The Scottish artist sounds wonderful, like the "Free Hugs" guy.
Michelle - A very good point! I think in a general sense I want to give hope and encouragement to the world but it's finding practical ways to do that through my art that's the challenge. I'm sure something will come to me soon though, it seems to be the way with these things, and I'll update here when I've had some more practical ideas. Thanks for your advice!