Music has filled my life with peace, happiness and joy; helping me to open my eyes to many ongoing problems in this world, such as animal rights. Two of my favorite bands Anberlin, and Rise Against support worthy causes, Rise Against known for passionately supporting PETA campaigns as well as Anberlin's Christian McAlhaney, and Anberlin supporting organizations such as Faceless international, and world vision.
Undertaking year 12 art, it was obvious who my inspirations were. Rise Against and Anberlin have allowed me to have 'faith in today, and hope in tomorrow.'
Anberlin just recently finished touring in Australia, with a unique, never-seen-before, 'Evening with.' What started as a simple decision to follow them around Australian, ignited much more.
My idea started off with a banner, which would be incorporated into my art final, with one topic; Change the world. Using Anberlin as my full focus, I incorporated all their album covers, and a quote from one of their songs 'lost ones' "we can Change the world, if only you and me." On the other side of the banner, a hand painted silhouette of each band member, infront of a stenciled on "Anberlin."
Starting in Adelaide, I met them at the Airport, producing my finished banner, and receiving nothing but praise; for my courage, for my creativity. They signed it, and encouraged me for my decisions of choosing a vegetarian life style. Nate young, tweeting a picture of my banner, letting thousands of people have a glimpse of my art work.
Front of the barrier in the moshpit, the banner was tied on for all of anberlin to see. They dedicated 'Lost ones' To me and my friends.
On to melbourne and we were front again. Christian tweeting me that "we are crazy" lining up at 10:30am just so the banner could be front and centre of the barrier. Again more praise when we saw them after the show.
Sydney brought tears to my eyes, once again front and centre of the moshpit, Stephen Christian stopped, infront of thousands of people, asking to show my banner to all that were there. Which he did, to thousands of applauding fans, all amazed at my work. Again dedicating 'Lost ones' to me and my friends.
Brisbane was the ending of this fairy-tale week, but Anberlin made sure I knew how awed they were, of my dedication. They praised my work, as did many strangers I'd never met before, asking what drove me to create this art work, one answer; changing this world into a better place, standing for all that i believe for, creating animal right awareness.
All this as sparked a passion, and a dream. I'm going to create art work, Anberlin and Rise Against inspired, all in the name for Animal Rights, and worthy Organizations, get them out there to the world, and use them to raise money for the helpless.
All I'm trying to say is, This may be one small step, one small change or decision, but it is a change I'll live by. It is the change I wish to see in the world, and that is all it takes. Never give up on your hopes, or dreams. I've found faith that I never had before, and I'll stand for animals until the day I die. Never give in to anyone! Anberlin have given me faith to use my passion (art) to support my beliefs (organizations, Unleashed, PETA, World visions) etc. If you have a dream, seize it. Time waits for no man, so don't wait for tomorrow!
