SOTW: Let the Symbol be Your Guide
One of my favorite stories to tell which best exemplifies our Paint4Peace Experience is the original painting above. This painting was created by one of our young artists at Butler Hospital. For me not only is this an incredible interpretation, but in its origin is where the true magic lies. This young boy had taken our class on multiple occasions and each time he finds himself just moving paint around on the canvas unsure of what to create. I always ask him, “What are you thinking about painting?" Which he then replies, “No idea." I then respond “Me neither, so you're in great shape!" And every single time I turn my back, and eventually return to this young man to see his progress he has created a beautiful painting using the PeaceLove symbol as his inspiration.
It’s a comical exchange but not far the truth of how many of my own paintings are conceived and created. I am convinced that the PeaceLove symbol acts as a guide and source of inspiration to helps this young boy paint and express himself. So now I just tell people... let the Symbol be your guide!
Paint4Peace™ aims to offer its classes to people living with mental illness free-of-charge. To sponsor a student or an entire class, please follow this link http://www.peacelovestudios.com/donate
