THE ART OF LIVING THE ART OF LIVING THE ART OF LIVING

My Mother - My Inspiration

by Dre Pontbriand

Children from broken homes with worries far beyond the scope of what many of us here in Canada can even fathom. Children forced to grow up too soon - who have never known what it is to play. Children who have never had someone take a chance on them y mom taught me innumerable invaluable lessons, but perhaps my favourite one of all is that although it may not be what makes the world go round, art is what makes it worth living. She showed me through her example that the most authentic and fulfilled artist is the one who understands that life itself is the ultimate canvas. There is nothing in the world more powerful than the point where art and life intersect The measure of success of the true artist then, lies in the answer to the following question: Did my existence leave this world a little bit better than I found it?

My childhood is filled with memories of countless art expositions, workshops, events, and fundraisers where despite her physical fatigue and declining health, my mom rallied people together to help those in need: the disenfranchised, victims of natural disasters, at-risk youth, children with disabilities, people fighting life-threatening diseases

My favourite of all her efforts though, is one that began a few years ago When my father retired, my parents decided to become snowbirds. So every January, they head off to the sunny town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to decompress until glacial winters thaw into glorious Canadian springs. In the bright-eyed faces of children selling 5cent gum and home-made dolls on street corners, mom saw an opportunity to instil hope and brighten lives. So, she got moving, found a space, and created a program where underprivileged children would come and learn how to paint

Seeing the way they have come to life over the last few years simply because someone has believed in them is enough to bring one to tears Maybe they will go on to become world-renowned artists, and maybe not, but at least for a brief time, they have a safe space where their troubles can be left at the door At Painting Hope, they get to be children

As they’ve grown increasingly passionate about painting, my mom has begun selling their artwork to her friends here in Canada through social media She uses 100% of the profits, in addition to her own out-of-pocket expenses to take them on an annual outing where, with the money they’ve earned themselves, they’re free to pick out their heart’s desire toys, clothing, toiletries, whatever they need. Above and beyond just learning how to paint, is the fact that these kids are seeing that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. Though their life circumstances may be unfavorable, they have been given the gift of hope, and tools for the most important art form of all the art of living beautifully