Animation executives Dawn Yamazi and Deb Stone are publishing a collection of themed works from animation, illustration, and fine artists designed to support and inspire a narrative through art.
One hundred artists and creatives from around the world have united to support Black lives through the creation of a unique and moving book – “Art of Change.” The book is the first by animation executives Dawn Yamazi and Deb Stone under the One World We banner, their personal project which aims to publish this book to inspire positive change and benefit artists. The group has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the initial run of 500 books to support and inspire a narrative through art.
Yamazi and Stone originated the book idea after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. They previously had a book in mind to explain the pandemic to young minds, but Floyd’s horrific death and the world’s reaction represented the inequity, injustice, and change needed in the world. The book’s focus moved to support Black lives and after sharing their vision with artists who were equally impassioned, Art of Change was born.
“The artists participating in this project embody the spirit of collaboration that is needed today,” Stone said. “Together, we are more powerful than one to make positive change.”
The work of artists from animation, illustration and fine arts centered around key themes representing the past, present and future. Each artist was given a random word to research, reflect and discover stories, themes, and final expressions. A volunteer advisory group helped focus the team, tackle difficult subjects, and bring forth the truth that each artist wanted to express. Nothing in this book is prescriptive and some themes can be difficult. For that reason, Art of Change targets a young adult and teen audience. “Art has the unique capacity to tell stories that go straight to the heart,” Yamazi noted. “No words. It is our hope that this book inspires people of all ages and generations to embrace the change sought after for generations.”
The Kickstarter campaign has a pledge goal of $50,000 to fund the publication of the book and an additional stretch goal of $65,000 to benefit contributing artists. The campaign runs through December 30, 2020. The 200-page hardcover book will feature a two-page original art spread by each artist. Yamazi and Stone felt it was important that no other image conflicted with an artist’s expression. The two are former colleagues who came back together to work on this passion project in the wee hours of East Coast to West Coast time zones.
You can find the Kickstarter campaign here: you can follow Art of Change on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @artofchange2020.
Source: One World We
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
