Brian Wells – helping kids embrace creativity
Geluksdal - Brian Wells has had his fair share of challenges in life, and now he hopes to help children avoid some of those challenges by keeping them off the streets and teaching them art.
In 2008 Wells started the ‘Wells of Art Foundation’ which aimed to inspire young and old to pursue their dreams and make something of themselves.
“We believe that in everyone there is some form of art which needs to come out,” he explains.
Previously, Wells mainly worked with teenagers and young adults.
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Although he started with no external funding, Wells has expanded the foundation through the ‘Trees of Art’ project, which focuses on kids.
“The project is to assist the kids in this organisation to grow into the idea of believing that they can do anything and be free.”
He believes that, like him, the kids need someone to believe in them to encourage them to reach greater heights.
Wells says that, “The problem with society is that we believe that kids only need to finish school and go look for a job so that they can come back one day and do something for us (as parents).”
Creativity is a great way to relieve such social pressures on young people, he adds.
“I decided to do everything at my home since I am running my business from there. The session is held under a tree – Wednesday and Fridays at 3.30pm.”
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The sessions include poetry, writing, dancing and visual arts.
“This tree is also a reminder of how strong I am with all the challenges I went through and still did not give up,” says Wells.
He hopes that the community will be spurred into action, wherever possible.
“We can’t just complain about drugs and alcohol – we can stand up and do something about it if we want to.”
