TRANSCENDENCE
MARK ELLIS
The inspiration for this piece is my sister, Tina. She’s also a veteran and I wanted to tell the story of her transformation. The female at the bottom is struggling with pain, despair, and guilt — water surrounds, drowning her under its weight. Through alternative therapies, her transformation begins… her eyes open and she loses herself. Finally, she’s shown as a soldier who has been released — she’s fully healed, smiling tears of relief and joy. The whole scene represents the current-self healing the past-self.
Every veteran is unique and we each have our own healing journey. My life has been saved as has many of the vets I know. I hope to spread awareness through my testimony, so more healing can begin.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
MARK ELLIS
San Diego, California
U.S. Army Veteran
Mark served seven years as an U.S. Army Infantryman with the 25th Infantry 1/27th “Wolfhounds” from 1996-2003. He enlisted because his mom was struggling as a single parent, and he wanted her to feel proud and set a good example for his older sister, Tina. It worked. She straightened out her life and soon joined the military too.
Mark did not initially notice or perhaps avoided his mental health challenges post-service. But after many years, the challenges began to mount and cause additional issues. His sister intervened by introducing him to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Today, Mark regularly attends many WWP activities, programs, and events.
The strong connection between Mark and his sister continues to grow as they heal and help others with their story.
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.”
