Have you ever walked down the street on a cold rainy or snowy day and stopped long enough to notice how people do not smile? We just go about our days in a hurried frenzy, not noticing other people, solely focused on our own thoughts and our daily to do list. It is a fresh of breath air to see that artists and creative people want to make a difference in this world and Bren Bataclan is one of those talented people.
He is an American artist based in Cambridge,Massachusetts and he began his Smile Boston Project in 2003. The project involves him leaving acrylic paintings of his characters in public places (park benches, hospitals, sidewalks, etc.) for people to have for free (no strings attached) ONLY if "you promise to smile at random people more often".
In his artist statement Bataclan also notes that this is a way to bring art to the masses, give artwork to people who otherwise might not be able to afford it and "see smiles around the globe." I think his project is a testament to the true spirit and nature of human beings, which is to be in a constant state of happiness.
He also sells his paintings but does alot of charity work as well. His artwork is quirky, fun, colorful, vibrant and cheerful and it adds that bit of childlike innocence in a world that only focuses on the negative. His projects have expanede globally, so if you're walking around wherever you may live, start looking high and low, you never know, there may be a Bataclan painting waiting for you around the corner and plenty of smiles to give to the world.
Visit Bren Bataclan's Website at http://bataclan.com/index.html.
Don't Forget: Have you SMILED at a Stranger today???
Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others.~ Buddha
No comments:
Post a Comment