If you participate in a long term european solidarity corps project you are encouraged to do a personal project. As part of my volunteering experience, I chose to create a graffiti art piece. Graffiti is a popular and modern art form that let me express my journey in a unique way. I made my graffiti on a canvas for future volunteers to see, and it reflects my experiences during my nine-month stay abroad.
The Concept Behind the Graffiti
The central motif of my graffiti is a white rabbit, detailed to the enigmatic character from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” Because I have a deep connection with this book and Throughout my life, I’ve often found myself drawing parallels between situations and themes from the book, contemplating quotes and observing resemblances between individuals and characters from its pages. The enigmatic nature of the rabbit, with its propensity for disappearing and mysterious behavior, has always captivated my imagination.
Inspirational Quotes and Themes
In the creation process, I drew inspiration from several quotes and themes from “Alice in Wonderland.” The rabbit, emblematic of the temptation to explore the unknown, mirrors my own journey into new environments and experiences. The quote, “It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then,” resonates deeply with me. My time abroad has indeed changed me, shaping my perspectives and my horizons.
Additionally, life in our volunteering house, often referred to as the “mad house,” brings to mind another famous quote from the book:
“But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked.
“Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cat: “we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.”
“How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice.”You must be,” said the Cat, “or you wouldn’t have come here.”
Living with 30 people under in one housecomes with its challenges, but it also offers a vibrant, chaotic, and enriching community experience. This environment, much like the fantastical world Alice navigates, is full of unexpected encounters and lessons.
Before coming to Greece, I did some spraying in Germany. However, due to financial constraints, I had to set aside this. Receiving funding for my personal project through Erasmus allowed me to reconnect with this art form. The process of creating graffiti is not just about the final product; it’s about the journey of creativity and self-expression. Each spray of paint, each line and curve, brought back a sense of joy and inspiration that I had missed.
for Future Volunteers
I highly recommend future volunteers to take advantage of the opportunity to pursue a personal project. Whether it’s graffiti, writing, music, or any other form of art, the process of creating something meaningful is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a chance to express your unique experiences and to leave a lasting impression for others to see and be inspired by.
The graffiti project is a reflection of my journey, my growth, and the incredible experiences I’ve had during my time here. The white rabbit, a symbol of curiosity and transformation, will continue to maybe inspire new volunteers who walk through the doors of our house.
