The Portrait Project: Inspirational Trauma Survivor Paintings, Poems, and Stories

The Portrait Project: Inspirational Trauma Survivor Paintings, Poems, and StoriesMore than a collection of art and poetry, "The Portrait Project" highlights the inspiring resilience and courage of trauma survivors in the form of contemporary oil paintings, accompanying stories and powerful poetry. In the words of the artist, Danielle Festa: "In 2020 my cousin Sue came to me with the truth of her childhood sexual assault. What came as a tsunami of painful information was a release of stored trauma for her. She finally allowed

More than a collection of art and poetry, "The Portrait Project" highlights the inspiring resilience and courage of trauma survivors in the form of contemporary oil paintings, accompanying stories and powerful poetry.

In the words of the artist, Danielle Festa:

"In 2020 my cousin Sue came to me with the truth of her childhood sexual assault. What came as a tsunami of painful information was a release of stored trauma for her. She finally allowed herself to accept support, gain confidence and offload the weight of this secret. I asked if I could paint this transformation I saw. It was cathartic for me to throw down ink like Jackson Pollock for the background and to embroider the gold and white threads that represent her strength. I could not have predicted, but this opened up a new chapter in my life - I began painting old friends and making new ones while painting their stories of resilience. This has since developed into a 501(c)(3) organization, The Aplomb Project.

Collaboration is my priority from the start. I ensure that everything from the reference painting, the pose, the outfit, the colors, photoshoot location and even the music I listen to while I paint, is the survivor's choice. It means the world to me that each one of them trusts me with their story and I take that responsibility seriously.

Not only do the survivors get their paintings, but they also become part of a supportive community. This book features survivors with inspiring stories of resilience, and empowering trauma-themed poetry. The stories are purposefully written without graphic details, but please take your time and be sure you are in a place to receive them. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and are looking for support, please see a list of some reputable organizations available to help at theaplombproject.org/resources.Ó