This technique requires restraint and release. It requires one to let go of exact processes and measurements, and experience what the paint itself wants to express. I have been an artist all of my life. My main medium of choice had been pencil and pen&ink. These methods allowed me to have complete control of shade, pattern, and intensity. But, now I am entering another phase of my artistic journey. A phase that will allow my creative voice to truly be seen through the paint that flows without inhibition to convey a message that will flow into the hearts and minds of its viewers…

My first technique development practice began with a portrait of a homeless man. I used a black and white image to enable me to feel what he was trying to say, and then translate that to color.
[Gallery not found]

The documentary began with a brief explanation of who he was. He explained in the documentary that he had come to the point in his career where he could honestly consider himself to have “arrived” in the art world. His pieces are sold for large amounts of money and his name is accompanied by a variety of accolades. He said that one day he realized that he himself had only come from a very humble beginning. He had been a poor boy in Brazil many years ago. But now he was a famous artist.

His goal as revealed in the documentary was now to give back to society by enriching the lives of people who are less fortunate than most. So, with this goal in sight, he set forth to find individuals working in landfills for a living. Ironically, he found that the largest landfill in the world {per square footage in relation to the land mass of a specific country} is actually located in his home country of Brazil. As a result, for the next 3 years, he documented the lives of these individuals and conglomerated with them to make portraits from trash.

When I first began watching the documentary, I was amazed by his dedication. But, as I continued to watch it, I found eyes welling up with tears at the situation these individuals were experiencing. I felt the pain that they go through because of the way they are viewed by others and because of their life situation. I was moved beyond words…

Victor Muniz created massive portraits of a select group of these individuals, using trash to create them. He then auctioned the pieces off in London and gave every dime back to the individuals so that they would be able to experience a better life. He put his money where his mouth was! He realized that people are more important than things and attaining mere possessions is nothing compared to affecting the lives of others in a positive way.

Victor used his artistic voice to say something that mattered. He showed that we must not allow our views of certain people to be misconstrued because of their outward appearance or station in life. We must focus on people and their well being.

I was so inspired by this documentary. I long to touch people through art and say something that really matters…

[Show as slideshow]