In February, 2019, I do what I've done 400 times before and created a painting for a friend, as a gift. This friend was no random co-worker, she is my only and best friend of 24 years and this wasn't a gift 'just because'; she was just told her father has cancer. I painted her an elephant, mighty and strong, never forgetting a thing, and gave it to her with a hug that lasted a year. She loved it, like anyone loves a handmade thing, like a best friend loves a best friend gift, and like a person loves being acknowledged when they're in pain. We are hard-wired to receive love when we are afraid, when we are hurting, when we are unable to breathe from sobbing; I give my artwork away in these moments.
Since February, I've created a website, a gathering of supporters, a nomination form, sponsors, donations, GiftBoxes (above) and the most important piece; tHIS has become a 'thing' you can do for someone. My life's work has become a way to let another know they are special, and loved, and honored. This project is the gift of an experience; a distraction that is followed by a beautiful tribute. The gifts will hopefully last forever; a painting of their favorite things on a 24x24" gallery frame, an acrylic painting of their symbols of hope, favorite colors, animals, anything you can dream but nothing you can buy or find anywhere. I pack their painting, surround it with a giftbox of other small items (necklace, bracelet, pins, journal, etc) and send it off, as a gift. All I ask for in return is to give our 'Warrior' the spotlight to share their story of diagnosis, of treatment, of the day-to-day living with Cancer, or Autism, and giving everyone an intimate, personal account, of 'what if'; the messages given in the 'Warrior's Bio' is one of courage, persistence, and faith like I've never seen. It is poetry,
I share their 'Warrior Bio' and paint their "Warrior Artwork' and build their 'Warrior GiftBox' all the while, sharing with the WarPaint Community each step of the way. Once it's all completed, I ship it off, and wait for word it's been received. I've sent a painting to a pastor who revealed the painting after church, to his Cancer Fighting Warrior parishioner, and an employer who surprised his employee with their painting, shutting down work to honor her fight. These aren't paintings anymore; they are experiences.
I know you've all felt a 'pull' to do more for someone you may barely know. That 'pull' is 'Inner-Ocity' a word I made up, it's an undeniable feeling that you need to be generous to someone, to give them a break, to give more of yourself; or you will regret it. We know these moments of intense 'urges' to be a great person because we almost always give in- these moments are special, they don't happen every day- but when they do; it's inner-ocity, generosity that comes from the PIT of your soul, destiny you'll do something now, and when you do, a burst of light surrounds you. That light, is the WarPaint Project. It is the urge to do something, met with the invitation for anyone who also wants to help, a chance to be involved.
I will not stop until every person whose nominated, receives their gift. I will not stop evolving the extra gifts until people stop asking if they can donate; i will not stop until my hands are broken or cancer is cured; we are in this now, and this is uniquely , genuinely, authentically perfect. We love them, celebrate them, honor them, and then after, show each of them we don't fade; we are still here, they will #neverfightalone.
Thank you for traveling along with me, donating, reading, sharing, and talking about what i am doing here. I am humbled at the beauty of generosity because with it, over 120 paintings and gifts and Warriors have been created; all because one passing little thought that I SHOULD do this, was trapped in mid-air, held to my chest, guarded for a moment (my God Descending Moment) and then full-on executed with the passion and drive that a 6yr old has chasing an ice cream truck...I will not stop pedaling until I reach the end.
SInce I operate on donations, If you want to help, I will use it. I write your name on the back of every painting, or your business can donate for your business' name. You can donate items, or pay for items I need; like postage. I can't afford to do this on my own so, should I not do it? Or, should I just ask for your support and if you feel that pull, help me.
My website is www.thewarpaintproject.com where you can Nominate, Donate, Sponsor, Read Warrior Bio's, read the Warrior Kid's Bios, See paintings, read my blog, and more. Stop by, help me do more. And know that everything you do, matters.