Shine Your Halo
What an honor.
I would like to share the story behind this uniquely meaningful work and first art collaboration. A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Halo Printing NY, a Long Island based company that offers screen printing and embroidery for apparel. Their goal was to hire a local artist to design a T-shirt that could be sold to promote their business and, more importantly, to support a charity that is dear to their heart. The charity was the Long Island Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
I was instantly hooked.
Halo Printing NY gave me artistic freedom to develop this extraordinarily personal work. After many Zoom meetings, brainstorming sessions, pencil sketches, ink drafts, texts, and hours of inking, this is the final reveal…
So, how did this artwork come to be?
I envisioned a bold and powerful design, a T-shirt that draws the eye from afar but is full of nuance up close. Three themes weave their way through the piece: the mission of Halo Printing NY, my own Polish heritage, and the battle against leukemia/lymphoma.
The mission of Halo Printing NY is to encourage a community that radiates with authenticity through their slogan “Shine Your Halo.” This slogan was the inspiration for the geometric rays that permeate through the darkness of the black ink.
I chose to embed poppies upon the ink black background. These beautiful, blood-red flowers are the national flower of Poland, often used as a symbol of remembrance. The petals blend into abstract shapes that mimic blood cells which were strategically placed on a circular backdrop to imitate what is seen through a light microscope. The cells are intentionally barely noticeable, both as a stylistic element, but also to remind us that no-one is defined by their cancer, they are so much more. I hope you love the meaning of the design just as much as I do.
✨The link to pre-orders is available here✨
✨Additionally, the original, hand-drawn ink piece will be *auctioned* 100% of the highest bid will be donated to the society. 100%. That’s a promise✨
✨Check out my instagram @paintofheart to see more✨
