THE JOURNEY HOME
LAURA BOZEMAN
I wanted to capture the challenges of retiring. I felt overwhelmed and adrift after leaving a very regimented life where I rarely wore anything other than camouflage — reflected by the diagonal lines and chaotic blacks, browns, and greens.
The vertical lines signify my transition to life in Alaska with aurora borealis (northern lights) and my new focus to remain healthy, foster positive connections with family and friends, and enjoy my blessings. My life still has order, but it’s shifted towards the serene beauty of being in nature.
Each veteran’s journey home is unique. To truly thank someone for their service requires more than saying those simple words. It’s also concrete action, such as a willingness to listen and to understand.
×
ABOUT THE ARTIST
LAURA BOZEMAN
Anchorage, Alaska
U.S. Army Veteran
Laura was commissioned as an officer after completing Texas Christian University’s Army ROTC program in 1992. She served active duty for 27 years, being stationed all over the world, including Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Now retired, she’s the Anchorage Peer Support Group (PSG) Leader with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), helping veterans find peace post-service.
“I enjoy creating art because my anxiety is reduced, and I lose myself in the artistic process. Through WWP, I’ve taken several online art classes — pyrography (wood burning), digital photography, etc. — and I’m a member of the Art & Chat PSG where I share creations and complete art tutorials with other vets across the country. We’ve built a real sense of community.”
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.”
