ArtPrize exhibit #10358
Mission, Tribe & Grace
(SCROLL DOWN TO CLICK ON VETERAN IMAGES, HEAR THEIR INTERVIEWS)
This project honors the stories of veterans who have found new purpose, belonging, and resilience after their service. Each piece captures the essence of their journey, blending personal narratives with powerful imagery to explore the challenges and triumphs of life after the military.Scan the QR code to hear interviews with each veteran, where they share their experiences in their own words. Through these stories, I hope to inspire a deeper understanding of the strength and resilience within our veteran community.
About me
Artist's Statement
As a US Army veteran who served from 1995 to 1998, my experiences in the military have profoundly shaped my worldview, particularly my understanding of the nuanced and deeply personal narratives of those who have served. My service imbued me with a profound appreciation for the rich landscape of stories within the veteran community, stories that resonate with the universal human quests for purpose, connection, and self-compassion.
In my transition back to civilian life, I discovered that while the challenges of reintegration are many, they often coalesce around three pivotal needs: Mission, Tribe, and Grace. These elements, I believe, are the cornerstones of not just surviving, but thriving post-service. While veterans often maintain a clear sense of mission and find solace in the camaraderie of a tribe, it is the concept of grace—a gentle, forgiving understanding of oneself—that seems the most elusive.Through "ArtPrize 2024: Mission, Tribe & Grace," I aim to bridge this gap in understanding, to create a platform where veterans' voices are not just heard but truly listened to. This project transcends the conventional narratives, challenging the stereotypes that confine veterans to roles of either untarnished heroes or ticking time bombs of PTSD. By spotlighting various veterans from diverse backgrounds and branches of service, I seek to illuminate the individual and collective journeys of finding and defining their missions, tribes, and grace.