SAN DIEGO — An artist in Liberty Station is using her talent to spread hope around the world. In this Zevely Zone, I learned how anyone can help a stranger in need.
At the age of thirty, artistic talent just started bubbling out of Anne Gaffey which is very fitting.
"Really Jeff, I heard a voice that said be creative and I was taking a bubble bath, and I heard a voice," said Anne. That voice told Anne to create and be kind, so following the mass school shooting in Uvalde.
"That was just so horrific," said Anne who painted hearts for every victim. "Children are being killed and families are being torn apart," said Anne.
When wildfire devastated Maui, Anne painted for both people and animals in need with all of the proceeds going to charity.
"It was the only thing I could do. I wanted to help, I knew I had to help but I didn't know how I could help," said Anne who is a California native.
She is a multi-media artist using acrylic, oil, oil pastel, cold wax, collage, charcoal, pencils and mosaic. She has been published in DIY Better Homes and Gardens, San Diego Décor, INK Magazine, New London Day Newspaper and several others.
Anne's work has been exhibited extensively in California, Boston, Connecticut and New York City.
When war in Ukraine erupted, Anne painted a flag of hope.
"I was really touched by an old woman who went up to a Russian soldier. She took some seeds out and gave them to the young soldier and said take these seeds and put them in your pocket so when you die here at least something beautiful will grow," said Anne.
That painting sold for five thousand dollars and all of the money was donated to the World Central Kitchen.
"Everybody wants to feed children and families that are suffering," said Anne.
Now she is focused on the Israel-Hamas War.
"This is my peace sign painting that is called Peace Battered and Bruised," said Anne. High-resolution, limited-edition prints are raising even more money for hungry families in need.
"A lot of people don't know what to do. They don't have the means to help in a big way but together I believe that we are stronger," said Anne.
From her studio, in sunny San Diego, Anne's doing all she can to send a splash of color to the darkest places on earth.
"Whatever I can do in some small way," said Anne who admits, that must have been some bubble bath. "Yes, it was, yes it was," laughed Anne. To learn more about Anne Gaffey's art and charity work click here.