“Lean on Me” – Hand-Painted Original with Immersive Digital AR Experience

Description:

*"Lean on Me" is a poignant reflection on loss, resilience, and the quiet power of human connection. This 22” x 30” acrylic on canvas captures an intimate moment between two figures, their embrace both a refuge and a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability. Painted in the aftermath of saying goodbye to two long-time canine companions, this piece resonates with the raw emotions of grief and the healing that comes from leaning on others.

The rich reds, deep blues, and muted yellows of the room echo the emotional duality of mourning—the heaviness of loss contrasted with the warmth of memory. Subtle details, like the open window and the book left on the table, hint at the passage of time and the hope for light to return.

But the story doesn’t stop with the brushstrokes. Through an immersive augmented reality experience, "Lean on Me" invites viewers to step deeper into its narrative and uncover hidden layers of meaning.

Discover the Layers:

• The Open Window: Interact with the window to let light flood the room, accompanied by a soft breeze and distant birdsong, symbolizing hope and the promise of healing.
• The Embrace: Tap the figures to reveal subtle animations that deepen the connection between them—a gentle squeeze of the arm, a shift in posture.
• The Book: Tap the book on the table to uncover hidden text—a personal message from the artist about loss, memory, and the stories we carry with us.

This AR-enhanced experience brings the emotional resonance of the painting to life, offering a meditative exploration of grief, connection, and recovery. The subtle interplay of sound, light, and movement draws viewers into a world where vulnerability becomes a source of strength, and loss transforms into a bridge to healing."*

Artist’s Insight:

*"‘Lean on Me’ came from a place I didn’t want to go—but life has a way of taking you there anyway. After losing my two long-time dogs, who had been with me through so much of my life, I found myself in that raw space where grief and gratitude intertwine. I didn’t plan for this painting to be so personal, but as soon as I picked up the brush, this moment just flowed out.

The two figures aren’t about a specific relationship—they’re about what it feels like to be held when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Grief has this way of stripping us down to our most vulnerable selves, but it’s also where we find the people who show up and hold us steady.

The open window came almost subconsciously, but now I see it as a symbol of light breaking through. The book on the table? That’s the stories we carry of those we’ve lost—the moments, the memories, the little pieces of them that stay with us forever.

When I added the augmented reality elements, I wanted them to feel like extensions of the painting, not distractions. The open window fills the room with light and sound, offering a sense of hope. The book whispers a quiet truth about memory and resilience. And the embrace? It’s a reminder that even in our deepest sorrow, we don’t have to stand alone.

‘Lean on Me’ isn’t just about grief—it’s about the strength we find in each other when words fail and all that’s left is presence."*

Key Features:

• Original Acrylic Painting: A 22” x 30” hand-painted work capturing the raw vulnerability and strength found in shared grief.
• Augmented Reality Layers: Step into the painting with AR elements that add depth to its emotional narrative:
  • Open Window: Interact to illuminate the room with soft light and the sounds of nature, symbolizing healing and renewal.
  • The Embrace: Subtle animations bring the figures to life, deepening their emotional connection.
  • The Book: Tap to reveal a heartfelt message about loss, memory, and resilience, written by the artist.
• Exclusive Artwork: As part of the artist’s personal collection, "Lean on Me" anchors exhibitions and immersive storytelling experiences.
• Universal Themes: A timeless meditation on the power of human connection and the quiet moments that carry us through life’s hardest losses.

Call to Action:

"Lean into the story. Experience the hidden layers of Lean on Me—where art and technology come together to explore the beauty of vulnerability."

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