The late George Harrison once described being a Beatle
as wearing a jacket called ‘Beatle.”
It was something he did but it was not him.
We are all souls wearing many jackets of experience.
They give us our color, our depth, our character.
Who is Vimala?
She is a soul passing through, just like the rest of us.
Here are a few of the many jackets she wears...
Claire "Vimala" Anderson is a creative artist manifesting most of her work in the fields of photography, painting, and as a singer-songwriter folk musician. Her works are both an expression and an exploration of the Spirit that her life experiences have unearthed within her. After living most of her life in western Pennsylvania, Vimala has finally found her footing in the southwest, making a new home in Tucson, AZ. Calling herself a late bloomer, Vimala has recently been inspired to 'hang up her shingle' and offer her many gifts to the world. Look around and feel free to tell us what you think...
[Scroll down or click the links on the right "Blog Archive (January 2020)" for the whole scoop! Hit the back button to return to this page.]
Blessed with an earthy, expressive vocal and relaxed
finger-picking guitar style, Acoustic Vimala takes you on a musical journey
through the acoustic folk, pop, and blues heartland of the 60s, 70s and more.
Her repertoire includes her own vintage-style pop/folk creations and tunes from
such noted acoustic icons as Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Mamas & Papas, Joan
Baez, plus dozens more. Her list of acoustic covers and originals continues to
grow. Reflecting her own life's journey, Vimala has developed a spiritual depth
and human connection that brings a refreshing aura to her music. You will
want to experience her powerful gift!
EARLY PRAISE FOR ACOUSTIC VIMALA:
“I’m going to tell you what I told Carole King before she started singing. ‘You’ve got what it takes…use it!’ She had everyone else singing her songs. ‘You don’t need any of them,’ I told her. ‘You’ve got it. Sing!’”
–Al Aronowitz to Vimala (in September 2004) NY Post Journalist and personal friend of George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and Carole King
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VIDEOS
Acoustic Vimala with Ocotillo Geo Treo play "The Returning Song" at the Tucson Folk Festival 2009 [video courtesy of Geo Melville]
Vimala sings: The Swan [video courtesy of Myra Lesser]
TEARS: Vimala puts her words, music and photos together
"Mother Earth is the TRUE artist. I just record her work! The rest is derivative of her anyway, for where would any of us be without her? Enjoy the journey!" -Vimala
Safely Through the Fire: A Story of Love, Loss, and Rebirth
"Life's Most Difficult Lessons..."
"A poignant yet thoughtful story of a sister's grief...paints a realistic portrait of isolation, emotional and spiritaul upheaval, and the eventual resolution of a brother's untimely death..."
"Life's most difficult lessons never seem to wait until you are ready for them. Anna thought that they did until one dreaded Labor Day, when the sky fell, the sun grew dark, and she embarked upon a journey from which she would emerge completely altered (STF-- Chapter One)." Anna's faith is no match for the inconceivable news that her brother Billy, the most stable presence in her young life, is dying of AIDS.
Author Claire "Vimala" Anderson, whose own brother died in 1992, draws upon personal experience to build a poignant, yet thoughtful story of a young woman's reluctant initiation into the world of loss and grief. With her brother gone, and her faith utterly destroyed, a miraculous message from beyond the grave sets her on a path of self-discovery that leads her into a gradual rebirth of hope and faith.
"This is the book I longed for when I first learned that my brother had AIDS. I wanted someone who had already weathered the storm to send back a word of hope." This story is for the multitudes who have been left behind..."
--Claire "Vimala" Anderson
Spring 2001
Writer's Club Press
$10.95 U.S.
ISBN 0-595-19138-X
www.iUniverse.com
ORDER HERE
...available at major online outlets...
FOREWORD: "Should this work endure into an age when understanding, acceptance and compassion are the rule of the day, I want the reader to know that there was a time in the history of mankind when it was not so. Against the dark social backdrop of fear, superstition, and intolerance, some souls shown as brilliant stars, reminding us that there was indeed a better way. My brother was such a Star. Within these pages, I have offered the reader an opportunity to gaze upon the night sky of the disease called AIDS, and to discover that contrary to public opinion, it is ablaze with the welcoming light of love, peace, and hope..."
"...A candid glimpse into the world of AIDS-related bereavement..."
--Erie Gay News
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"...Insightful...touching...beautifully handled."
--Paul Brown, "Probe" WQLN-FM, Erie, PA
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"...A book of hope and of life in the face of a death and a cruel dying."
--Jerry Trambley, Erie Times-News
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LISTEN! Author interview
["PROBE" with Paul Brown, WQLN Erie, PA 25 April 1998]
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BOOK AN AUTHOR EVENT: Having experienced the traumatic loss of her oldest brother Billy to AIDS in 1992, author Claire "Vimala" Anderson has written a fictionalized account of her grief journey. She is available to share her story and insights with interested individuals, groups, and audiences who so request. To sponsor a talk or event: EMAIL
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For your enjoyment - a musical tribute to her brother, by the author... or, this book put to song:
