Projectz-Y

The "Projectz" page is a collection of different things I've been working on. Each section has information or a story that gives the context of the images.

HeartsandMinds

Over the Summer of 2020 through the Spring of 2021, I volunteered online at Hearts & Minds Activity Center located in San Jose, CA.  Hearts & Minds is a day center for seniors with varying levels of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Over the many months together, nearly every Monday I would hop on Zoom to paint for the seniors. Much like my childhood icon, Bob Ross, I painted as I talked through some of my techniques and methods, and conversed with the facilitators and audience.

With watercolor on small 8 x 8 or 6 x 6-inch square watercolor paper, we explored a number of subjects, including flowers, fruits and vegetables, landscapes, animals, and general seasonal scenes and themes. Each hour-long session was unique. Clients would contribute ideas as well as pick colors or subject matter to include in the paintings. Sometimes the themes or scenes in the images would spark conversations about travel or other life experiences the clients could reflect on. It was a wholesome, fun, and meaningful experience to connect with the seniors through creativity. The clients enjoyed the stimulating and engaging yet soothing benefits of the activity. Below you can see the fruits of our creative explorations. Check out Hearts & Minds Activity Center for more information about their awesome organization is helping seniors in their community.