Jasminemichael Vest, Virginia USA (P559)
Welcome to Jasminemichael Vest, our new Contributing Photographer!
Jasmine comments, “Last year my husband was diagnosed with Cancer and the hospital became our family. Now that he is cancer free I wanted to find a way to give back to the hospitals and give back that warmth and comfort that was given to us.”
Anna Eiland, Croatia (P558)
Many thanks to Anna Eiland, our new Contributing Photographer, for her lovely photo!
Anna comments, “When I decided to study abroad, one of my main goals was to get outside my comfort zone and connect with my new community. Luckily, my university in Florence offered to connect me with a local organization. I was paired with Healing Photo Art, and I have been amazed by the work that Elaine and her team do here. I aspire to become a Physician’s Assistant, and this organization provided the perfect opportunity for me to combine my passions of medicine and volunteering. I have been able to use my unique interests and passions to help the organization. I especially enjoyed creating a video pairing the photographs from Elaine and contributing photographers with harp music created by Amy Camie. Elaine is one of the most caring, genuine, and motivated people that I have had the chance to work with, and this experience has been one of my favorite parts about studying abroad. I hope to continue working with the foundation when I return home. Thank you Elaine for making this such a memorable and meaningful experience!”
Charlotte Colella, Interlaken, Switzerland (P554)
Welcome to Charlotte Colella, our new Contributing Photographer!
Charlotte comments, “Throughout my life I always had a great appreciation for art, especially its use as a therapeutic outlet. As I entered higher education, majoring in psychology and minoring in creative arts therapy, I was able to further my interests and gain a greater perspective on how art is used as a tool to heal. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Elaine, The Foundation for Photo/ Art in Hospitals, and to work with an art-focused nonprofit. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to share research and my own photography with others, it has been such a rewarding experience. During my time with the Foundation, Elaine’s dedication definitely stands out. Her mission of making individuals more at peace during their time in the hospital is so inspiring. Her sincerity and care for all the interns is heartwarming and has helped me feel more at home during my time studying abroad. I am looking forward to continuing my work with the foundation for the rest of my semester!”
Naseeha Ahmad, Alberta, Canada (P555)
Enjoy this photo of our new Contributing Photographer, Naseeha Ahmad.
Naseeha comments, “As soon as I had made the decision to study abroad during my last semester of college I knew I wanted to get involved in the local community somehow. Fortunately for me, the school I was going to in Florence had a list of organizations that they partner with to help students get involved. As I was scrolling through the list, it was Elaine’s Healing PhotoArt foundation that caught my eye immediately. It seemed like fate because I realized that I could combine my love for photography and passion for medicine to help people in their process of healing. Joining the foundation as a photography intern is definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. Elaine is such a warm, generous, and helpful person. Her passion and determination in all aspects are truly inspiring. I also loved playing a part in healing that was so different from the traditional focus of medical treatment. Elaine’s foundation has and continues to do amazing work, and I can’t wait to continue on this journey with her. Thank you for all that you do, Elaine! You’re truly so inspiring!”
Saijal Vacek, Alberta, Canada (P553)
Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Saijal Vacek. Enjoy her lovely photo!
Saijal comments, “I interned for Elaine at Healing Photo Art in Florence this past semester and am so grateful I could be a part of her nonprofit. Seeing behind the scenes of all the work that goes into it was eye-opening. The power of the art that people donate is incredible and to see firsthand the impact it is making in people’s lives is inspiring. Elaine loves to help people and spread unique photography around the world and I know she wouldn’t want to do anything else with her time. Her charm and gentile caring heart were a joy to be around. I am also a contributing photographer and can’t wait to continue to donate my images to the foundation! This has been such a rewarding and heartfelt internship. Although I am sad to go back to Minnesota I am excited to keep in touch and have connections through this incredible foundation. Thanks again Elaine for all you have done and continue to do.”
Rob Haynes, United Kingdom (P557)
Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Rob Haynes, for his photo of a swan taking off!
Rob comments, “I was very impressed with the Foundation’s work in providing PhotoArt on a global scale to Hospitals and healthcare facilities who benefit from having inspirational imagery within the hospital environment.
Maile Souza Bruno, Washington USA (P556)
Enjoy this amazing reflection photo by Maile Souza Bruno, our new Contributing Photographer!
Maile comments, “Working as a nurse in multiple hospitals in Oregon I have seen first hand the impact a hospital environment has on healing and recovery both physically and mentally. I have been passionate about landscape and adventure/travel photography for over a decade, and am excited to share my photographs that embody calm, peace, and connection with the elements. Sharing and promoting these qualities in hospitals worldwide and making nature accessible to all is truly nurturing and grounding to the soul. Thank you to Elaine for bringing this foundation into being!”
Mike Garlit, Illinois USA (P551)
Many thanks to Mike Garlit, our new Contributing Photographer, for his sunflower photo!
Mike comments, “I first learned about the Foundation for Photos/Art in Hospitals from a friend in church. The organization’s mission to place uplifting landscape art in hospitals and clinics around the world, lifting the spirits of patients and their families in what is often a seemingly cold and impersonal environment, is inspiring. I was honored to be asked to contribute to their offering and pray my work may help those who need some encouragement.”
Denny Bucci, Palawan, Philippines (P550)
Enjoy this magnificent photo of our new Contributing Photographer, Denny Bucci!
Denny comments, “It was an absolutely wonderful experience supporting the hard work of a lifelong dear friend of my mothers and our family for such a heartwarming cause. It truly makes my heart warm knowing that a photograph taken last month in the Philippines can provide warmth and strength to individuals across the world.”
Richard Brett, London, England (P552)
Many thanks to Richard Brett, our new Contributing Photographer, for his lovely photo!
Richard comments, “I saw a post about the Foundation – and its work – on Linked In from a former colleague. This seemed to me to be a very worthwhile cause and so I provided a photo to the foundation, because I think the work they are doing is inspiring.
We live in a beautiful world and to see nature in all its glory can be a deeply spiritual experience. When you are in hospital, you need to feel uplifted and inspired. Photographs of the natural world can help and I hope that, in some small way, I can contribute to people feeling that way.
Working with Elaine to provide a photo was very enjoyable. She made it all very easy and I would certainly recommend – and encourage – other people to do the same.”