I want to leave the world a better place, but I’m not a writer. I can’t help a person feel good through a poem or a book. I do carve opal gemstones, though. If I am able to present an elegant art piece, the work might inspire others to feel good on the inside—and maybe even change their outlook on the world. Before starting, I study the shape of the opal. The stone often speaks to me and shows me what to do.
My inspiration comes from nature, such as flowers, birds, sea shells, and butterflies. After carving the gems, sometimes spending twenty years on each piece, the shape uncovers an inner mystery. For the last step, the opal needs light to illuminate its complex matrix of color, which changes from white to blue to green to pink, depending on the angle of the light.
Along with sculpting, for 27 years, I have worked with profoundly impaired children. These special children shine like the colors of the opal’s rainbow, showing me the path to dignity, patience, and the value of life. I also coach swimming for children, teens, a high school varsity team, and the adult swim program at Grand Rapids Community College, which usually involves life coaching, too. In a small way, art and coaching allow me to make a difference—leaving the world a better place.
Tiny Sculptures
As a G.I. in Vietnam, I witnessed terrible suffering. As a result, I struggle with PTSD and anxiety, making it difficult to form close relationships. Loud noises and war movies often trigger my PTSD. But I have found comfort in creating tiny opal sculptures. For this work, I use a magnifying glass, a rotary cutter, sand paper, and a polishing tool. Opals are difficult to carve. I have to be careful to cut away only what’s needed, because I can’t add back what I have already taken off.
The additional two-dimensional photos of the sculptures, by photographer Edward Bussa, help magnify the intricate beauty of the gems. Although each piece takes decades to complete, the creative process helps diminish my anxiety. Plus, art provides a positive way for me to leave a legacy of kindness and peace—reversing the effects of war.
Our new type of ArtPrize venue gives veterans a voice as they share their stories of struggle and healing through art.
Tiny Sculptures is showcasing at Veterans Memorial Park
A special thanks to Kent County Veterans Services, Zero Day, Finish the Mission, West Michigan Veterans Coalition, PlexiCase Inc, and Healing in Arts for making this collaboration of veteran stories possible.
