"Castle Mountain" is an original photography print by Blake. 32" W x 9.75" H.

Artist Statement:
"Before (Active Addiction)

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions” 

– Saint Bernard of Clairvaux 

Imprisoned by my own thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Enslaved by my own human instincts. I made plans and had intentions to make a positive change, yet I kept finding myself going further down the rabbit hole. Life before sobriety was dark, bland, eerie, and frightening. I got caught in a vicious cycle. Chaos controlled me. I felt hopeless. I never thought anyone would ever tell me, “I’m proud of you, Blake.” I told myself I was a burden. Those I surrounded myself with were like me and I still felt as if I had no one. I was lonely. I had destroyed my life, thrown it all away, and could not understand why. Lost, I “couldn’t find my way home.”

After (Recovery)

“God writes straight with crooked lines.” 

– Spanish Proverb 

Hitting my bottom, admitting my powerlessness, and asking for help was the hardest yet best decision I ever made. This choice led me on a path full of many challenges to overcome. Luckily I’ve had help along the way, and I’m no longer alone. Those I trusted in my past screwed me over. However, in recovery, I’ve experienced the complete opposite. My trust in others and working my twelve-step program has brought love into my life. I started seeing positive change in myself like I’d never seen before. Love took on a new meaning, and I witnessed a Higher Power working in my life and through me. I have healthy relationships with family and friends. I am connected. I see life in vivid colors. 

Through my photography, I enjoy capturing these beautiful moments that I am now able to experience. My problems today don’t compare to my problems before sobriety. Relative to my past, “I have no worries.”"


Silent auction winners must pick up their item at the "Canvas of Hope” event or arrange for pick up at a mutually scheduled date/time in advance with Hope Creates. Please contact Kathie Thomas-Dietz to schedule your pickup: 
· (314) 494-2557 or 

· Kathie.thomas@hopecreates.org 

 

For silent auction winners located outside of the St. Louis metropolitan area, the buyer is responsible for costs for shipping their purchased items from St. Louis to their destination. Buyers are responsible for paying Hope Creates the full shipping costs, to be paid when the cost is assessed based on weight and geographic location. Shipping costs will be processed with silent auction items within 4 days of auction close.