Tom Tribou, USMC, ‘03 ‐ ‘12, enjoys attending the Art of the Brave Art Therapy group within the Giant Steps program because, “…it’s good company, camaraderie ‐ I can finally relax in my environment, and get in flow with my art process.” He is a graphic artist, and also creates 3D artwork from nature or found objects—particularly objects formerly used for destruction such as: bullet casings and shattered glass. His process is about “…creating from the residue of destruction—and by doing so, embracing the human instinct to create, instead of the darker instinct to destroy.”
Mr. Tribou served during Operatiuon Iraqi Freedom, including Fallujah, and the Global War on Terror. He was a Staff Sargent, and Infantry Unit Leader. His piece entitled ‘PTSD’ (left) is made from broken glass, mirrors and other materials, and represents the shattering effect of this invisible wound. The sculpture made from bullet casings is entiled ‘Terminal Ballistics (not pictured, view by clicking gallery link below), and the painted shell, ‘Naturally Imperfect’ (right), represents accepting the imperfections in man/nature. Pieces be viewed in our full screen gallery here.
The Giant Steps Program is an arts‐driven outpatient mental health program for Veterans connected with VA Connecticut Healthcare. The mission of Giant Steps is to promote the wellness and recovery of Veterans by providing opportunities for creative expression, and connection with others so they can rediscover personal strengths, manage stress, build resilience, enhance self‐empowerment and find meaning and pleasure in their lives.