Kevin of Music Heals the Soul, based out of Ontario approached me regarding adding the imagery from The Journey to Remembrance to one of the thirty drums that had been signed by Canadian musicians and adorned with artwork by Canadian artists. I quickly jumped on board after hearing about Music Heals the Soul and its worthy project supporting the Wounded Warriors Canada organization who strive to “Honour the fallen, Help the Living” as “They served, They deserve”.

The inspiration for the painting began as a commemorative piece and now its imagery is branching out on its own journey through donations to the PPCLI`s youth education programs with the sale of Limited Edition Prints and now this partnership supporting the Men and Women of the Canadian Armed Forces and the painful battle that P.T.S.D. can incur because of their sacrifice and dedication. Being able to give back in these undertakings continues to be very meaningful to me on a personal level.

I feel very thankful to not only be a part of this project, but also to be the only Western Canadian artist currently involved in this endeavour which has its roots in the East.

As many of you know, my upbringing did not have a military basis, but I do clearly understand the struggle and devastating nature of mental illness on an individual and their family. Supporting this mental health issue has a deep emotional connection to me as my mother is bi-polar and my late brother suffered from schizophrenia.

My part in the Music Heals the Soul project had been brewing for a couple months while decisions were made on how to present the imagery of a vertical painting onto a round stout drum. I knew instantly that it would be fitting to add my message of support to the drum while sitting beside the original. I am grateful Kathy of Music Heals the Soul was able to fly to Calgary to make this a possibility.

With Kathy on the morning of May 26th, at The Military Museums of Calgary, I had the honour of signing the drum, previously autographed by Anne Murray, and now bearing imagery from my life size painting "The Journey to Remembrance", in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice by our men and women in the Canadian Military.

It takes courage to deal with the invisible cloak of mental illness for the person suffering and also for their loved ones.

These thoughts in mind, I wrote, "May your journey to remembrance be filled with courage to light your path of peace."

Best wishes to you all,

Deanna

A special thank you to Bruce and his team at ABL Imagery and Michael Danglemaier of Karo, both of Calgary, for their assistance with putting my imagery on the drum. 

Photo credits to Jackie Jansen van Doorn of the Military Museums