Tommy Holl and Bari Fleischer
The Story
Tommy Holl
Chicago, IL
Survivor
Social Media: @TommyHoll @TheRealElfNorthPole. Twitter (X): @TommyHoll @TheRealElfTommy LinkedIn: Tommy Holl, The Real Elf Facebook: The Real Elf Tommy Holl
Twist on Cancer: Cancer is not always a death sentence. It's not something we can totally control. What you can control is taking action and making your appointments. Taking care of yourself. Getting up everyday. Having a routine. Communicating. Finding a positive outlet. Not worrying about taking care of everyone around you or what they may or may not think. Do your best to clear your head of negative thoughts. Cancer is a full-time job taking care of yourself. It's a journey and can ultimately be a gift that you never asked for or wanted. It just happens. It's about how you choose to react, take action and not let the "C" define how you're going to move forward. That's on you. Everyone has a different support net of family, friends and resources. Cancer comes in all different stages and forms. You have to take care of yourself and your mental health. You are okay. We just don't know what that okay will be. You keep adjusting the sail. You got this. You may not see it now, but you will see things in a different light on the other side. There are so many resources out there. It can be a challenge to find them. You are loved. You are supported. Everything's going to be okay.
Survivor
Social Media: @TommyHoll @TheRealElfNorthPole. Twitter (X): @TommyHoll @TheRealElfTommy LinkedIn: Tommy Holl, The Real Elf Facebook: The Real Elf Tommy Holl
Twist on Cancer: Cancer is not always a death sentence. It's not something we can totally control. What you can control is taking action and making your appointments. Taking care of yourself. Getting up everyday. Having a routine. Communicating. Finding a positive outlet. Not worrying about taking care of everyone around you or what they may or may not think. Do your best to clear your head of negative thoughts. Cancer is a full-time job taking care of yourself. It's a journey and can ultimately be a gift that you never asked for or wanted. It just happens. It's about how you choose to react, take action and not let the "C" define how you're going to move forward. That's on you. Everyone has a different support net of family, friends and resources. Cancer comes in all different stages and forms. You have to take care of yourself and your mental health. You are okay. We just don't know what that okay will be. You keep adjusting the sail. You got this. You may not see it now, but you will see things in a different light on the other side. There are so many resources out there. It can be a challenge to find them. You are loved. You are supported. Everything's going to be okay.
Bari Fleischer
Chicago, IL
www.barifleischerart.com
Social Media: @barifleischerart
“Peace, Love, and Elfies”
Acrylic, silver leaf, crystal, glitter, and gel medium on canvas
30” x 40”
$800
Artist Statement: What is the silver lining when you hear cancer? This is what Tommy is. He is the silver lining and possesses an optimist’s outlook, even when facing such a heavy word. Within my practice, I like to utilize color and iconography to represent someone. Thus, "Peace, Love, and Elfies" was born. Tommy is a rainbow, he is the sparkle on a dull day, and he embodies such happiness and this is what I hope the visual message is to the audience viewing this piece: that even through darkness, there can be a silver lining, even if small, that will shine through and build understanding and community through telling your story.
www.barifleischerart.com
Social Media: @barifleischerart
“Peace, Love, and Elfies”
Acrylic, silver leaf, crystal, glitter, and gel medium on canvas
30” x 40”
$800
Artist Statement: What is the silver lining when you hear cancer? This is what Tommy is. He is the silver lining and possesses an optimist’s outlook, even when facing such a heavy word. Within my practice, I like to utilize color and iconography to represent someone. Thus, "Peace, Love, and Elfies" was born. Tommy is a rainbow, he is the sparkle on a dull day, and he embodies such happiness and this is what I hope the visual message is to the audience viewing this piece: that even through darkness, there can be a silver lining, even if small, that will shine through and build understanding and community through telling your story.