"Silhouette" by David is a 17"x21" piece created at a Hope Creates "Make Your MARC" event.

Artist Statement:
"My art represents a way to rebirth, start over, or restart. For my guitar, I took a photo on the way to school. I was thinking I couldn’t get it right. Yet, I liked the way it looked, the shape, form, and shading. The dark silhouettes pop against the background. The image is monotone, and it’s calming, it’s not chaotic, it’s simple, clean, and relaxing.

My time here and the work I spent doing the art and music – it made me happy to finally be able to do something. If I had a chance, I would do it all again. Working on making art and learning how to play the instruments, it’s been good. And I like that I get to keep the instruments and art supplies. I get to be more of myself when I make things and I feel that I have done something in my life. There are lots of things that I can do. It’s the first time in a while I have wanted to do something like this. It’s an opportunity and I can share the things I have learned with my friends and family. Maybe I could turn it into a career. I feel like I can actually get up and do something. You have to try and you have to try to be happy. In this class, I have been able to learn and have resources. It’s been a reliable source – a place to do good things. 

Music excites me the most. With the instruments, I will be able to keep up with it and use my instruments. I can think of millions of ideas with music. It is harder for me to get ideas with art. 

No one has to care about either art or music. Yet we need to respect those who do care about being creative. It’s an outlet to help with trauma and the best thing is it takes your mind off problems. I always leave here in a better state of mind. It has helped me to be able to go out and do stuff instead of sitting at home doing nothing. When we started the class, I had a sense of urgency and felt a bit chaotic. But now things in class have calmed down and are more mellow. There was a lot to do but it feels chill now."