HOPE GROWS
ANGIE LUPE
Art is my inspiration to live and give back. This piece shows hope and healing through a tree whose roots and trunk are a guitar. Music flows from the tree and Wounded Warrior Project is shown as the sun shines down to help the tree grow. The dog tags (OEF) Operation Enduring Freedom and (OIF) Operation Iraqi Freedom represent veterans’ strength, determination, and resilience.
I want people to see this project and know all things grow from hope. I hope people open their hearts and minds and FEEL something that relates to their own lives. I want my art to help you because healing and hope are the greatest gifts I can give now.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
ANGIE LUPE
Troy, New York
U.S. Army Veteran
As a young child, Angie mailed music lyrics to record companies and sent drawings to comic book companies. As a teen, she wrote songs and played guitar in bands. She enlisted in 1999 and served as a Combat Medic, Gunner atop vehicles, and Quick Response Force (QRF) during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
She was injured by mortar and chemical exposure, and “lost her body to Iraq” but she credits Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) for helping her get it back.
“After my injuries, I couldn’t do any of the things I love. That is until WWP. Now, while my drawing abilities aren’t what they used to be, I am enjoying it — singing, drawing, and writing again — and I’m currently in publishing for my first book, “The Sandbox.”
MEET MORE WARRIORS
JEFF SCOTT
"Art is the most therapeutic thing I’ve found to express my thoughts and feelings. I’d be lost if not for art."
MARK ELLIS
“Art is a huge part of my life. It’s healing and meditative. It’s one of the few things that quiets my brain.”
LAURA BOZEMAN
“My military career depended on precision and attention to detail. When creating art, I can take risks and simply go with the flow.”
HARLEY MEAGLEY
“Art is kind of like going to the skatepark, but I don’t have to leave the house to leave my mind.”
MARCIA MEDINA
“Art helps me stay present — helping me block out intrusive thoughts and put my focus solely on creating art.”
BILL JONES
“Art is a representation of one’s well-being. It’s what made me unique, and everyone brings their own unique perspective to art.”
DANIEL WRIGHT JR.
“If you don’t wanna talk about it, guess what? You can draw about it. And that’s what I use art therapy for.”
PUERTO RICO PSG
“Art is a great provider of peace. It helps us think in new ways to expand our understanding and create room for connection, camaraderie, and healing.”
ANGIE LUPE
“Music and art have always been my life. It helps me heal and I’ve made it my mission to help other comrades heal.”
YOLANDA JONES
“Art is an entire experience. It's not always about what I wanted you to feel. Sometimes it's about what it makes you feel on your own.”
MELISSA MCMAHON
“Art helps me let go and accept things, even when I make mistakes. It’s learning to roll with life because there are so many things I can’t control.”
