The Drawing Hope Project by Shawn Van Daele takes drawings by children born with serious or life-threatening illnesses and turns them into magical, real-life photos starring themselves.
"The idea behind the project is to show these kids—and their families—that anything is possible. To let them see their actual imagination come to life, and realize that anything they believe in can come true," states the artist, Shawn Van Daele
Shawn has worked with nearly 30 different children and families so far in the project, and hopes to work with more in the coming year. Based outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he has traveled as far as Alberta and New Jersey to meet with children to help their imaginations come to life.
Patient-Starring Portraits
Shawn Van Daele Transforms Sick Children into Fairy Tales
Trend Themes
1. Imagination Empowerment - The Drawing Hope Project exemplifies the trend of using art to empower children's imaginations and show them that anything is possible.
2. Personalized Storytelling - Transforming children's drawings into real-life photos allows for personalized storytelling experiences that can deeply impact and inspire both the children and their families.
3. Therapeutic Art - The use of art as a therapeutic tool, like in The Drawing Hope Project, is a trend that harnesses artistic expression to promote healing and well-being in individuals facing serious illnesses.
Industry Implications
1. Art Therapy - The art therapy industry can explore incorporating personalized storytelling techniques, like those used in The Drawing Hope Project, to enhance the healing process for patients facing health challenges.
2. Photography - Photography businesses can consider offering specialized services that transform children's drawings into magical, real-life photos to create unique and memorable experiences for families.
3. Children's Healthcare - The children's healthcare industry can look into partnering with artists or organizations that use art therapy techniques to provide additional support and emotional empowerment for young patients.