Helping those who have given service to others.

[kaholo1256]

Today actually turned out to be a great day to point out this one.

 

Originally I was going to simply place this under the Kickstarter topic. I mean when you look at the baseline of it, it’s for the purpose of getting a new artist off the ground by assisting him in creating a Sketchbook while also gaining a piece of Original Art for myself. But then I read into what the artist had gone through in his life and became a little more interested in him on a more personal level.

 

The artist putting this opportunity together Rosel “Hellraze” Rodriguez is a Veteran of OIF/OEF (Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom). He served as a Communications Specialist out of the 51st Expeditionary Signal Battalion during his combat deployment and while their came under some unfortunate events for which he had incurred both a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). For any who have been in his shoes like me who is currently in Afghanistan as I type this, PTSD isn’t something easily combated. It’s heightened awareness, struggles with emotional feelings, and at time fear of what someone has either done or has done which can be constant and reoccurring. A barbeque in the backyard can turn into something traumatic and painful. Since being medically separated from the Military due to his condition and readiness rating by Veterans Affairs Rosel has put his heart into finding something that can ultimately assist in his rehabilitation through art.

 

If you think about it, its something that is quiet, done by one’s self, and requires an enormous amount of concentration in order to be successful. This is his way to get through his injuries, which were both physical and mental.

 

Anyways, on to the actual art and project itself. Second Chance Artbook

 

The Kickstarter is to launch Rosel’s Second Chance Art Book. As stated on his Kickstarter description:

 

Most artbooks that I have bought or traded for seem to have all the great looking art but sometimes they don't have the how’s and problem solving that go along with making artwork so beautiful and amazing or how they made it work. Now, don't get me wrong this artbook will have pages of some really detailed artwork, but it will also have words on from the beginning on how I started and finished each piece. The artbook will also have all the little works, like who inspired me to work in that fashion and who mentored me into getting where I am at now. Also and one of the very key points the book will have how working on my artwork helped me work through the ongoing struggle with P.T.S.D. and how others can benefit from healthy outlets like Art. The book will have black and white images as well as color, most done with traditional others with digital media.

 

Anyways, there are some amazing incentives on his page and it all follows a truly amazing back-story for this gentleman if you take the time to message him and listen. If anything at least post a message of encouragement for Rosel and if you can swing like me help support this guy in getting his book out there.

 

Until then here’s a few samples of his art: